, Question 1
A nursery manager observes stippling and fine webbing on container-grown
junipers. Which of the following best integrates scouting, threshold, and
biological control for spider mites in this IPM program?
A. Apply a broad-spectrum insecticide weekly to prevent outbreaks.
B. Introduce predatory mites when mite densities reach 5-10 per leaflet,
and monitor with beat sheets.
C. Use horticultural oil only after webbing is extensive to avoid beneficial
disruption.
D. Increase nitrogen fertilization to help plants outgrow mite damage.
Correct Answer: B - Introduce predatory mites when mite
densities reach 5-10 per leaflet, and monitor with beat sheets.
RATIONALE
Introducing predatory mites at threshold densities (5-10 mites per
leaflet) is a core IPM tactic that balances suppression with
conservation of natural enemies. Broad-spectrum insecticides disrupt
beneficials and can cause resurgence; oils are most effective early;
excess nitrogen increases mite fecundity.
Question 2
An applicator needs to control powdery mildew on dogwoods in a landscape.
Based on the label excerpt, which product and application timing is most
appropriate?
A. All products are appropriate if applied correctly.
B. Only Product A is appropriate; others have restrictions.
C. Products A and C are appropriate; B and D have restrictions.
D. None are appropriate due to resistance risk.
Correct Answer: C - Products A and C are appropriate; B and D
have restrictions.
Page 2
, RATIONALE
Product A (myclobutanil) and C (potassium bicarbonate) are
appropriate when used as directed. Product B is inappropriate at high
temperatures (>85°F) and when applied within 2 weeks of oil. Product
D is inappropriate on stressed plants. Thus, C is correct.
Question 3
Under Virginia pesticide regulations, which of the following is required for a
commercial applicator applying a restricted-use pesticide to ornamental plants?
A. Posting the treated area with a sign for 24 hours.
B. Maintaining records of applications for at least 2 years.
C. Notifying the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer
Services within 24 hours.
D. Obtaining written permission from the property owner before
application.
Correct Answer: B - Maintaining records of applications for at
least 2 years.
RATIONALE
Virginia requires commercial applicators to keep records of
restricted-use pesticide applications for at least 2 years. Posting is not
universally required for ornamentals; notification to VDACS is not
routine; and written permission is not a regulatory requirement unless
specified by contract.
Question 4
A greenhouse grower notices whiteflies resistant to pyrethroids. Which
resistance management strategy is most effective?
A. Increase the application frequency of the same pyrethroid.
B. Rotate to a different mode of action group (e.g., neonicotinoid, insect
growth regulator) with each generation.
C. Apply a tank mix of two pyrethroids to enhance kill.
Page 3
, D. Use a higher rate of the same pyrethroid to overcome resistance.
Correct Answer: B - Rotate to a different mode of action group
(e.g., neonicotinoid, insect growth regulator) with each
generation.
RATIONALE
Rotating modes of action (MoA) between generations delays
resistance evolution. Increasing frequency or rate of the same MoA
selects for resistance; tank-mixing two pyrethroids (same MoA) is
ineffective; higher rates accelerate resistance.
Question 5
Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the concept of pesticide
leaching potential in ornamental production?
A. A highly soluble herbicide applied to sandy soil before a heavy rain.
B. A contact insecticide applied to foliage with a surfactant.
C. A granular systemic insecticide incorporated into clay soil.
D. A fumigant injected into raised beds covered with plastic.
Correct Answer: A - A highly soluble herbicide applied to sandy
soil before a heavy rain.
RATIONALE
Leaching is favored by high water solubility, low soil organic matter,
and sandy soils, especially with heavy rain soon after application. The
other options involve foliar contact, clay incorporation, or fumigation,
which reduce leaching risk.
Question 6
A client reports honeybees foraging on blooming crabapples. Which pesticide
application practice minimizes risk to pollinators?
A. Apply a neonicotinoid in the morning when bees are active.
B. Apply a pyrethroid in the evening after petals fall.
Page 4
A nursery manager observes stippling and fine webbing on container-grown
junipers. Which of the following best integrates scouting, threshold, and
biological control for spider mites in this IPM program?
A. Apply a broad-spectrum insecticide weekly to prevent outbreaks.
B. Introduce predatory mites when mite densities reach 5-10 per leaflet,
and monitor with beat sheets.
C. Use horticultural oil only after webbing is extensive to avoid beneficial
disruption.
D. Increase nitrogen fertilization to help plants outgrow mite damage.
Correct Answer: B - Introduce predatory mites when mite
densities reach 5-10 per leaflet, and monitor with beat sheets.
RATIONALE
Introducing predatory mites at threshold densities (5-10 mites per
leaflet) is a core IPM tactic that balances suppression with
conservation of natural enemies. Broad-spectrum insecticides disrupt
beneficials and can cause resurgence; oils are most effective early;
excess nitrogen increases mite fecundity.
Question 2
An applicator needs to control powdery mildew on dogwoods in a landscape.
Based on the label excerpt, which product and application timing is most
appropriate?
A. All products are appropriate if applied correctly.
B. Only Product A is appropriate; others have restrictions.
C. Products A and C are appropriate; B and D have restrictions.
D. None are appropriate due to resistance risk.
Correct Answer: C - Products A and C are appropriate; B and D
have restrictions.
Page 2
, RATIONALE
Product A (myclobutanil) and C (potassium bicarbonate) are
appropriate when used as directed. Product B is inappropriate at high
temperatures (>85°F) and when applied within 2 weeks of oil. Product
D is inappropriate on stressed plants. Thus, C is correct.
Question 3
Under Virginia pesticide regulations, which of the following is required for a
commercial applicator applying a restricted-use pesticide to ornamental plants?
A. Posting the treated area with a sign for 24 hours.
B. Maintaining records of applications for at least 2 years.
C. Notifying the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer
Services within 24 hours.
D. Obtaining written permission from the property owner before
application.
Correct Answer: B - Maintaining records of applications for at
least 2 years.
RATIONALE
Virginia requires commercial applicators to keep records of
restricted-use pesticide applications for at least 2 years. Posting is not
universally required for ornamentals; notification to VDACS is not
routine; and written permission is not a regulatory requirement unless
specified by contract.
Question 4
A greenhouse grower notices whiteflies resistant to pyrethroids. Which
resistance management strategy is most effective?
A. Increase the application frequency of the same pyrethroid.
B. Rotate to a different mode of action group (e.g., neonicotinoid, insect
growth regulator) with each generation.
C. Apply a tank mix of two pyrethroids to enhance kill.
Page 3
, D. Use a higher rate of the same pyrethroid to overcome resistance.
Correct Answer: B - Rotate to a different mode of action group
(e.g., neonicotinoid, insect growth regulator) with each
generation.
RATIONALE
Rotating modes of action (MoA) between generations delays
resistance evolution. Increasing frequency or rate of the same MoA
selects for resistance; tank-mixing two pyrethroids (same MoA) is
ineffective; higher rates accelerate resistance.
Question 5
Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the concept of pesticide
leaching potential in ornamental production?
A. A highly soluble herbicide applied to sandy soil before a heavy rain.
B. A contact insecticide applied to foliage with a surfactant.
C. A granular systemic insecticide incorporated into clay soil.
D. A fumigant injected into raised beds covered with plastic.
Correct Answer: A - A highly soluble herbicide applied to sandy
soil before a heavy rain.
RATIONALE
Leaching is favored by high water solubility, low soil organic matter,
and sandy soils, especially with heavy rain soon after application. The
other options involve foliar contact, clay incorporation, or fumigation,
which reduce leaching risk.
Question 6
A client reports honeybees foraging on blooming crabapples. Which pesticide
application practice minimizes risk to pollinators?
A. Apply a neonicotinoid in the morning when bees are active.
B. Apply a pyrethroid in the evening after petals fall.
Page 4
