Certified Crop Advisor Practice Exam

What can the cropping history of a field help identify regarding pests?

1. Life cycles

2. Hosts

3. Predators

4. Habitat

The correct answer is: Hosts

The cropping history of a field is instrumental in identifying hosts for various pests. By examining the past crops grown in a particular field, you can determine which plants are conducive to supporting specific pest populations. Different crops have distinct relationships with pests, with certain crops serving as preferred hosts for pests. For instance, if a field was previously planted with a crop that is known to be particularly susceptible to a specific pest, this history suggests a continuing risk of pest presence when that crop is planted again or if that pest is able to survive in the ecosystem. Understanding the host relationships is crucial for effective pest management strategies. It allows crop advisors to recommend crop rotations that mitigate pest problems or select pest-resistant varieties to minimize pest damage. Additionally, knowledge of past hosts can inform decisions on pest monitoring and management practices, leading to more sustainable agricultural systems.