Wisconsin Pesticide Applicator Exam

Ch.1 List the general kinds of damage insect pests can cause - ANSWER--Chew on seeds, roots, leaves, stems, & fruits -Tunnel in roots, stems, & leaves -Suck plant juices -Promote gall formation and other malformations -Inject toxins into plants -Transmit diseases to plants -Create a nuisance for people Ch.1 Describe the structural features of insects - ANSWER-Insects have: body form has 3 regions: head, thorax, abdomen; 3 pairs of legs attached to thorax; 0, 1, or 2 pairs of wings attached to thorax; 1 pair of antennae Ch.1 Explain how to distinguish insects from other arthropods - ANSWER-Arthropods have: exoskeleton; body form has 2 regions: head & abdomen; usually 4 pairs of legs attached to head; no wings; no antennae Ch.1 Contrast the difference between simple and complete metamorphosis - ANSWER--Simple: "Incomplete Metamorphosis"; 3 stages: egg, nymph, & adult -Complete: 4 distinct stages: egg, larva, pupa, & adult Ch.1 Explain how temperature and humidity affect insect development - ANSWER-*Temperature & humidity preferences vary for each insect. *Combined effect of both on reproduction & development is more dramatically different than the effect of either alone. -Temperature: development is faster with heat & slower with cold temps; insects die at the high levels of developmental threshold temps and become inactive at low levels -Humidity: effects insect diseases; effects moisture levels required for survival Ch.1 List the advantages and disadvantages of using insecticides - ANSWER-Advantages: -Effective against economically damaging pests -Can combine 1 or 2 insecticides to combat several pests -They act quickly to control pests before reaching damaging levels -For new pests, there are many compounds that have been proven effective -Effective insecticides, suitable formulations, & application equipment are normally available Disadvantages: -Often eliminate beneficial insects, allowing target organisms to rebound quickly -Repeated exposure can lead to resistance in a pest population -Yearly dependence on applications is an added cost -Always a potential for drift, residues, and damage