Ornamental and Turf Pesticide Applicators Practice Exam

What is one benefit of cool-season cultivars?

1. They require less water

2. They can be mixed to minimize disease

3. They thrive in hot climates

4. They need more fertilizers

The correct answer is: They can be mixed to minimize disease

Cool-season cultivars offer several advantages, particularly in terms of their adaptability to specific environmental conditions. One notable benefit is that they can be mixed to minimize disease. This practice leverages the genetic diversity within the various cool-season grasses, allowing for a more resilient turf that can withstand pest pressures and diseases. By combining different species or varieties that may have varying susceptibilities to certain pathogens, turf managers can create a more robust lawn or landscape that is less likely to experience catastrophic failure from disease outbreaks. This approach not only enhances the overall health and aesthetic quality of cool-season turf but can also reduce the need for pesticide applications, as diverse plantings can better compete with any potential pathogens. Ultimately, this contributes to a more sustainable turf management practice, aligning with integrated pest management (IPM) strategies that aim to balance plant health with environmental stewardship.