PCO PCO Pest Management & Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Question 1

What is the first line of defense in an organic IPM program?

Accepted Answer

Prevention through cultural practices

Answer

Applying organic-approved pesticides

Answer

Releasing biological control agents

Answer

Installing physical barriers

Question 2

Under NOP regulations, copper sulfate used in organic crop production is considered a:

Accepted Answer

Restricted material requiring annotation compliance

Answer

Prohibited substance

Answer

Freely allowed synthetic input

Answer

Exempt substance with no restrictions

Question 3

Which of the following is an acceptable biological pest control method in certified organic production?

Accepted Answer

Beneficial insect releases

Answer

Methyl bromide fumigation

Answer

Synthetic pheromone traps with toxicants

Answer

Organophosphate sprays

Question 4

An organic contract inspector finds evidence of a prohibited pesticide residue on a certified field. What is the most likely regulatory consequence?

Accepted Answer

Suspension or revocation of organic certification after investigation

Answer

Immediate decertification with no right of appeal

Answer

A warning letter with no further action required

Answer

A fine paid directly to the USDA

Question 5

What is the purpose of a buffer zone in an organic operation?

Accepted Answer

An area separating organic fields from potential contamination sources

Answer

A chemically treated perimeter surrounding the organic field

Answer

A zone restricted to mechanical pest control only

Answer

A designated pesticide storage area

Question 6

When evaluating a pest management plan during an inspection, what key document should the organic inspector review?

Accepted Answer

The Organic System Plan (OSP)

Answer

The operator's sales receipts

Answer

The USDA crop insurance policy

Answer

The state business license