TURF (3B) TURF PEST MANAGEMENT -
EXAM QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT
ANSWERS
What are some factors that influence the success of biological controls? - Answer-
Biological control agents usually target specific pests. Biological control agents must be
able to move to - or be placed in contact with - the target pest. For that reason,
application techniques influence success. Adoption of biological control measures
usually takes careful planning and timing. Finally, biological control organisms must be
able to tolerate conditions at the site. To be sustainable, they must persist from season
to season.
What is cultural control? List several cultural control tactics used in turf. - Answer-
Cultural control measures disrupt the normal relationship between pest and host in
order to prevent or suppress an infestation. Cultural controls make the pest less likely to
survive, grow, or reproduce. They can involve changing the turf grass environment or its
physical condition. Cultural control measures may also change the behavior of a pest. In
turf, variety selection and proper establishment are basic cultural control measures.
Other practices employed in turf include thatch management and proper mowing,
watering, and fertilization regimes. Aerating soil and cultivation practices that improve
water infiltration (spiking, vertical mowing, or coring) can help.
What is mechanical control? - Answer-Mechanical controls use some mechanical
device such as a trap or barrier to control pests.
What is sanitation? Give two examples. - Answer-Sanitation is general cleanliness.
Sanitation reduces the levels of pathogens and other pests in the turf grass
environment. Using pest-free seed, sprigs, or sod is a sanitation strategy. Careful
disposal of diseased clippings is another. So are cleaning and disinfecting tools and
equipment, and taking care to avoid spreading disease by foot traffic.
Why is the timing of a pesticide application important? - Answer-To be effective,
pesticides must be applied correctly and at the proper time and rate. In many cases,
pesticides need to be used at a certain stage in a pest's life cycle. Applying them too
early or too late is a waste of time and money. In addition, poorly timed applications
may pose a threat to the turf you intend to protect as well as to other organisms and the
environment.
Explain the difference between a preventative and a curative pesticide application. -
Answer-A preventative application is made before the problem appears. A curative
application is made after the problem is noticed.
, What is phytotoxicity? How can you recognize the problem? - Answer-Phytotoxicity is
injury or damage to a sensitive plant caused by a chemical exposure. Symptoms of
phytotoxicity include: death of rapidly growing tissues; stunting or delayed development;
misshapen or distorted stems, leaves, or fruits; russeting or bronzing of leaves or fruit;
dead spots or flecks on leaves, dead leaf tips or margins; and dead areas between leaf
veins.
You might suspect phytotoxicity if you see plant damage but no sign of pest presence.
Another warning sign is injury that occurs suddenly or over a short period of time that
does not spread from plant to plant. Consulting spray records might give you a clue if
pesticide use is causing phytotoxic effects. Records may document the use of a
pesticide near a sensitive plant showing signs of injury.
Describe some pesticide uses that might result in phytotoxicity. - Answer--Application of
a pesticide during adverse environmental conditions.
-Use of a pesticide contrary to label directions (ex. wrong side or wrong rate).
-Movement offsite from a target area to a sensitive area (ex. drift or runoff).
-Accumulation of persistent residues in the soil; or on the plant.
How can you avoid causing phytotoxicity when using pesticides? - Answer-Be certain
the plant you plan to treat is listed on the product label. Measure and prepare the
chemical carefully. Use the proper rate and application techniques. Follow label
directions for the number and timing of applications. Apply and store pesticides
according to label directions. Do not treat stressed plants. Direct pesticides to the target.
Do not allow offsite movement. Do not treat plants when they are subject to extreme
heat or cold.
How can you minimize clover mite injury? - Answer-One of the best ways to limit clover
mite injury is to provide adequate water to sites that have a high risk of injury. Watering
both suppresses winter mite populations and helps turfgrass to tolerate injury.
If you are going to apply a pesticide to control clover mites, would you use a spot or
broadcast treatment? Explain your answer. - Answer-Usually, clover mite damage is
limited to warm, dry areas along sun-exposed sides of buildings. Spot treatments are
effective when directed to sites clover mites use for feedinga nd egg laying. Areas to
treat include lower foundation walls and tree trunks as well as adjacent sun-exposed
turf. Spot applications reduce pesticide use.
How can you manage cutworms with minimal environmental impact? - Answer-When
possible, select a resistant endophyte-enhanced variety of fescue or ryegrass. Do not
mow turf any lower than 2.5 inches (6.25 cm). Remove clippings after mowing because
adult cutworm moths lay eggs at the tip of grass blades. If you use insecticides, apply
them late in the day because cutworm larvae feed at night. Consider using beneficial
nematodes, especially in sites where continual reinfestation occurs.
EXAM QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT
ANSWERS
What are some factors that influence the success of biological controls? - Answer-
Biological control agents usually target specific pests. Biological control agents must be
able to move to - or be placed in contact with - the target pest. For that reason,
application techniques influence success. Adoption of biological control measures
usually takes careful planning and timing. Finally, biological control organisms must be
able to tolerate conditions at the site. To be sustainable, they must persist from season
to season.
What is cultural control? List several cultural control tactics used in turf. - Answer-
Cultural control measures disrupt the normal relationship between pest and host in
order to prevent or suppress an infestation. Cultural controls make the pest less likely to
survive, grow, or reproduce. They can involve changing the turf grass environment or its
physical condition. Cultural control measures may also change the behavior of a pest. In
turf, variety selection and proper establishment are basic cultural control measures.
Other practices employed in turf include thatch management and proper mowing,
watering, and fertilization regimes. Aerating soil and cultivation practices that improve
water infiltration (spiking, vertical mowing, or coring) can help.
What is mechanical control? - Answer-Mechanical controls use some mechanical
device such as a trap or barrier to control pests.
What is sanitation? Give two examples. - Answer-Sanitation is general cleanliness.
Sanitation reduces the levels of pathogens and other pests in the turf grass
environment. Using pest-free seed, sprigs, or sod is a sanitation strategy. Careful
disposal of diseased clippings is another. So are cleaning and disinfecting tools and
equipment, and taking care to avoid spreading disease by foot traffic.
Why is the timing of a pesticide application important? - Answer-To be effective,
pesticides must be applied correctly and at the proper time and rate. In many cases,
pesticides need to be used at a certain stage in a pest's life cycle. Applying them too
early or too late is a waste of time and money. In addition, poorly timed applications
may pose a threat to the turf you intend to protect as well as to other organisms and the
environment.
Explain the difference between a preventative and a curative pesticide application. -
Answer-A preventative application is made before the problem appears. A curative
application is made after the problem is noticed.
, What is phytotoxicity? How can you recognize the problem? - Answer-Phytotoxicity is
injury or damage to a sensitive plant caused by a chemical exposure. Symptoms of
phytotoxicity include: death of rapidly growing tissues; stunting or delayed development;
misshapen or distorted stems, leaves, or fruits; russeting or bronzing of leaves or fruit;
dead spots or flecks on leaves, dead leaf tips or margins; and dead areas between leaf
veins.
You might suspect phytotoxicity if you see plant damage but no sign of pest presence.
Another warning sign is injury that occurs suddenly or over a short period of time that
does not spread from plant to plant. Consulting spray records might give you a clue if
pesticide use is causing phytotoxic effects. Records may document the use of a
pesticide near a sensitive plant showing signs of injury.
Describe some pesticide uses that might result in phytotoxicity. - Answer--Application of
a pesticide during adverse environmental conditions.
-Use of a pesticide contrary to label directions (ex. wrong side or wrong rate).
-Movement offsite from a target area to a sensitive area (ex. drift or runoff).
-Accumulation of persistent residues in the soil; or on the plant.
How can you avoid causing phytotoxicity when using pesticides? - Answer-Be certain
the plant you plan to treat is listed on the product label. Measure and prepare the
chemical carefully. Use the proper rate and application techniques. Follow label
directions for the number and timing of applications. Apply and store pesticides
according to label directions. Do not treat stressed plants. Direct pesticides to the target.
Do not allow offsite movement. Do not treat plants when they are subject to extreme
heat or cold.
How can you minimize clover mite injury? - Answer-One of the best ways to limit clover
mite injury is to provide adequate water to sites that have a high risk of injury. Watering
both suppresses winter mite populations and helps turfgrass to tolerate injury.
If you are going to apply a pesticide to control clover mites, would you use a spot or
broadcast treatment? Explain your answer. - Answer-Usually, clover mite damage is
limited to warm, dry areas along sun-exposed sides of buildings. Spot treatments are
effective when directed to sites clover mites use for feedinga nd egg laying. Areas to
treat include lower foundation walls and tree trunks as well as adjacent sun-exposed
turf. Spot applications reduce pesticide use.
How can you manage cutworms with minimal environmental impact? - Answer-When
possible, select a resistant endophyte-enhanced variety of fescue or ryegrass. Do not
mow turf any lower than 2.5 inches (6.25 cm). Remove clippings after mowing because
adult cutworm moths lay eggs at the tip of grass blades. If you use insecticides, apply
them late in the day because cutworm larvae feed at night. Consider using beneficial
nematodes, especially in sites where continual reinfestation occurs.
