Ornamental and Turfgrass Pest Management Questions and Answers 100% Correct!

List the four basic principles of Integrated Pest management. - ANSWER-1. Produce healthy plants that resist pests 2. Identify the problem 3. Expect some pests and tolerate some damage 4. Use pesticides as last choice- not a first choice Name four tools or techniques that you could use to study a plant problem as you look for pests. - ANSWER-1. Use a hand lens 2. carry an index card 3. Recognize indicator plants 4. Keep records Explain why pesticide application should be the last choice in pest management. - ANSWER-Pests can become immune; can harm people and pets and environment. Describe strategies that delay development of pesticide resistance. - ANSWER-Choose alternative pesticides, use only when needed. Identify your geographic region. - ANSWER-Piedmont. List at least four of the major cool-season grasses. - ANSWER-1. Creeping bentgrass, 2. Tall fescue, 3. Fine fescues (Creeping red, Hard, Chewings), 4. Perennial ryegrass, 5. Kentucky bluegrass. List at least four of the major warm-season grasses. - ANSWER-1. Bermudagrass (common, hybrid), 2. Centipedegrass, 3. Bahiagrass, 4. St. Augustinegrass, 5. Zoysiagrass, 6. Seashore paspalum, 7. Carpetgrass Identify three site problems that could contribute to poor turf stands and pest problems. - ANSWER-1. Compact soils, 2. Shade, 3. Reduced air flow (fences, trees, outbuildings) Identify four mistakes in turf plant management that could contribute to poor turf stands and pest problems. - ANSWER-1. Mowing too short, 2. Mowing with dull blades, 3.Too much fertilizer (creates thatch), 4. Too much water Explain the difference between complete and gradual metamorphosis. - ANSWER-Gradual metamorphosis- insects look like small adult versions. Complete metamorphosis- look very different than adults, become pupae and change into adults. Describe chinch bug damage to turf. - ANSWER-Circular patches of yellowing turf that resembles drought injury. Identify four pests that might cause root damage to turf. - ANSWER-Japanese beetle, Green Jun Beetle, Masked Chafer, Oriental Beetle, Mole Cricket. Explain how frequent mowing impacts fire ants. - ANSWER-Forces colonies to less disturbed areas. More mowing, less time to form colonies. Describe three ways to find turf insects in the soil. - ANSWER-1. Inspect the turf, 2. Soap and water flush, 3. Flotation Explain the role of traps in monitoring turf insects. - ANSWER-1. Predict when damage could occur, 2. See amount/number of insects to determine control methods. Describe four pest-control problems caused by a thick thatch layer. - ANSWER-1. Winter shelter for pests, 2. Creates humidity zone for sod webworms, cutworms, and chinch bugs. 3. Billbug larvae and white grubs feed on thatch. 4. Hinders movement of pesticides and bio controls. 5. Prevent irrigation/rain from reaching the soil, won't wet in pesticides. Describe three types of organisms used in biological control of turf insects. - ANSWER-1. Predators- seek out prey and attack them, 2. Parasites- wasps paralyze them,use as food for larvae. Parasitic nematodes kills sod webworms, cutworms, billbugs, and white grubs. 3. Pathogens-bacterial and fungal diseases; special handling required. Explain why some insecticide formulations should be watered in. - ANSWER-Irrigation before pesticide is applied will move insects closer to the soil surface, to be exposed. Explain why a granular formulation would be used on a site without irrigation. - ANSWER-They last longer than liquid formulations while waiting for rain. Describe cultural management practices that will reduce weed problems in turf. - ANSWER-Plant a species that is adapted to the site, mow at correct height, fertilize only when turf is actively growing, dethatching or aerating at times when weed seeds are not germinating, manage disease and insect pests to prevent thin areas, water infrequently and