Connecticut Commercial Pesticide Applicator
Certification Category 3A Ornamental and Turf
Pest Control Examination Questions And
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. Which of the following is the primary cause of dollar spot on
turfgrass?
A. Fusarium species
B. Sclerotinia homoeocarpa
C. Rhizoctonia solani
D. Pythium species
Dollar spot is caused by Sclerotinia homoeocarpa, a fungal pathogen
that attacks turfgrass under low nitrogen and high moisture conditions.
2. What is the best cultural practice to reduce brown patch disease
in tall fescue lawns?
A. Frequent shallow irrigation
B. Mowing at higher heights
, C. Increasing thatch accumulation
D. Applying high nitrogen in late evening
Maintaining higher mowing heights improves turf vigor, reduces stress,
and helps prevent brown patch caused by Rhizoctonia solani.
3. Which insect is a common root feeder in turfgrass, often resulting
in irregular brown patches?
A. Sod webworm
B. Cutworm
C. White grub
D. Chinch bug
White grubs feed on turfgrass roots, leading to irregularly shaped
brown areas that can be lifted like a carpet.
4. What is the mode of action of systemic insecticides applied to turf
for grub control?
A. Contact toxicity only
B. Absorption and movement through plant tissue
C. Repellent effect on insects
D. Fungistatic activity
Systemic insecticides are absorbed and translocated through plant
tissues, reaching feeding insects such as grubs that consume roots.
, 5. Which of the following is the most effective method to manage
thatch buildup in turf?
A. Topdressing with sand only
B. Fertilizing heavily
C. Core aeration
D. Frequent shallow watering
Core aeration removes plugs of soil and thatch, promoting
decomposition and improving root growth.
6. Which of these weeds is classified as a broadleaf perennial in
turfgrass?
A. Annual bluegrass
B. Dandelion
C. Crabgrass
D. Annual ryegrass
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is a broadleaf perennial with a deep
taproot, making mechanical removal and systemic herbicides effective.
7. The primary symptom of anthracnose on turfgrass is:
A. Powdery white coating on leaves
B. Wilting in the afternoon only
C. Blighting of leaf tips and crown rot
D. Root galls
, Anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum species leads to leaf tip blighting
and may progress to crown rot under stress conditions.
8. Which cultural practice reduces the risk of snow mold in winter?
A. Late fall fertilization with high nitrogen
B. Mowing turf to recommended height before snowfall
C. Removing all leaf debris and leaving turf excessively long
D. Overwatering before first frost
Proper fall mowing reduces matting of turf under snow, lowering the
risk of snow mold infections.
9. Which turfgrass is most susceptible to gray leaf spot disease?
A. Kentucky bluegrass
B. Perennial ryegrass
C. Fine fescue
D. Tall fescue
Perennial ryegrass is highly susceptible to gray leaf spot caused by
Pyricularia grisea, especially in warm, humid conditions.
10. When applying pesticides to ornamental plants, which factor
is critical for minimizing drift?
A. Using coarse droplets and low-pressure nozzles
B. Applying during high wind conditions
Certification Category 3A Ornamental and Turf
Pest Control Examination Questions And
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. Which of the following is the primary cause of dollar spot on
turfgrass?
A. Fusarium species
B. Sclerotinia homoeocarpa
C. Rhizoctonia solani
D. Pythium species
Dollar spot is caused by Sclerotinia homoeocarpa, a fungal pathogen
that attacks turfgrass under low nitrogen and high moisture conditions.
2. What is the best cultural practice to reduce brown patch disease
in tall fescue lawns?
A. Frequent shallow irrigation
B. Mowing at higher heights
, C. Increasing thatch accumulation
D. Applying high nitrogen in late evening
Maintaining higher mowing heights improves turf vigor, reduces stress,
and helps prevent brown patch caused by Rhizoctonia solani.
3. Which insect is a common root feeder in turfgrass, often resulting
in irregular brown patches?
A. Sod webworm
B. Cutworm
C. White grub
D. Chinch bug
White grubs feed on turfgrass roots, leading to irregularly shaped
brown areas that can be lifted like a carpet.
4. What is the mode of action of systemic insecticides applied to turf
for grub control?
A. Contact toxicity only
B. Absorption and movement through plant tissue
C. Repellent effect on insects
D. Fungistatic activity
Systemic insecticides are absorbed and translocated through plant
tissues, reaching feeding insects such as grubs that consume roots.
, 5. Which of the following is the most effective method to manage
thatch buildup in turf?
A. Topdressing with sand only
B. Fertilizing heavily
C. Core aeration
D. Frequent shallow watering
Core aeration removes plugs of soil and thatch, promoting
decomposition and improving root growth.
6. Which of these weeds is classified as a broadleaf perennial in
turfgrass?
A. Annual bluegrass
B. Dandelion
C. Crabgrass
D. Annual ryegrass
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is a broadleaf perennial with a deep
taproot, making mechanical removal and systemic herbicides effective.
7. The primary symptom of anthracnose on turfgrass is:
A. Powdery white coating on leaves
B. Wilting in the afternoon only
C. Blighting of leaf tips and crown rot
D. Root galls
, Anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum species leads to leaf tip blighting
and may progress to crown rot under stress conditions.
8. Which cultural practice reduces the risk of snow mold in winter?
A. Late fall fertilization with high nitrogen
B. Mowing turf to recommended height before snowfall
C. Removing all leaf debris and leaving turf excessively long
D. Overwatering before first frost
Proper fall mowing reduces matting of turf under snow, lowering the
risk of snow mold infections.
9. Which turfgrass is most susceptible to gray leaf spot disease?
A. Kentucky bluegrass
B. Perennial ryegrass
C. Fine fescue
D. Tall fescue
Perennial ryegrass is highly susceptible to gray leaf spot caused by
Pyricularia grisea, especially in warm, humid conditions.
10. When applying pesticides to ornamental plants, which factor
is critical for minimizing drift?
A. Using coarse droplets and low-pressure nozzles
B. Applying during high wind conditions
