California Pest Control Advisor
Examination with Practice Questions And
Correct Answers (
1. A PCA is evaluating a novel invasive pest, the spotted lanternfly (Lycorma
delicatula), in a California vineyard. Which of the following best describes the
primary ecological and regulatory challenge that distinguishes this pest from
established vineyard pests like the grape leafhopper?
A. The spotted lanternfly has a single host (Vitis vinifera) and can be controlled with the
same neonicotinoid applications used for leafhoppers, but requires a Section 18
emergency exemption.
B. The spotted lanternfly is a phloem-feeding insect that excretes honeydew, promoting
sooty mold, and its egg masses are difficult to detect, requiring a quarantine-based
approach with strict movement controls of plant material.
C. The spotted lanternfly is a root-feeding pest that requires soil drenches of
imidacloprid, which is not registered for use in vineyards due to groundwater concerns.
D. The spotted lanternfly is a vector of Pierce's disease, and its management relies solely
on area-wide insecticide sprays coordinated by the county agricultural commissioner.
Answer: B. The spotted lanternfly is a phloem-feeding insect that excretes honeydew,
promoting sooty mold, and its egg masses are difficult to detect, requiring a
quarantine-based approach with strict movement controls of plant material.
Rationale: Spotted lanternfly is a phloem feeder that produces honeydew, leading to sooty
mold, and its egg masses on various surfaces necessitate quarantine and movement
controls. It is not a vector of Pierce's disease (that is the glassy-winged sharpshooter), and
it has multiple hosts. Options A, C, and D misrepresent its biology, control, or regulatory
status.
Page 1 of 93
,2. In a California almond orchard, a PCA recommends a soil application of
1,3-dichloropropene (Telone) for nematode control. Which combination of regulatory
and environmental factors must the PCA consider to ensure compliance with
California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) requirements?
A. The pesticide is a restricted material requiring a permit, and its use is subject to
township cap restrictions and buffer zone requirements to protect bystanders and air
quality.
B. The pesticide is a general use pesticide, but it requires a 24-hour reentry interval and
cannot be applied within 100 feet of a water body.
C. The pesticide is exempt from permit requirements if applied by a certified applicator,
but it must be reported to the county agricultural commissioner within 7 days.
D. The pesticide is a federal restricted use pesticide, but California does not impose
additional township caps or buffer zones beyond federal label requirements.
Answer: A. The pesticide is a restricted material requiring a permit, and its use is
subject to township cap restrictions and buffer zone requirements to protect
bystanders and air quality.
Rationale: 1,3-dichloropropene is a California restricted material, and DPR imposes
township caps and buffer zones to mitigate volatile organic compound emissions and
bystander exposure. It is not a general use pesticide, and California has stricter regulations
than federal requirements. Options B, C, and D incorrectly describe its regulatory status.
Page 2 of 93
,3. A PCA is developing an IPM program for a strawberry field with a history of
two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) outbreaks. Which of the following
strategies best exemplifies the concept of 'pest resurgence' and its management
through biological control?
A. Applying a broad-spectrum insecticide that kills both spider mites and their predator,
Phytoseiulus persimilis, leading to a secondary outbreak of spider mites.
B. Using a selective acaricide that targets spider mites but conserves predatory mites,
followed by augmentative releases of Phytoseiulus persimilis when thresholds are
exceeded.
C. Applying a systemic insecticide that translocates to new growth, providing long-term
control without affecting natural enemies.
D. Introducing a generalist predator like Orius insidiosus that feeds on both spider mites
and thrips, thereby disrupting the entire pest complex.
Answer: B. Using a selective acaricide that targets spider mites but conserves
predatory mites, followed by augmentative releases of Phytoseiulus persimilis when
thresholds are exceeded.
Rationale: Pest resurgence occurs when broad-spectrum pesticides eliminate natural
enemies, causing pest populations to rebound. Option B uses a selective acaricide and
augmentative biocontrol, which is a sound IPM approach. Options A and C describe
practices that can lead to resurgence, and D may disrupt other pests but does not directly
address spider mite resurgence.
Page 3 of 93
, 4. A PCA is calibrating a boom sprayer for a broadcast herbicide application. The
sprayer has 20 nozzles spaced 20 inches apart, and the desired application rate is 15
gallons per acre. If the sprayer travels at 4 mph and each nozzle outputs 0.25 gallons
per minute, what is the actual application rate, and what adjustment is needed?
A. 12.4 GPA; increase nozzle output or reduce speed to achieve 15 GPA.
B. 15.0 GPA; no adjustment needed.
C. 18.2 GPA; decrease nozzle output or increase speed to achieve 15 GPA.
D. 10.5 GPA; increase pressure to achieve 15 GPA.
Answer: A. 12.4 GPA; increase nozzle output or reduce speed to achieve 15 GPA.
Rationale: The calculated application rate is approximately 18.6 GPA, which exceeds the
target of 15 GPA. To correct, the PCA should either decrease nozzle output (e.g., smaller
orifice or lower pressure) or increase travel speed. Option C correctly identifies the higher
rate and the needed adjustment, while other options miscalculate or suggest wrong
adjustments.
Page 4 of 93
Examination with Practice Questions And
Correct Answers (
1. A PCA is evaluating a novel invasive pest, the spotted lanternfly (Lycorma
delicatula), in a California vineyard. Which of the following best describes the
primary ecological and regulatory challenge that distinguishes this pest from
established vineyard pests like the grape leafhopper?
A. The spotted lanternfly has a single host (Vitis vinifera) and can be controlled with the
same neonicotinoid applications used for leafhoppers, but requires a Section 18
emergency exemption.
B. The spotted lanternfly is a phloem-feeding insect that excretes honeydew, promoting
sooty mold, and its egg masses are difficult to detect, requiring a quarantine-based
approach with strict movement controls of plant material.
C. The spotted lanternfly is a root-feeding pest that requires soil drenches of
imidacloprid, which is not registered for use in vineyards due to groundwater concerns.
D. The spotted lanternfly is a vector of Pierce's disease, and its management relies solely
on area-wide insecticide sprays coordinated by the county agricultural commissioner.
Answer: B. The spotted lanternfly is a phloem-feeding insect that excretes honeydew,
promoting sooty mold, and its egg masses are difficult to detect, requiring a
quarantine-based approach with strict movement controls of plant material.
Rationale: Spotted lanternfly is a phloem feeder that produces honeydew, leading to sooty
mold, and its egg masses on various surfaces necessitate quarantine and movement
controls. It is not a vector of Pierce's disease (that is the glassy-winged sharpshooter), and
it has multiple hosts. Options A, C, and D misrepresent its biology, control, or regulatory
status.
Page 1 of 93
,2. In a California almond orchard, a PCA recommends a soil application of
1,3-dichloropropene (Telone) for nematode control. Which combination of regulatory
and environmental factors must the PCA consider to ensure compliance with
California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) requirements?
A. The pesticide is a restricted material requiring a permit, and its use is subject to
township cap restrictions and buffer zone requirements to protect bystanders and air
quality.
B. The pesticide is a general use pesticide, but it requires a 24-hour reentry interval and
cannot be applied within 100 feet of a water body.
C. The pesticide is exempt from permit requirements if applied by a certified applicator,
but it must be reported to the county agricultural commissioner within 7 days.
D. The pesticide is a federal restricted use pesticide, but California does not impose
additional township caps or buffer zones beyond federal label requirements.
Answer: A. The pesticide is a restricted material requiring a permit, and its use is
subject to township cap restrictions and buffer zone requirements to protect
bystanders and air quality.
Rationale: 1,3-dichloropropene is a California restricted material, and DPR imposes
township caps and buffer zones to mitigate volatile organic compound emissions and
bystander exposure. It is not a general use pesticide, and California has stricter regulations
than federal requirements. Options B, C, and D incorrectly describe its regulatory status.
Page 2 of 93
,3. A PCA is developing an IPM program for a strawberry field with a history of
two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) outbreaks. Which of the following
strategies best exemplifies the concept of 'pest resurgence' and its management
through biological control?
A. Applying a broad-spectrum insecticide that kills both spider mites and their predator,
Phytoseiulus persimilis, leading to a secondary outbreak of spider mites.
B. Using a selective acaricide that targets spider mites but conserves predatory mites,
followed by augmentative releases of Phytoseiulus persimilis when thresholds are
exceeded.
C. Applying a systemic insecticide that translocates to new growth, providing long-term
control without affecting natural enemies.
D. Introducing a generalist predator like Orius insidiosus that feeds on both spider mites
and thrips, thereby disrupting the entire pest complex.
Answer: B. Using a selective acaricide that targets spider mites but conserves
predatory mites, followed by augmentative releases of Phytoseiulus persimilis when
thresholds are exceeded.
Rationale: Pest resurgence occurs when broad-spectrum pesticides eliminate natural
enemies, causing pest populations to rebound. Option B uses a selective acaricide and
augmentative biocontrol, which is a sound IPM approach. Options A and C describe
practices that can lead to resurgence, and D may disrupt other pests but does not directly
address spider mite resurgence.
Page 3 of 93
, 4. A PCA is calibrating a boom sprayer for a broadcast herbicide application. The
sprayer has 20 nozzles spaced 20 inches apart, and the desired application rate is 15
gallons per acre. If the sprayer travels at 4 mph and each nozzle outputs 0.25 gallons
per minute, what is the actual application rate, and what adjustment is needed?
A. 12.4 GPA; increase nozzle output or reduce speed to achieve 15 GPA.
B. 15.0 GPA; no adjustment needed.
C. 18.2 GPA; decrease nozzle output or increase speed to achieve 15 GPA.
D. 10.5 GPA; increase pressure to achieve 15 GPA.
Answer: A. 12.4 GPA; increase nozzle output or reduce speed to achieve 15 GPA.
Rationale: The calculated application rate is approximately 18.6 GPA, which exceeds the
target of 15 GPA. To correct, the PCA should either decrease nozzle output (e.g., smaller
orifice or lower pressure) or increase travel speed. Option C correctly identifies the higher
rate and the needed adjustment, while other options miscalculate or suggest wrong
adjustments.
Page 4 of 93
