C27 License Pest and Disease Management

Question 1

What is the core principle of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) as applied to landscaping?

Accepted Answer

Using a combination of biological, cultural, mechanical, and chemical controls to minimize pest damage while reducing risk

Answer

Applying pesticides on a fixed calendar schedule to prevent all pests

Answer

Eliminating all insects from a landscape site using broad-spectrum pesticides

Answer

Relying exclusively on organic treatments and avoiding synthetic pesticides

Question 2

Which pesticide application method is most appropriate for targeting soil-dwelling pests such as grubs?

Accepted Answer

Soil drench or granular application incorporated into the root zone

Answer

Foliar spray applied to leaf surfaces

Answer

Aerial mist blower directed above the canopy

Answer

Trunk injection targeting vascular tissue

Question 3

Under California law, which document must a landscaping contractor possess before applying restricted-use pesticides (RUPs)?

Accepted Answer

A Qualified Applicator License (QAL) or certificate from the CDFA

Answer

A C-27 contractor license only

Answer

A written contract with the property owner

Answer

An EPA Pesticide Operator Permit

Question 4

What is the primary visual indicator of powdery mildew on landscape plants?

Accepted Answer

White to grayish powdery coating on leaf surfaces and stems

Answer

Dark, water-soaked lesions on lower leaf surfaces

Answer

Yellowing of leaf margins progressing inward

Answer

Raised, rust-colored pustules on the undersides of leaves

Question 5

Which of the following is an example of a biological control method for managing aphid populations in a landscape?

Accepted Answer

Releasing or encouraging populations of ladybugs (Coccinellidae)

Answer

Applying a systemic neonicotinoid insecticide to the soil

Answer

Using a pyrethrin foliar spray on affected plants

Answer

Pruning and disposing of heavily infested branch tips

Question 6

What is the legal significance of a pesticide label under federal and California law?

Accepted Answer

It is a legally binding document and applicators must follow all label directions

Answer

It is a manufacturer's suggestion that applicators may adapt as needed

Answer

It applies only to commercial agriculture, not landscape contractors

Answer

It governs storage requirements only, not application rates or sites

Question 7

Which turfgrass disease is characterized by roughly circular patches of brown or dead grass, often with a 'frog-eye' pattern?

Accepted Answer

Necrotic ring spot

Answer

Dollar spot

Answer

Brown patch (Rhizoctonia blight)

Answer

Take-all patch