Tennessee Category C1 – Agricultural
Plant Pest Control Examination
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. Which of the following is a common symptom of aphid infestation
on crops?
A. Leaf curling
B. Root galls
C. Stem cankers
D. Fruit cracking
Answer: A. Leaf curling
Rationale: Aphids feed by sucking sap from the leaves, causing
deformation and curling. Root galls are more typical of nematodes,
,stem cankers are caused by fungi or bacteria, and fruit cracking is
generally due to environmental stress.
2. The use of a selective herbicide is primarily intended to:
A. Kill all plants in a field
B. Target specific weed species while leaving the crop unharmed
C. Improve soil fertility
D. Increase pesticide resistance
Answer: B. Target specific weed species while leaving the crop
unharmed
Rationale: Selective herbicides are formulated to affect only certain
plant species, allowing crops to grow without competition from
targeted weeds.
3. Which factor most influences pesticide persistence in the
environment?
A. Soil pH
B. Temperature and rainfall
C. Crop type
D. Seed variety
Answer: B. Temperature and rainfall
Rationale: Environmental conditions like temperature and
,precipitation significantly affect how long a pesticide remains active,
either by breaking down faster or being washed away.
4. When applying an insecticide, which method minimizes drift and
off-target exposure?
A. Aerial application on a windy day
B. Soil injection
C. Broadcast spraying with high pressure
D. Foliar spraying during calm weather
Answer: D. Foliar spraying during calm weather
Rationale: Spraying in calm conditions reduces the likelihood of wind
carrying the pesticide away from the target crop. High-pressure and
aerial spraying can increase drift risk.
5. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) emphasizes:
A. Using only chemical controls
B. Combining biological, cultural, mechanical, and chemical
methods
C. Eliminating natural predators
D. Increasing pesticide rates to maximum label limits
Answer: B. Combining biological, cultural, mechanical, and chemical
methods
Rationale: IPM aims to control pest populations efficiently while
, minimizing environmental and human impact, integrating multiple
control strategies rather than relying solely on chemicals.
6. Which pest is commonly controlled using Bacillus thuringiensis
(Bt)?
A. Aphids
B. Caterpillars
C. Spider mites
D. Root-knot nematodes
Answer: B. Caterpillars
Rationale: Bt produces proteins toxic to many caterpillar species when
ingested. Aphids, mites, and nematodes are not susceptible to Bt.
7. The main purpose of a pre-emergent herbicide is to:
A. Kill existing weeds after crop emergence
B. Prevent weed seeds from germinating
C. Fertilize crops
D. Attract pollinators
Answer: B. Prevent weed seeds from germinating
Rationale: Pre-emergent herbicides are applied before weed seeds
sprout, reducing competition without harming the crop.
8. Which of the following is a contact insecticide?
A. Imidacloprid
Plant Pest Control Examination
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. Which of the following is a common symptom of aphid infestation
on crops?
A. Leaf curling
B. Root galls
C. Stem cankers
D. Fruit cracking
Answer: A. Leaf curling
Rationale: Aphids feed by sucking sap from the leaves, causing
deformation and curling. Root galls are more typical of nematodes,
,stem cankers are caused by fungi or bacteria, and fruit cracking is
generally due to environmental stress.
2. The use of a selective herbicide is primarily intended to:
A. Kill all plants in a field
B. Target specific weed species while leaving the crop unharmed
C. Improve soil fertility
D. Increase pesticide resistance
Answer: B. Target specific weed species while leaving the crop
unharmed
Rationale: Selective herbicides are formulated to affect only certain
plant species, allowing crops to grow without competition from
targeted weeds.
3. Which factor most influences pesticide persistence in the
environment?
A. Soil pH
B. Temperature and rainfall
C. Crop type
D. Seed variety
Answer: B. Temperature and rainfall
Rationale: Environmental conditions like temperature and
,precipitation significantly affect how long a pesticide remains active,
either by breaking down faster or being washed away.
4. When applying an insecticide, which method minimizes drift and
off-target exposure?
A. Aerial application on a windy day
B. Soil injection
C. Broadcast spraying with high pressure
D. Foliar spraying during calm weather
Answer: D. Foliar spraying during calm weather
Rationale: Spraying in calm conditions reduces the likelihood of wind
carrying the pesticide away from the target crop. High-pressure and
aerial spraying can increase drift risk.
5. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) emphasizes:
A. Using only chemical controls
B. Combining biological, cultural, mechanical, and chemical
methods
C. Eliminating natural predators
D. Increasing pesticide rates to maximum label limits
Answer: B. Combining biological, cultural, mechanical, and chemical
methods
Rationale: IPM aims to control pest populations efficiently while
, minimizing environmental and human impact, integrating multiple
control strategies rather than relying solely on chemicals.
6. Which pest is commonly controlled using Bacillus thuringiensis
(Bt)?
A. Aphids
B. Caterpillars
C. Spider mites
D. Root-knot nematodes
Answer: B. Caterpillars
Rationale: Bt produces proteins toxic to many caterpillar species when
ingested. Aphids, mites, and nematodes are not susceptible to Bt.
7. The main purpose of a pre-emergent herbicide is to:
A. Kill existing weeds after crop emergence
B. Prevent weed seeds from germinating
C. Fertilize crops
D. Attract pollinators
Answer: B. Prevent weed seeds from germinating
Rationale: Pre-emergent herbicides are applied before weed seeds
sprout, reducing competition without harming the crop.
8. Which of the following is a contact insecticide?
A. Imidacloprid
