Pest and Disease Management Flashcards

In an IPM program, what is the correct hierarchy of pest control tactics from least to most environmentally disruptive?

Answer: Cultural and mechanical → Biological → Least-toxic chemical → Conventional chemical

IPM prioritizes cultural and mechanical controls first, then biological controls, followed by least-toxic pesticides, and conventional chemicals as a last resort.

For the most effective disease prevention, when should a protectant fungicide typically be applied?

Answer: Before infection occurs, when environmental conditions favor disease development

Protectant fungicides form a barrier on plant surfaces and must be applied before infection occurs to be effective; they do not cure existing infections.

What is the primary purpose of a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for a pesticide product?

Answer: To communicate hazard information, safe handling procedures, and emergency response guidance

The SDS provides workers and emergency responders with information about chemical hazards, proper handling, storage, and emergency procedures under OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard.

Which insect vector is primarily responsible for spreading citrus greening disease (Huanglongbing) to citrus trees?

Answer: Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri)

The Asian citrus psyllid is the primary vector of the bacterium Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, which causes citrus greening (Huanglongbing) disease.

What is the correct definition of a pre-emergent herbicide?

Answer: A herbicide applied before weed seeds germinate to prevent seedling establishment

Pre-emergent herbicides create a chemical barrier in the soil that prevents weed seeds from germinating and becoming established plants.

Which of the following symptoms in landscape plants is most likely caused by overwatering and can be mistaken for pest or disease damage?

Answer: Yellowing of older leaves, wilting despite moist soil, and root rot

Overwatering causes root oxygen deprivation and root rot, leading to wilting and yellowing that mimics drought stress or disease symptoms.

Under California Department of Pesticide Regulation (CDPR) rules, what is the general buffer zone requirement when applying pesticides adjacent to bodies of water?

Answer: Buffer zones vary by product label but applicators must follow label directions and applicable regulations to prevent water contamination

Buffer zone requirements are pesticide-specific and found on the product label; applicators must comply with label directions and state regulations to prevent pesticide runoff into water bodies.