Document Type : Pest Management
Authors
Abstract
This survey-based research was conducted to assess the challenges and bottlenecks of biological control development against rice striped stem borer, as a key pest of rice, in Mazandaran province during 2006. By using classified random sampling method, 200 rice farmers were asked to fill the questioners. One hundred farmers used biological control method in their pest management program against this key pest, and the other 100 farmers applied insecticides against the stem borer. Data analysis was done based on the questioners filled by the farmers. An economic evaluation model, named ‘logit’, was used to analyze the data. Results showed that the main factors affecting acceptance or rejection of biological control method are as follows: avoidance of risk by farmers, yield value per hectare, number of rice plots, frequency of Trichogramma release, adoption of technology by neighboring farmers, area under cultivation, the experience of applying biological control, farmer age, and participation of farmers in extension training courses. There were positive relations between all factors (except farmer age and number of rice plots) and acceptance of the biological control method. There were negative relations between farmer age and number of rice plots , and acceptance of the biological control method.
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