CPH Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CPH facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Powdery mildew on ornamental plants is caused by which type of organism? → Fungus
2. What is the primary function of a rain sensor on an automatic irrigation controller? → To automatically suspend irrigation during or after sufficient rainfall
3. Which of the following best describes a 'biotroph' in plant pathology? → A pathogen that requires living host tissue to complete its life cycle
4. In irrigation, 'precipitation rate' is defined as: → The rate at which water is applied to a given area, typically measured in inches per hour
5. What is the optimal soil pH range for most turfgrass species? → 6.0–7.0
6. When scouting for plant diseases in a landscape, the term 'sign' refers to: → Physical evidence of the pathogen itself, such as spores, mycelium, or bacterial ooze
7. Phytophthora root rot is most severe in landscapes when: → Soils are poorly drained with prolonged saturation
8. What is the purpose of aeration in turfgrass management? → To reduce soil compaction
9. Anthracnose diseases of ornamental trees are primarily caused by which group of pathogens? → Coelomycetous and hyphomycetous fungi
10. What mathematical proportion, approximately 1:1.618, is commonly used in landscape design to create visually harmonious compositions? → The golden ratio
11. What temperature control principle is most critical in personal hygiene? → Maintain proper temperatures throughout receiving, storage, preparation, and service
12. Which irrigation method is generally considered the most water-efficient for landscape and garden use? → Drip or micro-irrigation
13. Which design principle refers to the equal distribution of visual weight in a landscape composition? → Balance
14. Dutch elm disease is caused by which type of pathogen, and is primarily spread by which vector? → Fungus spread by bark beetles
15. What temperature control principle is most critical in pest control? → Maintain proper temperatures throughout receiving, storage, preparation, and service
16. What is the process by which plants produce energy using sunlight? → Photosynthesis
17. Which type of valve is most commonly used to control individual irrigation zones in automatic systems? → Electric solenoid valve
18. The purpose of 'zoning' in irrigation system design is to: → Group plants with similar water requirements into the same irrigation circuit
19. Which plant hormone is commonly used to encourage root formation in cuttings? → Auxins
20. What is the term for growing plants from seeds? → Sexual propagation
21. What personal hygiene standard applies to cleaning and sanitizing? → Strict handwashing, proper attire, illness reporting, and wound covering are mandatory
22. Verticillium wilt causes yellowing and wilting of foliage primarily by: → Colonizing and blocking the xylem vessels, restricting water flow
23. What temperature control principle is most critical in haccp principles? → Maintain proper temperatures throughout receiving, storage, preparation, and service
24. The application rate of drip emitters is most directly determined by: → The emitter's rated flow rate in gallons per hour and the spacing between emitters
25. The 'head-to-head' coverage principle in sprinkler system design specifies that: → Each sprinkler's throw radius must reach the adjacent sprinkler head
26. What is the primary benefit of using 'pressure-compensating' drip emitters? → They deliver a consistent, accurate flow rate across a wide range of inlet pressures
27. What is the primary function of organic matter in soil? → Improving soil structure and fertility
28. What is the primary function of xylem in plants? → Transporting water and nutrients
29. Which cultural practice most effectively reduces the incidence of foliar fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and leaf spots on landscape plants? → Using drip or soaker hose irrigation to keep foliage dry
30. What is the typical minimum operating pressure required for most standard pop-up spray heads to function correctly? → 30 PSI