Ornamental and Turf Pesticide Applicators Practice Exam

What defines annual weeds?

1. They live for more than two years

2. They grow and die within the same year

3. They only spread by roots

4. They form perennials

The correct answer is: They grow and die within the same year

Annual weeds are defined by their life cycle, which involves growing, flowering, and dying within a single year. This means they complete their entire lifecycle from seed germination to seed production in one growing season. Such weeds often germinate in spring, grow rapidly, produce seeds, and then die off as temperatures drop or environmental conditions become unfavorable, typically by the end of the growing season. In contrast, the other options describe characteristics of different plant types. For instance, perennials live for more than two years, indicating a life cycle that spans multiple seasons, which is not applicable to annuals. Some plants may spread through their root systems, but that describes more about their reproduction and not their categorization as annuals. Lastly, annual weeds do not form perennials, which only apply to plants that survive beyond one season. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for effective weed management strategies in both ornamental and turf settings.