Minnesota Pesticide Applicator License Exam Questions and Answers

Plant Growth Hormones - ANSWER-Auxins, Gibberellins, Cytokinins, Ethylene, Abscisic Acid Mechanical Control - ANSWER-Controlling pests by mechanical methods like mulching, pulling weeds, picking off bugs by hands. Chemical Control - ANSWER-Controlling pests with chemicals such as herbicides and insecticides Biological Control - ANSWER-Controlling pests by introducing natural predators or parasites of the targeted pest, such as ladybugs or preying mantis Problems w/ Weeds - ANSWER-Outcompete native or desired plant/ plant communities for nutrients, water and other resources. They can be resilient and often hard to eradicate or prevent. They also contain vigorous root systems that can repopulate quicker than those starting from seed. Most common & severe disease of turf-grasses and ornamentals - ANSWER-Fungi!! Sprayer Components - ANSWER-Tanks, Pumps, Agitators, Hoses, Pressure Gauges, Nozzles Hydraulic Sprayers - ANSWER-Mainly use water as their carrier. Rotary Spreaders - ANSWER-Distribute granules to the front and sides of the spreader, usually by means of a disc or fan. Drop Spreaders - ANSWER-(Gravity spreaders) apply coarse, uniformly sized dry particles to soil, water and sometimes foliage. Air-Blast Sprayers - ANSWER-Use a blast of air to propel sprays Before you Spray - ANSWER-- Calculate size of the target area - Use the label directions to calculate the amount of pesticide you need to apply - Calibrate your application equipment Runoff - ANSWER-Occurs when the precipitation rate exceeds the rate of water infiltration into the soil. Volatilization - ANSWER-Occurs when it changes from a solid or liquid phase into a gaseous phase. Chemical Degradation - ANSWER-the way pesticides react with water can enhance or reduce the presence of mineral or organic absorbing surfaces. Microbial Decomposition - ANSWER-Most common means of pesticide degradation is from the action of microorganisms found in the soil. They use it as a food source, resulting in pesticide degradation.