Ornamental And Turfgrass Pest Management
Questions And Answers
List the four basic principles of Integrated Pest management. ANS 1. Produce healthy plants that resist
pests
2. Identify the problem
3. Expect some pests and tolerate some damage
4. Use pesticides as last choice- not a first choice
Name four tools or techniques that you could use to study a plant problem as you look for pests. ANS 1.
Use a hand lens
2. carry an index card
3. Recognize indicator plants
4. Keep records
Explain why pesticide application should be the last choice in pest management. ANS Pests can become
immune; can harm people and pets and environment.
Describe strategies that delay development of pesticide resistance. ANS Choose alternative pesticides, use
only when needed.
Identify your geographic region. ANS Piedmont.
List at least four of the major cool-season grasses. ANS 1. Creeping bentgrass, 2. Tall fescue, 3. Fine
fescues (Creeping red, Hard, Chewings), 4. Perennial ryegrass, 5. Kentucky bluegrass.
List at least four of the major warm-season grasses. ANS 1. Bermudagrass (common, hybrid), 2.
Centipedegrass, 3. Bahiagrass, 4. St. Augustinegrass, 5. Zoysiagrass, 6. Seashore paspalum, 7. Carpetgrass
Identify three site problems that could contribute to poor turf stands and pest problems. ANS 1. Compact
soils, 2. Shade, 3. Reduced air flow (fences, trees, outbuildings)
, Identify four mistakes in turf plant management that could contribute to poor turf stands and pest problems.
ANS 1. Mowing too short, 2. Mowing with dull blades, 3.Too much fertilizer (creates thatch), 4. Too much
water
Explain the difference between complete and gradual metamorphosis. ANS Gradual metamorphosis-
insects look like small adult versions. Complete metamorphosis- look very different than adults, become pupae
and change into adults.
Describe chinch bug damage to turf. ANS Circular patches of yellowing turf that resembles drought injury.
Identify four pests that might cause root damage to turf. ANS Japanese beetle, Green Jun Beetle, Masked
Chafer, Oriental
Beetle, Mole Cricket.
Explain how frequent mowing impacts fire ants. ANS Forces colonies to less disturbed areas. More
mowing, less time to form colonies.
Describe three ways to find turf insects in the soil. ANS 1. Inspect the turf, 2. Soap and water flush, 3.
Flotation
Explain the role of traps in monitoring turf insects. ANS 1. Predict when damage could occur, 2. See
amount/number of insects to determine control methods.
Describe four pest-control problems caused by a thick thatch layer. ANS 1. Winter shelter for pests, 2.
Creates humidity zone for sod webworms, cutworms, and chinch bugs. 3. Billbug larvae and white grubs feed
on thatch. 4. Hinders movement of pesticides and bio controls. 5. Prevent irrigation/rain from reaching the soil,
won't wet in pesticides.
Describe three types of organisms used in biological control of turf insects. ANS 1. Predators- seek out
prey and attack them, 2. Parasites- wasps paralyze them,use as food for larvae. Parasitic nematodes kills sod
webworms, cutworms, billbugs, and white grubs. 3. Pathogens-bacterial and fungal diseases; special handling
required.
Explain why some insecticide formulations should be watered in. ANS Irrigation before pesticide is
applied will move insects closer to the soil surface, to be exposed.
Questions And Answers
List the four basic principles of Integrated Pest management. ANS 1. Produce healthy plants that resist
pests
2. Identify the problem
3. Expect some pests and tolerate some damage
4. Use pesticides as last choice- not a first choice
Name four tools or techniques that you could use to study a plant problem as you look for pests. ANS 1.
Use a hand lens
2. carry an index card
3. Recognize indicator plants
4. Keep records
Explain why pesticide application should be the last choice in pest management. ANS Pests can become
immune; can harm people and pets and environment.
Describe strategies that delay development of pesticide resistance. ANS Choose alternative pesticides, use
only when needed.
Identify your geographic region. ANS Piedmont.
List at least four of the major cool-season grasses. ANS 1. Creeping bentgrass, 2. Tall fescue, 3. Fine
fescues (Creeping red, Hard, Chewings), 4. Perennial ryegrass, 5. Kentucky bluegrass.
List at least four of the major warm-season grasses. ANS 1. Bermudagrass (common, hybrid), 2.
Centipedegrass, 3. Bahiagrass, 4. St. Augustinegrass, 5. Zoysiagrass, 6. Seashore paspalum, 7. Carpetgrass
Identify three site problems that could contribute to poor turf stands and pest problems. ANS 1. Compact
soils, 2. Shade, 3. Reduced air flow (fences, trees, outbuildings)
, Identify four mistakes in turf plant management that could contribute to poor turf stands and pest problems.
ANS 1. Mowing too short, 2. Mowing with dull blades, 3.Too much fertilizer (creates thatch), 4. Too much
water
Explain the difference between complete and gradual metamorphosis. ANS Gradual metamorphosis-
insects look like small adult versions. Complete metamorphosis- look very different than adults, become pupae
and change into adults.
Describe chinch bug damage to turf. ANS Circular patches of yellowing turf that resembles drought injury.
Identify four pests that might cause root damage to turf. ANS Japanese beetle, Green Jun Beetle, Masked
Chafer, Oriental
Beetle, Mole Cricket.
Explain how frequent mowing impacts fire ants. ANS Forces colonies to less disturbed areas. More
mowing, less time to form colonies.
Describe three ways to find turf insects in the soil. ANS 1. Inspect the turf, 2. Soap and water flush, 3.
Flotation
Explain the role of traps in monitoring turf insects. ANS 1. Predict when damage could occur, 2. See
amount/number of insects to determine control methods.
Describe four pest-control problems caused by a thick thatch layer. ANS 1. Winter shelter for pests, 2.
Creates humidity zone for sod webworms, cutworms, and chinch bugs. 3. Billbug larvae and white grubs feed
on thatch. 4. Hinders movement of pesticides and bio controls. 5. Prevent irrigation/rain from reaching the soil,
won't wet in pesticides.
Describe three types of organisms used in biological control of turf insects. ANS 1. Predators- seek out
prey and attack them, 2. Parasites- wasps paralyze them,use as food for larvae. Parasitic nematodes kills sod
webworms, cutworms, billbugs, and white grubs. 3. Pathogens-bacterial and fungal diseases; special handling
required.
Explain why some insecticide formulations should be watered in. ANS Irrigation before pesticide is
applied will move insects closer to the soil surface, to be exposed.
