Al-Zyoud, F.

2014

Adoption range of integrated pest management (IPM) techniques by greenhouse vegetable growers in Jordan.

Jordan Journal of Agricultural Sciences 10: 504-525.

Jordanian vegetable growers face some of the most intense pests’ pressure. The use of integrated pest management (IPM) approaches to control pests has been shown to reduce the intensive use of pesticides and environmental risk, and to improve the overall quality of pest control. Extent and level of IPM use in Jordan is still largely unknown, and there is an overriding need to investigate factors driving adoption of IPM practices by growers. It is hypothesized that a various factors influence adoption of IPM. Bearing this purpose in mind, this study aimed at assessing the current adoption level of specific IPM practices by Jordanian vegetable growers. Jordanian vegetable growers were questioned about their social aspects, types of pests encountered, and IPM knowledge, practices and resources by conducting a countrywide survey of growers during 2012. Results indicated that there was an adequate representation of responses based on growers’ age, experience, education level and greenhouses size. One-third of respondents have never heard about IPM or not sure what IPM is?, while 10% are regularly using IPM. Some important correlations between demographics’ variables of growers and particular IPM practices are presented. Grower’s educational level played a positive role in adopting IPM practices, while grower’s age played a negative role in IPM adoption. In conclusion, the respondents show a willingness to adopt specific IPM practices. The findings of this study may contribute to ongoing efforts to promote IPM adoption, and provide guidance to IPM administrators and researchers for enhancing the IPM program’s effectiveness.