3A KANSAS ORNAMENTAL PEST EXAM (2025/2026 EDITION)
Actual Exam Questions with Verified Answers | Ornamental & Turf Pest Management | Kansas
Department of Agriculture
Overview
This 2025/2026 validated resource contains actual 3A Kansas Ornamental Pest Exam
questions with 100% verified answers, directly aligned with current Kansas Department of
Agriculture certification standards. Essential for commercial applicators, landscapers, and
horticulture professionals preparing for state licensing examinations.
Key Features
✓ 50-Question Exam matching official KDA test format
✓ Pest identification guides with visual references
✓ Integrated Pest Management strategies with application protocols
✓ Updated 2025/2026 Kansas pesticide regulations and restrictions
✓ Damage assessment and treatment planning scenarios
Content Domains
* Insect Identification & Management (15 Qs)
* Disease Diagnosis & Control (12 Qs)
* Weed Science & Herbicide Applications (10 Qs)
* Kansas Regulations & Safety Protocols (8 Qs)
* Cultural Practices & Prevention (5 Qs)
Answer Format
Correct answers in bold green with:
* Pest life cycle explanations
* Treatment threshold guidelines
* Application timing and methods
* Regulatory compliance requirements
🔹
Critical Updates 2025/2026
🔹
New restricted-use pesticide classifications
🔹
Revised application buffer zone requirements
🔹
Updated invasive species listings
Modified record-keeping documentation standards
Insect Identification & Management (Questions 1–15)
1. Which insect is the primary pest of roses in Kansas, causing defoliation
and aesthetic damage?
A) Aphids
, B) Japanese beetles
C) Scale insects
D) Thrips
A) Aphids
Pest Life Cycle: Nymphs and adults suck sap, reproduce rapidly in warm weather.
Treatment Threshold: 5–10 aphids/leaf; monitor weekly.
Application Timing and Methods: Horticultural oil or insecticidal soap in early morning; avoid
broad-spectrum insecticides to protect beneficials.
Regulatory Compliance: KDA requires record of application date and product EPA#.
2. The emerald ash borer (EAB) is identified by:
A) D-shaped exit holes in bark
B) White powdery frass
C) Gall formation
D) Leaf miner trails
A) D-shaped exit holes in bark
Pest Life Cycle: Larvae bore into ash trees, pupate in spring.
Treatment Threshold: Any infestation; quarantine area.
Application Timing and Methods: Systemic insecticide (imidacloprid) soil drench in late spring;
tree injection for larger trees.
Regulatory Compliance: Kansas quarantined; certified applicators only for treatment.
3. What is the best IPM strategy for bagworms on arborvitae?
A) Broadcast spray
B) Hand removal of bags + BTK
C) Soil fumigation
D) Flood irrigation
B) Hand removal of bags + BTK
Pest Life Cycle: Larvae in silk bags; hatch in late spring.
Treatment Threshold: 10 bags/plant.
Application Timing and Methods: BTK spray when bags 1" long; hand removal for small
infestations.
Regulatory Compliance: BTK exempt from re-entry interval.
4. Aphids on ornamental plants can be controlled with:
A) Pyrethroids
B) Insecticidal soap
C) Organophosphates
D) Carbamates
B) Insecticidal soap
Pest Life Cycle: Parthenogenetic reproduction; 7–10 generations/year.
Treatment Threshold: Visible honeydew or sooty mold.
Application Timing and Methods: Evening application to avoid beneficial insect kill; thorough
coverage.
Regulatory Compliance: Label specifies ornamental use.
Actual Exam Questions with Verified Answers | Ornamental & Turf Pest Management | Kansas
Department of Agriculture
Overview
This 2025/2026 validated resource contains actual 3A Kansas Ornamental Pest Exam
questions with 100% verified answers, directly aligned with current Kansas Department of
Agriculture certification standards. Essential for commercial applicators, landscapers, and
horticulture professionals preparing for state licensing examinations.
Key Features
✓ 50-Question Exam matching official KDA test format
✓ Pest identification guides with visual references
✓ Integrated Pest Management strategies with application protocols
✓ Updated 2025/2026 Kansas pesticide regulations and restrictions
✓ Damage assessment and treatment planning scenarios
Content Domains
* Insect Identification & Management (15 Qs)
* Disease Diagnosis & Control (12 Qs)
* Weed Science & Herbicide Applications (10 Qs)
* Kansas Regulations & Safety Protocols (8 Qs)
* Cultural Practices & Prevention (5 Qs)
Answer Format
Correct answers in bold green with:
* Pest life cycle explanations
* Treatment threshold guidelines
* Application timing and methods
* Regulatory compliance requirements
🔹
Critical Updates 2025/2026
🔹
New restricted-use pesticide classifications
🔹
Revised application buffer zone requirements
🔹
Updated invasive species listings
Modified record-keeping documentation standards
Insect Identification & Management (Questions 1–15)
1. Which insect is the primary pest of roses in Kansas, causing defoliation
and aesthetic damage?
A) Aphids
, B) Japanese beetles
C) Scale insects
D) Thrips
A) Aphids
Pest Life Cycle: Nymphs and adults suck sap, reproduce rapidly in warm weather.
Treatment Threshold: 5–10 aphids/leaf; monitor weekly.
Application Timing and Methods: Horticultural oil or insecticidal soap in early morning; avoid
broad-spectrum insecticides to protect beneficials.
Regulatory Compliance: KDA requires record of application date and product EPA#.
2. The emerald ash borer (EAB) is identified by:
A) D-shaped exit holes in bark
B) White powdery frass
C) Gall formation
D) Leaf miner trails
A) D-shaped exit holes in bark
Pest Life Cycle: Larvae bore into ash trees, pupate in spring.
Treatment Threshold: Any infestation; quarantine area.
Application Timing and Methods: Systemic insecticide (imidacloprid) soil drench in late spring;
tree injection for larger trees.
Regulatory Compliance: Kansas quarantined; certified applicators only for treatment.
3. What is the best IPM strategy for bagworms on arborvitae?
A) Broadcast spray
B) Hand removal of bags + BTK
C) Soil fumigation
D) Flood irrigation
B) Hand removal of bags + BTK
Pest Life Cycle: Larvae in silk bags; hatch in late spring.
Treatment Threshold: 10 bags/plant.
Application Timing and Methods: BTK spray when bags 1" long; hand removal for small
infestations.
Regulatory Compliance: BTK exempt from re-entry interval.
4. Aphids on ornamental plants can be controlled with:
A) Pyrethroids
B) Insecticidal soap
C) Organophosphates
D) Carbamates
B) Insecticidal soap
Pest Life Cycle: Parthenogenetic reproduction; 7–10 generations/year.
Treatment Threshold: Visible honeydew or sooty mold.
Application Timing and Methods: Evening application to avoid beneficial insect kill; thorough
coverage.
Regulatory Compliance: Label specifies ornamental use.
