– Turf Management Exam QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED
ANSWERS |||2026/2027!
Name some of the factors turfgrass managers must
consider when setting pest management priorities. -
ANSWER-Turfgrass management professionals must
consider human safety, environmental safety, turf use(s),
efficacy, and economics.
Why do pest management thresholds in turf vary? -
ANSWER-Pest thresholds vary from site to site because
they depend on site characteristics and uses. For
example, there may be zero tolerance for pests of any sort
,on a gold green. On the other hand, there may be no great
need to control pests in the grassy areas of an industrial
site. However, setting thresholds in some sites - like a
school athletic field or playground - may not be simple and
clear-cut. A thick, uniform surface is ideal for play areas,
for optimum utility and safety. This, in turn, means the
tolerance for pests is low. However reliance on pesticide
use may not be acceptable for some recreational sites,
especially if the primary users of that site are children.
What is the first, most basic step to take to manage pest
problems? Explain your answer. - ANSWER-Use Best
Management Practices (BMPs) for initial design,
installation, and maintenance programs. Begin by
selecting high quality, disease- and insect-free turfgrass.
,When possible, plant or install resistant varieties.
Choosing the right variety for the site and use(s) is
essential. Next, good cultural practices provide the best
conditions for plant health.
Why should you focus your attention on key pests, key
varieties, or key locations? - ANSWER-They are most
likely to cause problems. Key pests, varieties, and
locations require special monitoring and care.
What is a "key pest"? - ANSWER-A key pest is one that
often reaches population densities that justify
management, and/or is capable of causing unacceptable
damage at relatively low densities, and/or attacks and
damages turfgrass(es) in conspicuous or valuable areas.
, What is a "key variety"? - ANSWER-A "key variety" has a
special "high profile" use. A variety that sustains damage
from pests on a regular basis, or has a particular pest that
can kill or disfigure it in low densities, would also be
considered a "key variety."
Describe a site that would be considered a key location. -
ANSWER-Key locations are heavily used or are significant
in some way. Areas where turfgrasses have chronic
problems with pests, and/or areas that are near something
or someone requiring special protection are "key
locations."