CATS Southwest Pest and Disease 5

Question 1

Thousand cankers disease (TCD), which threatens black walnut across the US, is caused by a fungus vectored by which insect?

Accepted Answer

Walnut twig beetle (Pityophthorus juglandis)

Answer

Thousand cankers disease is caused by the fungus Geosmithia morbida, vectored exclusively by the walnut twig beetle (Pityophthorus juglandis).

Question 2

A certified arborist in New Mexico is evaluating a mature ponderosa pine with significant needle cast. Which pathogen commonly causes Dothistroma needle blight on ponderosa and other pines in the Southwest?

Accepted Answer

Dothistroma septosporum

Answer

Dothistroma septosporum causes Dothistroma needle blight, producing tan to reddish-brown banding on needles followed by premature needle cast.

Question 3

Which management strategy best reduces the risk of bark beetle attacks on stressed pines in an Albuquerque urban landscape during drought?

Accepted Answer

Providing deep, infrequent supplemental irrigation to reduce drought stress and maintain resin flow

Answer

Maintaining tree vigor through deep supplemental irrigation is the most effective cultural practice for drought mitigation, as healthy pines produce resin that repels and kills invading bark beetles.

Question 4

A homeowner reports sticky residue and white waxy masses on their blue spruce branches. The pest is most likely:

Accepted Answer

Cooley spruce gall adelgid (Adelges cooleyi)

Answer

Cooley spruce gall adelgid produces white woolly wax masses on spruce needles and stems and completes part of its life cycle on Douglas-fir.

Question 5

Phytophthora cinnamomi root rot is particularly devastating to which ornamental tree commonly planted in Albuquerque landscapes?

Accepted Answer

Arizona cypress (Cupressus arizonica)

Answer

Arizona cypress is highly susceptible to Phytophthora cinnamomi, which thrives under overwatering conditions common in urban landscapes.

(CATS) Certified Arborist Tree Service of Albuquerque Practice Test

(CATS) Certified Arborist Tree Service of Albuquerque Practice Test

CATS Southwest Pest and Disease 5