The commissioner may destroy or, in the commissioner's discretion, treat with pesticides volunteer or other noncommercial cotton, and may establish procedures for the purchase and destruction of commercial cotton in elimination zones when the commissioner deems such action necessary to effectuate the purposes of this part. No payment shall be made by the commissioner to the owner or lessee for the destruction or injury of any cotton that was planted in an elimination zone after publication of notice as provided in this part, or was otherwise handled in violation of this part, or the rules adopted pursuant thereto. However, the commissioner shall pay for losses resulting from the destruction of cotton that was planted in such zones prior to publication of the notice.
T.C.A. § 43-6-408