The characteristic equation of a closed-loop system is $1 + G(s)H(s) = 0$. For the given open-loop transfer function $G(s)H(s) = \frac{k}{s(s+6)}$, the characteristic equation is $s^2 + 6s + k = 0$. The roots of this equation must sum to $-6$ (from the coefficient of $s$). Option A, roots $-1$ and $-5$, sums to $-6$.