Use of grower surveys to evaluate BC adoption and knowledge transfer

Biological control (BC) is a complex, knowledge-intensive practice that requires growers to learn natural enemy and pest life cycles, toxicity and effectiveness of multiple insecticides at different life cycle stages, strategies for managing insecticide resistance, and strategies for maintaining long-term ecological balance while controlling pests and maximizing production. Thus, for programs seeking to enhance BC among growers, it is important to assess growers’ knowledge and use of BC, as well as their preferred methods of acquiring new agricultural information. In early 2010, 2,800 California walnut growers were surveyed about their pest management practices, sources of pest control information, knowledge and use of BC, constraints to the adoption of BC, research and outreach needs, and orchard characteristics. This paper will present the survey results and suggest optimal ways to work with growers to increase BC adoption. Grower surveys are essential to better understand pest management decision-making and help ensure the effectiveness and speed of the transfer of BC (and related IPM) knowledge and technology to growers.