Ornamental and Turf Pesticide Applicators Practice Exam

What effect do Azalea lace bugs have on plant leaves?

1. They cause a curled appearance on leaves

2. They create a blotched or spotted appearance of the upper leaf surface

3. They cause leaf drop

4. They promote leaf growth

The correct answer is: They create a blotched or spotted appearance of the upper leaf surface

Azalea lace bugs are known to feed on the sap of azalea leaves, which leads to a characteristic blotched or spotted appearance on the upper leaf surface. This occurs as the insects pierce the leaf tissue with their specialized mouthparts, extracting fluids and causing localized damage. The damage typically presents as a pattern of pale spots or stippling on the upper surface of the leaves, where the chlorophyll has been affected by the feeding activity. This spotting is a direct result of the loss of green pigmentation due to the disruption of normal leaf function, making this option the most accurate description of the effects these pests have on plant foliage. The other choices describe effects that are not typical outcomes of an azalea lace bug infestation. While curled leaves or leaf drop can result from other stress factors or pests, they are not the primary symptom associated with lace bug damage. Similarly, promoting leaf growth is not a consequence of their feeding behavior; rather, the opposite is true, as their feeding can lead to a decline in overall leaf health.