TURF (3B) INTRODUCTION – PRACTICE
EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
What are some of the benefits of ornamental turfgrass in landscapes? - Answer-
Ornamental turf has functional, aesthetic, and recreational value. People enjoy seeing
and using expanses of grass in landscapes. Like all plants, turfgrasses filter pollutants
from the air. Healthy stands of turf act as a filter and slow water runoff. Turfgrass roots
anchor soils and prevent erosion. Well-managed turf provides a feeding area for many
animals we value or enjoy, such as songbirds. People use turf sites for many
recreational activities. Healthy, well-managed stands of grass make these activities safe
and enjoyable. The beauty of turf in landscapes such as home lawns, parks and
cemeteries contributes to our psychological well-being.
List the general types of things that cause turfgrass problems. - Answer-Nonliving forces
(abiotic factors) include climate and weather extremes and poor management practices.
Living (biotic) pests also injure or kill turf. Turf pests include diseases, insects, mites,
nematodes, and weeds.
When you detect a plant health problem, what is the first step to take when seeking a
solution? - Answer-Identify the cause(s) of the problem. Is the problem caused by a pest
organism? Is it the result of environmental stress? Is it the result of improper
management?
What is the first thing you should do when you detect a pest problem? - Answer-Identify
the pest.
Where can you get current pest control recommendations? - Answer-From the Pest
Management Guide series. The PMGs are produced by Virginia Cooperative Extension.
They are revised annually. The recommendations found in the PMGs are research-
based and tailored for growing conditions and pest problems found in Virginia.
Why is proper pesticide use important and necessary? - Answer-Protection of human
health, environment, and property.
What is Integrated Pest Management (IPM)? - Answer-IPM is a unified pest control plan
that uses a combination of appropriate pest control tactics. Applied pest controls include
biological, cultural, mechanical, or chemical methods. The goal of an IPM plan is to
reduce pests and their damage to an acceptable level.
What are the main categories of pests that harm ornamental turf? - Answer-Diseases,
insects, and weeds can be pests of turfgrass. Vertebrates, such as rodents and geese,
may also harm turf. However, using pesticides to control vertebrates is outside the
scope of this manual.
EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
What are some of the benefits of ornamental turfgrass in landscapes? - Answer-
Ornamental turf has functional, aesthetic, and recreational value. People enjoy seeing
and using expanses of grass in landscapes. Like all plants, turfgrasses filter pollutants
from the air. Healthy stands of turf act as a filter and slow water runoff. Turfgrass roots
anchor soils and prevent erosion. Well-managed turf provides a feeding area for many
animals we value or enjoy, such as songbirds. People use turf sites for many
recreational activities. Healthy, well-managed stands of grass make these activities safe
and enjoyable. The beauty of turf in landscapes such as home lawns, parks and
cemeteries contributes to our psychological well-being.
List the general types of things that cause turfgrass problems. - Answer-Nonliving forces
(abiotic factors) include climate and weather extremes and poor management practices.
Living (biotic) pests also injure or kill turf. Turf pests include diseases, insects, mites,
nematodes, and weeds.
When you detect a plant health problem, what is the first step to take when seeking a
solution? - Answer-Identify the cause(s) of the problem. Is the problem caused by a pest
organism? Is it the result of environmental stress? Is it the result of improper
management?
What is the first thing you should do when you detect a pest problem? - Answer-Identify
the pest.
Where can you get current pest control recommendations? - Answer-From the Pest
Management Guide series. The PMGs are produced by Virginia Cooperative Extension.
They are revised annually. The recommendations found in the PMGs are research-
based and tailored for growing conditions and pest problems found in Virginia.
Why is proper pesticide use important and necessary? - Answer-Protection of human
health, environment, and property.
What is Integrated Pest Management (IPM)? - Answer-IPM is a unified pest control plan
that uses a combination of appropriate pest control tactics. Applied pest controls include
biological, cultural, mechanical, or chemical methods. The goal of an IPM plan is to
reduce pests and their damage to an acceptable level.
What are the main categories of pests that harm ornamental turf? - Answer-Diseases,
insects, and weeds can be pests of turfgrass. Vertebrates, such as rodents and geese,
may also harm turf. However, using pesticides to control vertebrates is outside the
scope of this manual.
