Apple Orchard Protection Quiz Quiz

Challenge your understanding of effective apple spray schedules and practices in orchard management. Explore pest control timing, product choices, and safety considerations essential for healthy apple crops.

1. Timing of Dormant Oil Application

   When is the most appropriate time to apply dormant oil in an apple orchard to manage overwintering pests such as scale insects?

   1. During mid-winter freezing periods
   2. Early spring before bud break
   3. After petals fall off the flowers
   4. Late summer during harvest

   Explanation: Early spring before bud break is when dormant oil is most effective because it smothers overwintering pests before they become active. Applying after petals fall misses the pest control window. Late summer applications are not effective against dormant pests, and mid-winter sprays can be ineffective due to freezing temperatures and oil solidification.

2. Fungicide Timing for Apple Scab

   To prevent apple scab infections, when should the first fungicide spray typically be applied in the seasonal spray schedule?

   1. At green tip stage in early spring
   2. During winter when trees are dormant
   3. When the apples are fully mature
   4. After all leaves have fallen in autumn

   Explanation: The green tip stage is the crucial point for initiating fungicide sprays, targeting early apple scab infections before major disease development. Waiting until apples are mature or after leaves fall is too late for effective prevention. Dormant winter applications do not protect new growth from scab.

3. Interval Between Insecticide Sprays

   What is the typical recommended interval between insecticide spray applications for codling moth control in apple orchards?

   1. Daily throughout the growing season
   2. Once at planting and never again
   3. Every 7 to 14 days based on pest monitoring
   4. Only after visible fruit damage appears

   Explanation: Spraying every 7 to14 days aligns with codling moth life cycles and monitoring data, ensuring effective control. Daily applications are unnecessary and environmentally risky. Spraying only once or waiting for visible damage leads to poor pest control and damaged fruit.

4. Rainfastness of Sprays

   What does the term 'rainfast' mean when choosing apple orchard spray products?

   1. The spray dries faster in sunshine
   2. The product remains effective after rainfall
   3. It only works if applied on rainy days
   4. It increases tree water uptake

   Explanation: 'Rainfast' refers to a product's resistance to being washed off by rain after application, maintaining efficacy. Drying faster under sun relates to evaporation, not rainfastness. The product does not require application during rain or affect tree water uptake.

5. Personal Safety with Spray Schedules

   Which personal safety precaution should orchard workers always take when following a spray schedule for apples?

   1. Eat snacks while spraying
   2. Water trees before each spray
   3. Wear protective clothing and masks
   4. Apply extra fertilizer immediately after spraying

   Explanation: Wearing protective clothing and masks helps shield workers from chemical exposure during spraying. Eating during spraying increases ingestion risks. Applying fertilizer is a separate process and watering does not relate to personal protective equipment.