CATS - Certified Arborist Tree Service of Albuquerque Southwest Pest and Disease Questions and Answers

Question 1

An arborist in Albuquerque is inspecting a group of Piñon pines (Pinus edulis) that are showing signs of stress, including thinning crowns and small, cotton-like masses on the older needles.
Some needles appear to have tiny 'chia seeds' attached to them.
Which pest is the MOST likely cause of these symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Piñon needle scale (Matsucoccus acalyptus)

Answer

Pine tip moth (Rhyacionia spp.)

Answer

Spruce spider mite (Oligonychus ununguis)

Answer

Western pine beetle (Dendroctonus brevicomis)

Question 2

A client in the East Mountains is concerned about their Ponderosa and Piñon pines after a prolonged drought. The trees are showing signs of dieback, and small holes are visible on the bark, with fine, sawdust-like frass. What is the most significant threat associated with these symptoms in drought-stressed conifers?

Accepted Answer

Bark beetles (Ips spp.)

Answer

Armillaria root rot

Answer

Dwarf mistletoe

Answer

Fall webworm

Question 3

Which of the following diseases, caused by the bacterium Erwinia amylovora, primarily affects plants in the Rosaceae family (like apples, pears, and pyracantha) and causes a characteristic 'scorched' appearance on branch tips?

Accepted Answer

Fire Blight

Answer

Powdery Mildew

Answer

Cytospora Canker

Answer

Phymatotrichum Root Rot

Question 4

When treating a tree for an established infestation of an armored scale insect, such as Piñon needle scale, why is the timing of a contact insecticide application critical for effectiveness?

Accepted Answer

Adult armored scales are protected by their waxy covering, but the mobile 'crawler' stage is vulnerable.

Answer

The insecticide only works when temperatures are above 85°F.

Answer

The insecticide must be applied before the tree produces new spring growth.

Answer

Contact insecticides for scale are only effective during the tree's dormancy.

Question 5

A certified arborist is called to a property in Albuquerque to assess a struggling Honey Locust (Gleditsia triacanthos). The tree shows significant dieback in the upper canopy, D-shaped exit holes on the trunk, and serpentine galleries under the bark. Which pest is the most likely culprit?

Accepted Answer

Honeylocust borer (Agrilus difficilis)

Answer

Honeylocust plant bug

Answer

Elm Bark Beetle

Answer

Spotted Lanternfly

Question 6

A large, mature cottonwood (Populus deltoides) in an Albuquerque park is oozing a foul-smelling, dark liquid from a crack in the trunk. The area appears water-soaked. This condition, which is common in fast-growing trees and often related to stress, is known as:

Accepted Answer

Slime Flux (Bacterial Wetwood)

Answer

Ganoderma root rot

Answer

Sooty mold

Answer

Dutch Elm Disease