Texas FFA Nursery Landscape Practice Exam

Brown patch, dollar spot, and gray snow mold are all diseases of which landscape component?

1. Trees

2. Azaleas

3. Turfgrasses

4. Evergreens

The correct answer is: Turfgrasses

Brown patch, dollar spot, and gray snow mold are diseases that primarily affect turfgrasses. These pathogens thrive in specific environmental conditions that commonly occur in grassed areas, leading to significant damage and poor lawn health. Brown patch is caused by the fungus Rhizoctonia solani and is characterized by circular patches of brown grass, particularly in warm, humid conditions. Dollar spot is another fungal disease that manifests as small, sunken patches on the turf, resulting from various factors including high humidity and low nitrogen levels. Gray snow mold, caused by the fungi Typhula spp., typically occurs in cool, moist conditions and can result in grayish, mat-like patches on grass surfaces, especially under snow cover. The other options relate to different types of plants or components that do not typically experience these specific diseases. Trees and evergreens are affected by different pathogens, while azaleas are susceptible to their own set of diseases not related to those that affect turfgrasses. Therefore, the most appropriate association of the diseases listed in the question is with turfgrasses.