Which program is essential for preventing pest introduction in nurseries?

The correct choice emphasizes the vital role of nursery licensing in preventing the introduction of pests into nurseries. Nursery licensing programs are designed to establish and enforce regulations that ensure healthy plant stock and reduce the risk of pest infestations and diseases. Through these licensing requirements, nurseries must adhere to specific health standards, undergo inspections, and maintain records that help monitor the movement of plants and materials that could harbor pests.

By being part of a licensed program, nurseries can implement best management practices and engage in activities that promote biosecurity, ultimately safeguarding both their own plants and the surrounding ecosystem. This preventative approach is crucial in maintaining plant health and ensuring the long-term sustainability of nursery operations.

The other options, while they may relate to specific plant health practices or regulations, do not focus comprehensively on the broader scope of pest regulation and prevention that nursery licensing encompasses. Seed registration, for instance, pertains to the identification and tracking of seeds but may not directly address pest control in the same proactive manner as nursery licensing. Similarly, nematode certification and the industrial hemp program serve particular functions but do not encapsulate the overall pest prevention strategies essential for all nursery operations.