C27 License Pest and Disease Management 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In an IPM program, what is the correct hierarchy of pest control tactics from least to most environmentally disruptive?
- Chemical → Biological → Cultural → Mechanical
- Cultural and mechanical → Biological → Least-toxic chemical → Conventional chemical (Correct answer)
- Biological → Chemical → Mechanical → Cultural
- Conventional chemical → Biological → Cultural → Mechanical
Correct 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.
Question 2: For the most effective disease prevention, when should a protectant fungicide typically be applied?
- After visible symptoms of disease are already present on the plant
- Before infection occurs, when environmental conditions favor disease development (Correct answer)
- Only during the dormant season when plants are not actively growing
- Immediately following a heavy rainfall event to wash off spores
Correct 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.
Question 3: What is the primary purpose of a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for a pesticide product?
- To provide application rate recommendations for various pest species
- To communicate hazard information, safe handling procedures, and emergency response guidance (Correct answer)
- To document the pesticide's registration number with the EPA
- To certify that the product is approved for use in California
Correct 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.
Question 4: Which insect vector is primarily responsible for spreading citrus greening disease (Huanglongbing) to citrus trees?
- Citrus thrips (Scirtothrips citri)
- Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri) (Correct answer)
- California red scale (Aonidiella aurantii)
- Citrus mealybug (Planococcus citri)
Correct 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.
Question 5: What is the correct definition of a pre-emergent herbicide?
- A herbicide applied after weeds have germinated and are actively growing
- A herbicide applied before weed seeds germinate to prevent seedling establishment (Correct answer)
- A herbicide used only on established broadleaf weeds in turf
- A herbicide that kills existing vegetation before replanting
Correct 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.
Question 6: Which of the following symptoms in landscape plants is most likely caused by overwatering and can be mistaken for pest or disease damage?
- Yellowing of older leaves, wilting despite moist soil, and root rot (Correct answer)
- Stippling on leaf surfaces with fine webbing on undersides
- Sticky honeydew deposits on leaves with sooty mold growth
- Raised galls or cankers on woody stems and branches
Correct 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.
Question 7: Under California Department of Pesticide Regulation (CDPR) rules, what is the general buffer zone requirement when applying pesticides adjacent to bodies of water?
- No buffer zone is required if a licensed applicator performs the application
- Buffer zones vary by product label but applicators must follow label directions and applicable regulations to prevent water contamination (Correct answer)
- A minimum 100-foot buffer from all water sources is required for all pesticide applications
- Buffer zones apply only to aerial applications, not ground-based landscape applications
Correct 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.
C27 License Pest and Disease Management 2
In an IPM program, what is the correct hierarchy of pest control tactics from least to most environmentally disruptive?