A turf manager observes irregular, dollar-spot-sized patches of blighted grass
that coalesce into large areas. Roots and crowns are dark and rotted, and the
disease is most severe in poorly drained, compacted areas. Which pathogen is
most likely responsible?
A. Sclerotinia homoeocarpa (dollar spot)
B. Rhizoctonia solani (brown patch)
C. Gaeumannomyces graminis var. avenae (take-all patch)
D. Pythium aphanidermatum (Pythium blight)
Correct Answer: C - Gaeumannomyces graminis var. avenae
(take-all patch)
RATIONALE
Take-all patch causes dark, rotted roots and crowns, and is favored by
poor drainage and compaction. Dollar spot produces smaller, distinct
lesions; brown patch causes foliar blighting without root rot; Pythium
blight causes rapid, greasy blighting in hot, wet conditions.
Question 2
When calibrating a boom sprayer for turf applications, the nozzle flow rate is
0.5 GPM per nozzle, nozzle spacing is 20 inches, and the sprayer travels at 3
mph. What is the application rate in gallons per acre (GPA)?
A. 20 GPA
B. 40 GPA
C. 50 GPA
D. 60 GPA
Correct Answer: B - 40 GPA
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, RATIONALE
GPA = (5940 × GPM) / (mph × spacing in inches). Here: (5940 × 0.5) /
(3 × 20) = = 49.5, approximately 50 GPA. However, the
closest option is 40 GPA, indicating a possible calculation error; the
correct formula yields ~50 GPA. The correct answer is B if using a
different constant, but standard formula gives 50 GPA. To align with
options, B is selected as the closest after re-evaluation with a different
constant? Actually, standard formula: GPA = (GPM × 5940) / (mph ×
W). W = 20 inches. 5940×0.5=2970; 3×20=60; 2970/60=49.5 50
GPA. Thus C is correct. The answer is C.
Question 3
Which of the following statements best describes the concept of 'environmental
fate' as it relates to pesticide selection for turfgrass?
A. The speed at which a pesticide degrades under sunlight.
B. The movement and transformation of a pesticide after application,
including adsorption, leaching, volatilization, and degradation.
C. The toxicity of a pesticide to non-target organisms.
D. The ability of a pesticide to control the target pest.
Correct Answer: B - The movement and transformation of a
pesticide after application, including adsorption, leaching,
volatilization, and degradation.
RATIONALE
Environmental fate encompasses all processes that determine where a
pesticide goes and what happens to it, including adsorption, leaching,
volatilization, and degradation. The other options describe specific
aspects like photodegradation, ecotoxicity, or efficacy, not the full
concept.
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, Question 4
A client wants to control white grubs in a lawn using a neonicotinoid
insecticide. Which of the following application timing strategies would be
most effective and environmentally responsible?
A. Apply in early spring when grubs are small and near the surface.
B. Apply in late summer when eggs are hatching and young larvae are
feeding near the soil surface.
C. Apply in late fall when grubs are large and deep in the soil.
D. Apply in mid-summer when adults are flying.
Correct Answer: B - Apply in late summer when eggs are
hatching and young larvae are feeding near the soil surface.
RATIONALE
Neonicotinoids are most effective against young grubs when they are
actively feeding near the surface, which occurs in late summer. Spring
applications target large grubs that are less susceptible and may
require higher rates. Fall applications miss the vulnerable stage, and
adult control is not the target.
Question 5
Which of the following is a key requirement of the Virginia Pesticide Control
Act regarding the storage and disposal of pesticides?
A. Pesticides must be stored in a locked cabinet away from food and feed.
B. Pesticides can be stored in any convenient location as long as they are
in original containers.
C. Empty pesticide containers may be reused for other purposes if
thoroughly rinsed.
D. Pesticides can be disposed of in regular trash if diluted.
Correct Answer: A - Pesticides must be stored in a locked cabinet
away from food and feed.
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