Iha Education November Webinar - Becker Underwood

Explanation
The best time to apply nematodes is during dusk, on a rainy day, or early in the morning. Nematodes are microscopic organisms that can be used as biological control agents to target pests in the soil. Applying nematodes during dusk or early morning ensures that they are protected from the heat and UV radiation, which can reduce their effectiveness. On a rainy day, the soil is moist, providing optimal conditions for nematodes to move and infect pests. Therefore, applying nematodes during any of these times increases the chances of successful pest control.

Explanation
Nematodes are microscopic organisms that are sensitive to extreme temperatures. The given answer, 90 degrees, suggests that nematodes expire at this temperature. This is likely because high temperatures can cause the proteins and enzymes within the nematodes to denature, leading to their death. Lower temperatures may also be harmful to nematodes, but the answer options do not include any temperatures below 90 degrees. Therefore, the correct answer is 90 degrees.

Explanation
All of the above options, drench, foliar, and dip, can give good thrips control when applied with nematodes. Drench application involves applying nematodes directly to the soil, where they can target thrips in the root zone. Foliar application involves spraying nematodes onto the foliage, allowing them to target thrips on the leaves. Dip application involves immersing plants or plant parts in a solution containing nematodes, which can effectively control thrips. Therefore, all three types of application methods can provide effective thrips control when used with nematodes.

Explanation
All of the above mesh size screens must be removed for a nematode application. This is because nematodes are microscopic organisms and can easily pass through screens with larger mesh sizes. Therefore, to ensure that the nematodes are not filtered out during the application process, screens with mesh sizes of 50, 100, and 200 should all be removed. Additionally, it is stated that none of the screens need to be removed, indicating that the correct answer is indeed "All of the above".

Explanation
The REI (Re-entry Interval) refers to the amount of time that must pass after a pesticide application before workers can safely re-enter the treated area without protective equipment. In this case, the correct answer of "Zero hours" suggests that there is no required waiting time after applying the pesticide for nematodes. Therefore, workers can immediately re-enter the treated area without any risk or need for protective measures.

Explanation
Nematodes are not harmful to human or animal consumption. While some nematodes can be parasitic and cause diseases in plants or animals, not all nematodes are harmful. In fact, many nematodes are beneficial and play important roles in ecosystems, such as decomposing organic matter and controlling pest populations. Therefore, the statement that nematodes are harmful to human or animal consumption is false.

Explanation
The proper spray interval for maximum thrips control using a foliar application is 7 days. This means that the spray should be applied once every week in order to effectively control thrips. Applying the spray too frequently may lead to unnecessary chemical exposure and potential harm to the plants, while applying it less frequently may not provide adequate control of thrips. Therefore, a 7-day interval strikes a balance between controlling thrips and minimizing potential risks.

Explanation
The effectiveness of nematodes on western flower thrips is increased by the use of a surfactant. A surfactant is a substance that helps to reduce the surface tension of water, allowing it to spread more easily and penetrate the thrips' protective coatings. By using a surfactant, the nematodes can more effectively come into contact with and infect the thrips, leading to better control of the pest population. Fertilization, wind, and PGR's do not have the same effect on the effectiveness of nematodes in controlling western flower thrips.

Explanation
The grower should change from Sprint 330 to Sprint 138 at a pH level of 7. This is because pH 7 is considered neutral, and it is the point where the solution is neither acidic nor alkaline. Therefore, it is the ideal pH level for transitioning between these two products.

Explanation
After a western flower thrips application, foliage should remain moist for at least 2 hours. This is important because the moisture helps the insecticide to adhere to the foliage and be effective in controlling the thrips. If the foliage dries too quickly, the insecticide may not have enough time to work properly. Therefore, it is recommended to ensure that the foliage remains moist for at least 2 hours after the application.