CDFA Pest Prevention Plant Regulation Practice Exam

Cactus plants originating in a county in New Mexico not infested with Ozonium root rot should be:

1. A. refused admittance

2. B. treated with methyl bromide and released

3. C. inspected, and if inspection findings are negative, release

4. D. held for permit from the Director

The correct answer is: C. inspected, and if inspection findings are negative, release

The correct response emphasizes the importance of inspection as a safeguard against potential pest introduction. Cactus plants coming from a county in New Mexico that is free from Ozonium root rot should be subjected to an inspection. If the inspection reveals no signs of infestation, the plants can then be released. This approach prioritizes the health of local ecosystems by ensuring that only pest-free plants enter a new area, thus preventing the introduction of harmful pathogens. In contexts such as pest prevention and plant regulation, inspections are a critical step in maintaining biosecurity. This method balances the need to facilitate trade and plant transfers while protecting native vegetation. The idea is to verify the health status of the plants through a thorough examination to avoid the risks associated with introducing potentially infested materials. Other choices, while they reflect consideration of pest control, do not adequately address the necessary process of inspection prior to release, which is essential to safeguard agriculture and natural resources.