Louisiana Landscape Horticulture State Practice Exam 2025 - Free Landscape Horticulture Practice Questions and Study Guide

Aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies are common pests in landscape horticulture, making them a focus for pest management in gardens and ornamental landscapes. These pests are known for their potential to cause significant damage to a wide range of plants, particularly ornamentals, vegetables, and fruits.

Aphids can reproduce rapidly, leading to large infestations that can weaken plants by sucking the sap, causing stunted growth and deformation. Spider mites are tiny arachnids that can also cause serious damage by feeding on plant cells, leading to discoloration and leaf drop. Whiteflies, similar to aphids in their feeding habits, can transmit plant viruses and are notorious for creating sooty mold due to their honeydew excretion.

Effective management strategies for these pests often include monitoring, biological controls like introducing natural predators, and chemical treatments when necessary, making knowledge of these specific pests essential for anyone involved in landscape horticulture.

While other pests like beetles, termites, grasshoppers, and moths can also be present in landscapes, they are less commonly encountered than those mentioned in the correct answer, thus making the latter a more relevant focus for landscape horticulture pest management.