Turf (3b): Turf Pest Management - Test
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Name some of the factors turfgrass managers must consider when
setting pest management priorities.
Ans: Turfgrass management professionals must consider human safety,
environmental safety, turf use(s), efficacy, and economics.
Why do pest management thresholds in turf vary?
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Ans: Pest thresholds vary from site to site because they depend on site
characteristics and uses. For example, there may be zero tolerance for
pests of any sort on a gold green. On the other hand, there may be no
great need to control pests in the grassy areas of an industrial site.
However, setting thresholds in some sites - like a school athletic field or
playground - may not be simple and clear-cut. A thick, uniform surface is
ideal for play areas, for optimum utility and safety. This, in turn, means the
tolerance for pests is low. However reliance on pesticide use may not be
acceptable for some recreational sites, especially if the primary users of
that site are children.
What is the first, most basic step to take to manage pest problems?
Explain your answer.
Ans: Use Best Management Practices (BMPs) for initial design, installation,
and maintenance programs. Begin by selecting high quality, disease- and
insect-free turfgrass. When possible, plant or install resistant varieties.
Choosing the right variety for the site and use(s) is essential. Next, good
cultural practices provide the best conditions for plant health.
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Why should you focus your attention on key pests, key varieties, or
key locations?
Ans: They are most likely to cause problems. Key pests, varieties, and
locations require special monitoring and care.
What is a "key pest"?
Ans: A key pest is one that often reaches population densities that justify
management, and/or is capable of causing unacceptable damage at
relatively low densities, and/or attacks and damages turfgrass(es) in
conspicuous or valuable areas.
What is a "key variety"?
Ans: A "key variety" has a special "high profile" use. A variety that sustains
damage from pests on a regular basis, or has a particular pest that can kill
or disfigure it in low densities, would also be considered a "key variety."
Describe a site that would be considered a key location.