ADOPTION OF INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT AMONG FRUIT TREES' GROWERS IN JORDAN

Abstract

Integrated pest management (IPM) is used to control pests’ damage by the most economical means and the least possible hazards to human and environment. Interest in measuring the degree of IPM adoption has increased over time. Extent and level of IPM adoption in Jordan are still largely unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the factors affecting IPM adoption among fruit trees’ growers in Jordan. For this purpose, Jordanian fruit trees’ 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 2014. The results indicated that the majority of the respondents (68%) have never heard about IPM and not sure what IPM is, and only 2.5% were regularly using IPM. Lack of growers’ information and knowledge about IPM (73%) has first priority of IPM adoption. Data on how often growers monitor pests, most common methods for pests monitoring, testing soil, keeping records, reasons of using chemical control and knowledge of pesticides’ side effects are herein presented. The results showed that a number of cultural and mechanical control techniques are commonly utilized by growers. Pesticides' application is a decision based on the safety period by the responedents. There is no single source of information which growers rely upon for pest management in their farms. Almost 57% of the respondents indicated that IPM is neither required nor recommended, only 20% of them had been involved in IPM training program, and 77% would like to change and adopt IPM. Familiarity with IPM had a significant negative correlation with farmer’s age and a positive on with education. There was a positive significant correlation between willingness to change to IPM and involvement in IPM training. In conclusion, the findings of this study will serve as a catalyst for the adoption of IPM technology and will, therefore, contribute to the sustainability of agriculture in Jordan.