The commission, in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act, may promulgate and enforce reasonable regulations as in the judgment of the commission may be necessary to eradicate or prevent the introduction, spread, or dissemination of plant pests, including genetically engineered plants or plant pest organisms, and prevent fraud or misrepresentation in the sale and dissemination of fruit trees, nut trees, shade and ornamental trees, vines, shrubs, plants, bulbs, and roots for propagation purposes. The commission may regulate or prohibit the shipment within, or the importation into, this State of plants, farm products, or other articles of any nature or character from a state, territory, or foreign country when, in the opinion of the commission, the regulation or prohibition is necessary to prevent the introduction or dissemination of plant pests.

The commission may carry out operations, including quarantines or measures to locate, suppress, control, or eradicate or to prevent or retard the spread of plant pests, independently or in cooperation with counties or their political subdivisions, municipalities, farmers’ associations or similar organizations, individuals, federal agencies, or agencies of other states, by regulation, compliance agreement, judicial action, or other appropriate means.