Pesticide Applicator Certification Practice - C3

Red thread is a disease that affects turfgrass and some ornamental plants. It is characterized by the development of red, fiber-like material protruding from the end of cut leaves. This disease starts at the tip of the leaf and progresses downward, causing the affected areas to turn brown. Red thread is caused by the fungus Laetisaria fuciformis and is commonly found in cool, humid climates. It can be managed through proper lawn maintenance practices such as regular mowing, proper watering, and fertilization.

If an area beneath an interiorscape planting is darkened and sticky, it is likely due to an infestation of insects that produce honeydew. Honeydew is a sticky substance secreted by certain insects, such as aphids or scale insects, as they feed on plant sap. This sticky residue can accumulate on surfaces below the plants, causing them to become darkened and sticky. Therefore, the presence of darkened and sticky areas suggests that the planting has been infested by insects that produce honeydew.

Winter annual weeds are plants that germinate in the fall and complete their life cycle by flowering in the spring. This means that they grow during the winter months and are most active during this time. They are easier to control in the spring because they have not yet produced seeds or spread extensively. Unlike summer annuals, which germinate in the spring and complete their life cycle in the summer, winter annual weeds are more susceptible to control measures when they are actively growing in the spring.

A skunk-proof fence is designed to prevent skunks from digging under or climbing over it. By placing the fence 1 foot below the ground, it ensures that skunks cannot burrow underneath it. Additionally, by placing the fence 2 feet above the ground, it prevents skunks from jumping or climbing over it. This combination of placement effectively creates a barrier that skunks cannot easily breach, making it an effective solution for keeping skunks out.

Controlling the pests that produce honeydew is the best way to avoid sooty mold growth. Sooty mold is a black fungal growth that thrives on the honeydew secreted by insects such as aphids, scale insects, and whiteflies. By eliminating or reducing the population of these pests, there will be less honeydew available for the sooty mold to grow on. This can be achieved through various methods such as insecticides, natural predators, or cultural practices that discourage pest infestations.

A small, discolored, water-soaked spot on a limb usually indicates the beginning of a canker. Cankers are localized areas of dead tissue on a plant, often caused by fungal or bacterial infections. These infections can enter the plant through wounds or natural openings and cause the tissue to become discolored and water-soaked. As the infection progresses, the canker can expand and cause further damage to the plant, potentially leading to branch dieback or even death of the entire plant if left untreated. Therefore, it is important to identify and treat cankers early to prevent further spread and damage.

Placing shiny objects in the tree can help prevent squirrels from accessing it. Squirrels are attracted to shiny objects and may be deterred by their presence in the tree. This method creates a visual distraction for the squirrels, making them less likely to climb the tree. By diverting their attention elsewhere, the shiny objects can effectively discourage squirrels from approaching the tree and potentially causing damage.

Sawflies do not have sucking mouthparts. Sucking mouthparts are specialized structures that allow insects to extract fluids from plants or other organisms. Whiteflies, thrips, and aphids are all known for their sucking mouthparts, which they use to feed on plant sap. However, sawflies have chewing mouthparts instead, which they use to consume plant material by biting and chewing.

Dallisgrass is a perennial grass that can grow seed stalks several feet in height. This means that it produces tall flowering stems that contain seeds. The other options listed, yellow nutsedge, common bermudagrass, and crabgrass, do not typically grow seed stalks of this height. Therefore, dallisgrass is the correct answer.

Billbug larvae are similar in appearance to white grubs. This similarity can be attributed to their physical characteristics, such as their shape, size, and color. Both billbug larvae and white grubs are small, C-shaped, and have a white or off-white color. This resemblance might make it difficult to distinguish between the two without a closer examination. Additionally, both types of larvae are known to cause damage to plants and can be found in similar habitats, further supporting the similarity in appearance.

The best way to avoid disease problems of interiorscape plants is to install only disease-free plants. This ensures that the plants are not already infected with any diseases, reducing the risk of spreading them to other plants. By starting with healthy plants, the chances of disease problems occurring in the first place are minimized.

Frequently irrigating infected plants should not be done to prevent diseases caused by viruses. This is because viruses can be easily spread through water, and irrigating infected plants can potentially spread the virus to healthy plants. It is important to control insects that spread the diseases, practice good sanitation, and avoid wounding plants to prevent the spread of viral diseases.

Stem rots are more prevalent on herbaceous ornamentals because these plants have softer stems compared to fruit trees and pine trees. The softer stems are more susceptible to fungal and bacterial infections that cause stem rot. Additionally, herbaceous ornamentals are often grown in moist and humid conditions, which create favorable environments for the development of these diseases. In contrast, fruit trees and pine trees have tougher and more resistant stems, making them less prone to stem rot. Drought stress in plants can weaken their defense mechanisms, making them more susceptible to diseases, but it is not specifically mentioned that stem rot is more prevalent in plants under drought stress.

To improve one's chances of diagnosing a plant disease problem, it is not helpful to know the appropriate pesticide to apply. This is because the focus should be on correctly identifying the disease and determining its underlying causes, such as soil and weather conditions, rather than immediately resorting to pesticide application. Knowing the common name of the diseased plant, being prepared to take a plant sample, and being aware of the local soil and weather conditions are all important factors in accurately diagnosing and treating plant diseases.

Phytotoxicity refers to the harmful effects of certain substances on plants. It can result in various symptoms such as abnormal growth, leaf drop, and foliar burn. However, holes in leaves are not typically associated with phytotoxicity. This could be caused by other factors such as insect damage or diseases.

Rat snakes are protected by law and cannot be killed without permission. This is because rat snakes play an important role in controlling rodent populations, making them beneficial for ecosystems and agriculture. Killing rat snakes without permission could disrupt the natural balance and lead to an increase in rodent populations. Therefore, it is necessary to obtain permission before killing rat snakes.

Thrips are small, slender insects that feed on plants by piercing and sucking the sap from the leaves. Their feeding can cause damage to the foliage, resulting in streaked and silver-colored leaves. Therefore, the presence of streaked, silver foliage is a characteristic symptom of thrips feeding.

Yellow nutsedge is a type of weed that is commonly mistaken for a grass due to its similar appearance. It has solid, triangular stems and underground tubers that allow it to reproduce and spread rapidly. However, one characteristic that is not associated with yellow nutsedge is the production of yellow flowers. This is what sets it apart from other plants and helps in its identification.

White grubs and cutworms are the two most important groups of pests damaging turf in Tennessee. These pests can cause significant damage to the grass by feeding on the roots and stems, leading to yellowing, thinning, and even death of the turf. White grubs are the larvae of beetles and can be particularly destructive, while cutworms are caterpillars that cut off the seedlings at the soil level. Controlling these pests is crucial for maintaining healthy turf in Tennessee.

If a mimosa tree is diagnosed with a severe case of vascular wilt, the best solution is to remove the tree, including roots. Vascular wilt is a serious fungal disease that affects the plant's water-conducting tissues, causing wilting and eventually death. Once the disease has progressed to a severe stage, it is difficult to control and eradicate. Removing the entire tree, including the roots, is necessary to prevent the spread of the disease to other plants in the vicinity. Pruning out the diseased parts or treating with a fungicide may not be effective in controlling the disease at this stage.

Chinch bugs are the cause of yellowish spots on grass stems. These insects feed on the sap of grass plants, causing damage that appears as yellowish spots. They have piercing mouthparts that they use to extract the sap, leading to discoloration and weakening of the grass. Chinch bugs are commonly found in lawns and can cause significant damage if left untreated.

The best way to determine if nematodes are causing a plant problem is to have the roots and soil near the roots assayed. This involves taking samples of the roots and soil and sending them to a laboratory for analysis. Assaying the roots and soil can help identify the presence and concentration of nematodes, providing valuable information about the potential cause of the plant problem. This method allows for a more accurate diagnosis and can guide appropriate treatment or management strategies to address the nematode infestation.

Using buffer zones around water bodies is crucial for preventing pesticide contamination of water sources. Buffer zones are areas of vegetation or designated no-spray zones that help filter and reduce pesticide runoff into streams, lakes, and other water bodies. Applying pesticides during windy conditions, mixing pesticides near water sources, and storing pesticides in open containers increase the risk of contamination and are practices to be avoided.

Replacing potting medium weekly is not a suitable method for managing interiorscape plant diseases. Proper fertilization, proper irrigation and drainage, and sanitation are effective practices for disease management. Replacing the potting medium weekly would not address the underlying causes of plant diseases and may disrupt the plant's root system, leading to further stress and susceptibility to diseases.

Armyworms and cutworms are similar in that they are moth larvae. This means that they both go through a similar life cycle, starting as eggs laid by a moth and then hatching into larvae. Despite their different names, armyworms and cutworms are both types of moth larvae and share this common characteristic. This is what makes them similar to each other.

Goosegrass is the correct answer because it is known for having distinct silver or white centers on its stems. This characteristic sets it apart from the other grasses listed, such as dallisgrass, crabgrass, and annua bluegrass, which do not typically have this feature.

Sawfly larvae can be distinguished from caterpillars by their number of prolegs. While caterpillars have five or fewer pairs of prolegs, sawfly larvae have six or more pairs of prolegs. Prolegs are fleshy, leg-like structures found on the abdomen of larvae that help them with movement. This physical characteristic is a key feature in differentiating between sawfly larvae and caterpillars.

The correct answer is that the leaves of curly dock are much narrower than those of broadleaf dock. This means that when comparing the two plants, the leaves of curly dock will appear thinner and more elongated compared to the broader leaves of broadleaf dock.

Bluegrass is the correct answer because it is the only turfgrass host of powdery mildew in Tennessee. This means that powdery mildew can infect and thrive on bluegrass, but not on tall fescue, bentgrass, or zoysiagrass.

A fumigant is not effective in controlling voles because it involves the use of gases or fumes to kill pests, which is not suitable for controlling burrowing rodents like voles. Toxicants, anticoagulants, and baited snap traps are all effective methods for controlling voles as they target the rodents directly or lure them into traps. However, fumigants are not designed to reach voles in their underground burrows, making them ineffective in controlling this particular pest.

Leafhoppers have sucking mouthparts. They use their specialized mouthparts to pierce plant tissues and feed on the sap. This allows them to extract nutrients from the plants they feed on. Billbugs, earwigs, and mole crickets do not have sucking mouthparts. Billbugs have chewing mouthparts, earwigs have chewing and biting mouthparts, and mole crickets have chewing mouthparts adapted for digging.

Installing repellent fences is often the most reliable method to reduce deer damage, especially in areas where hunting is restricted. Repellent fences create a physical barrier that prevents deer from accessing crops, gardens, and vegetation. Single-strand fences and noise deterrents may offer temporary relief but are less effective over time. Offering alternative food sources can sometimes attract more deer, worsening the problem. Repellent fences, when properly installed and maintained, provide long-term protection by discouraging deer from entering protected areas, thereby minimizing damage.

Spurges are known to produce a milky, acrid sap that can cause skin irritation. This sap contains chemicals called phorbol esters, which can cause a burning or stinging sensation on contact with the skin. It is important to handle spurges with caution to avoid any skin reactions or allergies.

Dead spots that reoccur and expand in the same area for three to four years in bermudagrass is a characteristic of spring dead spot.

Leaf rust is a fungal disease that affects grass blades, causing the formation of pustules. These pustules contain spores that can be easily rubbed off by hand. This characteristic distinguishes leaf rust from other options such as slime mold, red thread, and Pythium blight, which do not produce pustules or release spores in the same manner.

The given answer, "it is a perennial," does not describe Carolina geranium. Perennial plants are those that live for more than two years, and Carolina geranium is not one of them. Therefore, this statement is not applicable to Carolina geranium.

Pruning out diseased branches is the best way to prevent the fire blight bacterium from overwintering. By removing the infected branches, the bacteria's habitat is reduced, limiting its ability to survive and spread. This practice helps to control the disease and prevent its recurrence in the following seasons. Spraying the ground with a bactericide, treating the roots with a fungicide drench, and removing fallen fruit may have some beneficial effects, but they are not as effective as pruning in directly targeting and eliminating the source of the bacteria.

Sod webworm damage does not cause the turf to appear ragged. Instead, sod webworm damage typically results in irregular patches of brown turf. The damaged areas may have silk tubes produced in the thatch, and the first sign of damage is usually the presence of baseball-sized, brown patches of turf. Damage from sod webworms usually occurs between May and September.

Insecticidal soap is not considered a type of biorational control because it is a chemical pesticide derived from natural sources, such as plant oils. Biorational controls are typically non-chemical methods that are environmentally friendly and target specific pests, such as neem insecticide, ladybird beetles, and Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). These biorational controls work by disrupting the pest's life cycle or by using natural predators to control the pest population. Insecticidal soap, on the other hand, works by suffocating or dehydrating the pests and does not fit the definition of biorational control.

The color of the pesticide container is irrelevant to its effectiveness or suitability for a particular application. The key factors to consider include the target pest (ensuring the pesticide is effective against the intended pest), the application site (considering environmental factors and potential non-target impacts), and the pesticide formulation (choosing the appropriate type of product for the application method and target site).

Helminthosporium is the correct answer because it is a disease that produces small, purple-to-reddish-brown circular lesions on grass blades. These lesions can enlarge and girdle the leaf, causing damage to the grass. Red thread, stripe smut, and brown blade are not diseases that produce these specific symptoms.

Henbit is a winter annual weed because it germinates in the fall, grows throughout the winter, and then produces flowers and seeds in the spring before dying off in the summer. This weed prefers cool temperatures and is commonly found in lawns, gardens, and agricultural fields. Its ability to complete its life cycle within a year makes it a winter annual.

The statement "insect or mite galls can be chemically controlled after gall development" is not true. Insect or mite galls are abnormal growths on plants caused by the feeding or egg-laying activities of insects or mites. Once the gall has developed, it is difficult to control or eliminate through chemical means. The most effective way to manage galls is through cultural practices such as pruning affected plant parts or promoting plant health to reduce susceptibility to gall formation.

Fumigating their burrows is not an effective way to control chipmunks. Fumigation involves using toxic chemicals or gases to kill pests, but chipmunks are agile and can easily escape from their burrows when they sense danger. Additionally, fumigating their burrows can have harmful effects on the environment and other non-target organisms. Therefore, alternative methods such as exclusion, trapping, or shooting are more effective in controlling chipmunks.

Spring treatments do not give the best control for white grub control. This means that there are other treatments or timings that are more effective in controlling white grubs than treatments done in the spring.

The spread of fireblight is most rapid when susceptible plants are in bloom because this bacterial disease primarily infects blossoms and young shoots. During the blooming period, the bacteria can easily enter the plant through the open flowers and rapidly multiply, causing extensive damage. Additionally, the warm and humid conditions typically present during this time create an ideal environment for the bacteria to thrive and spread. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor susceptible plants closely during the blooming period to prevent and control the spread of fireblight.

Slime mold is not a true pathogen of turfgrass. While white patch, dollar patch, and stripe smut are all fungal diseases that can cause damage to turfgrass, slime mold is not a pathogenic organism. Slime mold is a type of protist that feeds on decaying organic matter and does not directly harm turfgrass. Therefore, slime mold is not considered a true pathogen of turfgrass.

Knotweed is often found in high traffic areas because it is a resilient and hardy weed that can tolerate compacted soil and heavy foot traffic. It has a prostrate growth habit, meaning it spreads horizontally close to the ground, allowing it to thrive in areas where it is constantly trampled upon. Knotweed is also known for its rapid growth rate, which enables it to quickly colonize disturbed areas such as sidewalks, driveways, and pathways that experience high levels of human activity.

Treating after hours or on weekends when applying pesticides indoors helps to avoid causing an odor problem. This is because there are fewer people present during these times, reducing the risk of discomfort or health issues caused by the strong smell of the pesticides. By choosing these times, the chances of complaints or negative effects on indoor air quality are minimized.

Crown gall is caused by bacteria. Bacteria known as Agrobacterium tumefaciens infects the plant and causes the formation of tumors or galls on the crown, roots, or stems. These bacteria are able to transfer a portion of their DNA into the plant cells, which leads to the production of certain compounds that stimulate the growth of the tumor. This condition can affect a wide range of plants and is commonly spread through contaminated soil or plant material.

Galls on cedar and leaf spots on apple are caused by rust disease. Rust disease is a fungal infection that affects plants, causing discoloration and the formation of small, raised spots or galls on the leaves. This disease is commonly found in cedar and apple trees and can be identified by the characteristic orange or brown spores that appear on the affected areas. It is important to treat rust disease promptly to prevent further damage to the plants.

Crabgrass is a summer annual that reproduces by seed and by underground tuber. The statement "it reproduces by seed and by underground tuber" is true, so it cannot be the answer.

Preventative bactericide applications are not a cultural management technique for fungal diseases. Cultural management techniques primarily focus on modifying cultural practices to prevent or reduce the occurrence of fungal diseases. Removing and destroying diseased plant parts helps to prevent the spread of fungal spores. Using disease-resistant cultivars involves selecting plant varieties that are naturally resistant to fungal diseases. Proper irrigation techniques, such as avoiding overhead watering and promoting good drainage, can help prevent the development of fungal diseases. However, preventative bactericide applications are a chemical control method rather than a cultural management technique.

Fusarium patch is a disease that typically occurs in cold, wet weather conditions, often developing under snow or leaf cover. This fungal disease affects turfgrass and causes circular patches of dead or dying grass. The symptoms include yellow or brown patches with a pinkish or purplish coloration at the outer edges. Fusarium patch thrives in cool and moist environments, making it more prevalent during the winter and early spring months. It can be managed through cultural practices such as improving drainage, reducing thatch buildup, and avoiding excessive nitrogen fertilization.

The correct answer is white patch. White patch is a disease that causes small, white mushrooms to appear on grass blades. These mushrooms are a characteristic symptom of the disease and are caused by fungal infection. The white patches may also appear on the grass blades, giving the disease its name. This disease can be detrimental to the health and appearance of the grass, and proper management and treatment are necessary to control its spread.

Common chickweed is a broadleaf winter annual that has egg-shaped leaves and small, white flowers with deeply notched petals. This description matches the characteristics of common chickweed, making it the correct answer. Henbit and mousear chickweed are also winter annuals, but they have different leaf and flower characteristics. White clover is a perennial with different leaf and flower shapes.

Red streaks on leaves is not a symptom of Pythium blight. Pythium blight is a fungal disease that affects turfgrass and causes water-soaked, soft and slimy leaves, along with the presence of cottony mycelium. The shape of the diseased area following the drainage pattern is also a characteristic symptom of Pythium blight. However, red streaks on leaves are not typically associated with this disease.

Leaf buds being distorted is not a symptom of a vascular wilt disease. Vascular wilt diseases typically cause symptoms such as discolored streaks in the wood of affected branches, wilting and dying back of individual limbs and branches, and the initial effect being on only one side of the plant. Distorted leaf buds are more commonly associated with other types of plant diseases or disorders.

Shothole-type symptoms are caused by bacteria leaf spots. Bacteria leaf spots are a common plant disease caused by various types of bacteria. These bacteria infect the leaves of plants, causing small, round spots that resemble shotholes. The spots may start out as water-soaked lesions and eventually turn brown or black. Bacteria leaf spots can affect a wide range of plants and are often spread through splashing water or contaminated tools. Proper sanitation and cultural practices can help prevent and manage this disease.

Stripe smut is a fungal disease that affects plants. The given statement that is not true about stripe smut is that it spreads rapidly during periods of high temperature. This means that high temperature does not contribute to the rapid spread of stripe smut. The other statements are true about stripe smut: it is most noticeable in spring and fall, leaves split lengthwise to reveal black spore masses, and proper fertilization and infrequent, deep watering help infected plants.

Fungicides are used to control fungal diseases, not nematodes. Nematodes are typically managed through other means, such as improving soil drainage, using resistant turf cultivars, and, in some cases, using nematicides (not fungicides) like copper sulfate.