The adoption of integrated pest management practices and pesticide use among North Carolina peanut growers

This study examined the status of the adoption of Integrated Pest Management practices and pesticide use among peanut growers in North Carolina. A mailed survey instrument was developed by the researcher in collaboration with Dr. Steve Toth Jr., State Pesticide Use Assessment Specialist, a team of peanut pest management specialists, and respective county agents. The questions focused on: (1) sources and methods of delivery of pest management information to peanut growers, (2) grower participation in integrated pest management (IPM) Extension education programs, (3) types and number of IPM and nonchemical pest management practices adopted by growers, (4) factors associated with IPM adoption and pesticide use among peanut growers.; Data revealed that the majority of peanut growers in North Carolina used certain types of integrated pest management practices and nonchemical pest management practices for managing peanut pests. A higher percentage of growers obtained their pest management information from sources related to Extension, and perceived IPM was good for managing peanut pests. Among independent variables that were significantly associated with the variation in the number of IPM and nonchemical pest management practices adopted by growers included: grower's level of education, IPM risk perception, farm size, availability of adequate farm labor, and obtaining pest management information from sources related to Extension.; The study has revealed that education was an important factor in the adoption of the following IPM practices: scouting for peanut pests; keeping records; using lower pesticide rate; selecting pesticides that are not harmful to beneficial insects; alternatively using pesticides to reduce the possibility of pests building resistance; using pesticides as needed rather than routine spraying; calibrating pesticide equipment before use; collecting and analyzing the soil in order to maintain the required fertility and pH, and training farm workers on the proper use and application of pesticides. In 1995 season, 54.21 percent of North Carolina peanut growers used IPM and nonchemical pest management practices that were part of North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service (NCCES) peanut IPM program. This study has also revealed that NCCES and agribusiness companies have a great role to play in providing Extension education programs to growers that would enable this state to reach the national goal of having 75% of farmland under IPM by year 2000.