Title: Explain the differences between biotic and abiotic issues in pest management.
Course: Landscaping I (18054-I) > Section: Maintaining the Landscape

Explanation should include distinguishing the cause of poor plant health by observing

- the appearance of the plant (e.g., plant color, stunting, wilt)
- plant symptoms (e.g., chlorosis, flecking, damping-off)
- signs (e.g., tracks, bite marks, chemical residue, frass) of the causal agent, such as
  - biotic
    - animals
    - bacteria
    - fungi
    - insects
    - mites
    - nematodes
    - parasitic plants
    - protozoa
    - viruses
  - abiotic
    - air pollution
    - compaction
    - cultural practices
    - drought
    - excess soil moisture
    - limited light
    - mechanical damage
    - nutrient imbalances
    - pesticide toxicity
    - reduced oxygen availability
    - soil pH extremes
    - temperature extremes.

Process/Skill Questions:

- What is damping-off, and what are the possible causes?
- What is stunting, and what are the causes?
- What causes honeydew on plants, and what are possible treatments?
- What are some common bacterial diseases for transitional zone turfgrass?
- What are some abiotic issues with turfgrass in the transitional zone?
- How can turfgrass diseases be minimized without the use of pesticides?