(a) General rule.--The department may establish quarantines as specified in this act or under its regulations to prevent the dissemination of plant pests within this Commonwealth. When a pest or pests that have the potential to cause serious damage to agriculture are found in any geographic area, the area and any adjacent areas as the department deems necessary shall be quarantined. After a quarantine has been established, the department shall issue such conditions or restrictions as it considers necessary to prevent or reduce the movement of the pest or pests from the quarantine area.

(b) Notice.--The department shall give notice of the establishment of a quarantine and any regulations to be issued, either in writing or by publication in at least one newspaper of general circulation in the areas affected. Under the quarantine, the department may prohibit, without inspection, the movement, shipment or transportation of any plant or plant product or other material capable of carrying the plant pest from the area under quarantine.

(c) Prevention or delay.--The department may establish a quarantine to prevent or delay the introduction of any plant pest into this Commonwealth from any country, state or territory.

(d) Vehicles.--The department may quarantine any vehicle or means of conveyance that is suspected of carrying the quarantined pest. If the pest is detected in or on any vehicle or other means of conveyance, the department may order such treatment as may be necessary to eradicate the pest.

(e) Special requirements.--The department may regulate the planting, growing or harvesting of any crop that serves as a host or reservoir for the pest within the quarantined area. The regulations may include prohibiting the establishment of a specific crop, variety or cultivar within a specific geographic area or during a specified time period. If any crop is suspected of harboring the pest, the department may require the treatment or destruction of the crop.