Ornamental/Turf Pesticide Applicator's License Exam Study Guide with Complete Solutions

What are some of the basic principles of Integrated pest management? - ANSWER-1.) PREVENTION: Produce healthy plants that resist plants: (Selecting healthy plants, using certified seed, providing good growing conditions, and making a good match between the plant and the site) 2.) MONITOR AND IDENTIFY THE PEST: Identify the problem: (Finding out whether the damage to a particular plant is caused by a pest or by an environmental condition such as freezing or drought and always determine the exact pest that you are dealing with) 3.) SET ACTION THRESHOLDS: Expect some pests and tolerate some damage: (Deciding how many pests and how much damage to tolerate) 4.) CONTROL: Use pesticides as a last choice-Not a first choice What are 4 tools or techniques that you could use to study a plant problem as you look for pests? - ANSWER-1.) Keep records 2.) Use a hand lens 3.) Learn about symptoms 4.) Carry an index card What are 2 kinds of drift? - ANSWER-1.) Particle drift: (The movement of fine particles (droplets or dust) through the air while the pesticide is being applied) 2.) Vapor drift: (The movement of the pesticide in the form of a gas or vapor during or after application) What is a Buffer? - ANSWER-This is the non treated zone between the area to be treated and sensitive areas such as ponds, streams, wells, and drains What is a Re-entry period? - ANSWER-The length of time that must pass before anyone can enter a treated area Resistance to pesticides come from... - ANSWER-Using the same pesticides over and over again What will happen to Pesticides in the soil over time? - ANSWER-They are eventually broken down by bacteria and fungi When should you apply a pesticide? - ANSWER-When pests are abundant enough cause unacceptable damage What hand lens magnification is recommended for insect identification? - ANSWER-5 power to 10 power What should you do in an IPM program? - ANSWER-Produce healthy plants that can resist pests Why should pesticide application be the last choice in pest management? - ANSWER-Because they are labeled for use only on specific pests and types of plants and because it is safer to use other controls What is Integrated pest management (IPM) ? - ANSWER-It is an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest management that relies on a combination of common-sense practices. IPM programs use current, comprehensive information on the life cycles of pests and their interaction with the environment What is Phytotoxicity? - ANSWER-A toxic effect by a compound on plant growth What is Pesticide breakdown? - ANSWER-The breakdown of pesticides into non-toxic substances from bacteria and fungi in the soil What is a Threshold? - ANSWER-A point at which pest populations or environmental conditions indicate that pest control action must be taken What are the strategies that delay the development of pesticide resistance? - ANSWER-Using a pesticide only when needed and choosing alternative pesticides from different chemical classes What is an Indicator plant? - ANSWER-Plants that can indicate the onset of a pest infestation What does proper mowing mean? - ANSWER-Using sharp mower blades to make a clean cut What do you need to do to promote healthy turf and reduce disease? - ANSWER-Water thoroughly when you first see wilting What should you do when fertilizing? - ANSWER-Determine fertilizer need through results of a soil test Cool-season cultivars... - ANSWER-Can be mixed to minimize disease What does good soil drainage do? - ANSWER-Promotes healthy turfgrass What are the 3 major geographical regions in the southeastern U.S.? - ANSWER-1.) Mountains: (Cool-season grasses)