CDFA Pest Prevention Plant Regulation Practice Exam

Which organism is commonly regulated due to oak wilt concerns?

1. Bacteria

2. Virus

3. Fungus

4. Insect

The correct answer is: Fungus

The organism commonly regulated due to oak wilt concerns is a fungus, specifically the pathogen known as Ceratocystis fagacearum. This fungal species is responsible for causing oak wilt, a serious disease affecting oak trees, particularly in North America. The regulation focuses on preventing the spread of this pathogen, which can be detrimental to oak populations. The fungus spreads through root grafts between trees and via beetles that carry the spores, making it crucial for pest management strategies to include measures that limit its spread. For context, while bacteria, viruses, and insects do play roles in other plant diseases and pest management scenarios, they are not the primary concern in the context of oak wilt. Bacterial and viral pathogens can cause different types of diseases in plants, and various insects can be pests, but the specific threat of oak wilt is associated with the fungal organism.