Turf & Ornamental Exam Questions And
Correct Answers With Rationales
2025|2026 Q&A
1. Which of the following is a pre-emergent herbicide commonly used on
turfgrass?
A. Glyphosate
B. Pendimethalin
C. 2,4-D
D. Triclopyr
Pendimethalin is a pre-emergent herbicide that inhibits weed seed
germination.
2. What is the main mode of action of glyphosate?
A. Photosynthesis inhibitor
B. Cell membrane disruptor
, C. EPSP synthase inhibitor
D. Seedling growth regulator
Glyphosate inhibits the EPSP synthase enzyme, preventing amino
acid synthesis in plants.
3. Which turfgrass disease is caused by the fungus Rhizoctonia solani?
A. Dollar spot
B. Powdery mildew
C. Brown patch
D. Leaf spot
Brown patch is caused by Rhizoctonia solani, often during warm,
humid conditions.
4. When applying pesticides near water bodies, what is the most
important consideration?
A. Application rate
B. Buffer zones
C. Mixing procedure
D. Spray nozzle type
Buffer zones reduce the risk of pesticide contamination of water
bodies.
5. What is the primary purpose of a surfactant in pesticide applications?
A. Kill weeds
B. Increase evaporation
C. Reduce drift
, D. Improve pesticide coverage and absorption
Surfactants reduce surface tension, helping pesticides spread and
penetrate plant surfaces.
6. Which of the following weeds is considered a broadleaf weed in turf?
A. Crabgrass
B. Dandelion
C. Annual bluegrass
D. Quackgrass
Dandelion is a broadleaf weed commonly found in lawns.
7. Which insect pest is known to create “dead patches” in turfgrass by
feeding on roots?
A. Aphids
B. White grubs
C. Chinch bugs
D. Sod webworms
Chinch bugs feed on turfgrass by sucking sap, causing localized dead
patches.
8. What is the primary method to prevent pesticide resistance in weeds?
A. Increase application rate
B. Apply only once per season
C. Rotate modes of action
D. Apply more frequently
, Rotating herbicide modes of action reduces the selection pressure for
resistant weed populations.
9. Which Of The Following Is A Common Fungal Disease In Ornamentals?
A. Nematodes
B. Powdery Mildew
C. Aphids
D. Slugs
Powdery Mildew Affects Many Ornamental Plants And Appears As A
White, Powdery Coating On Leaves.
10. The Label Requirement For Personal Protective Equipment
(PPE) Is Legally Binding Under Which Federal Law?
A. Clean Water Act
B. Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, And Rodenticide Act (FIFRA)
C. Endangered Species Act
D. Food Quality Protection Act
FIFRA Requires Adherence To Pesticide Label Instructions, Including
PPE.
11. Which Application Technique Is Most Effective For
Controlling Deep-Rooted Perennial Weeds In Ornamentals?
A. Foliar Spray
B. Soil Drench
C. Broadcast Spray
D. Aerial Application