Ch. 484                                    LAWS OF MARYLAND

(a)  The existence of growth of a species of grass, sorghum
halepense, commonly known as Johnson grass is declared to be a
public and common nuisance.                                     

(b)  The existence of thistles belonging to the asteraceae
or compositae family is declared to be a public and common
nuisance.]

9-401.

(A)  THE EXISTENCE OF GROWTH OF CERTAIN SPECIES OF PLANTS IS
DECLARED TO BE NOXIOUS.

(B)  THE FOLLOWING PLANTS ARE CONSIDERED TO BE NOXIOUS WEEDS
IN THE STATE:

(1)  THISTLES BELONGING TO THE ASTERACEAE OR
COMPOSITAE FAMILY, INCLUDING CANADA, MUSK, NODDING, PLUMELESS,
AND BULL THISTLE;

(2)  JOHNSONGRASS (SORGHUM HALEPENSE) OR HYBRIDS THAT
CONTAIN JOHNSONGRASS AS A PARENT; AND

(3)  SHATTER CANE AND WILD CANE (SORGHUM BICOLOR).
9-402.

The Secretary may:

(1)  Make investigations, studies, and determinations
he deems advisable in order to ascertain the extent of growth and
infestation of [Johnson grass, thistle, and] A NOXIOUS WEED,
other weed species in the State, and the effect of the species on
agricultural production;

(2)  Following public hearing, designate as [nuisance]
NOXIOUS weeds other species of plants which adversely affect or
threaten agricultural production, and carry out practices
necessary to bring about control or abatement of the species, or
both;

(3)  Institute programs of control and eradication;

(4)  Enter into agreements with any county and
subdivision of the State, with any adjoining state, and with
agencies of the federal government to effect a program of control
and eradication; [and]

(5) Accept, use, or expend any aid, gift, grant, or
loan made available from any private or public source to carry
out the provisions of this subtitle; AND

- 2298 -