Assessing the integrated pest management practices of Pennsylvania nursery operations

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11 Scopus citations

Abstract

A mail survey was conducted in 2000 to determine awareness and use of integrated pest management (IPM) practices by nurseries in Pennsylvania. Survey participants were randomly selected from the Pennsylvania Dept of Agriculture, Bureau of Plant Industry, list of certified nurseries. Participants answered questions pertaining to awareness of common practices, frequency that IPM practices were employed, and specifics on monitoring and pest management decision-making processes. Responses were analyzed by Cluster Analysis (SPSS Inc., Chicago), which resulted in the formation of three distinct segments. The segments were labeled "IPM Savvy" (nursery managers who were more likely to employ IPM practices); "Part-time IPMers" (nursery managers who employed some IPM strategies and were interested in future adoption of IPM practices); and "Reluctant IPMers" (nursery managers who were least likely to employ IPM strategies). The "Part-time IPMers" and "Reluctant IPMers" segments represent a substantial part of the industry (51%), who continues to have concerns about the cost, efficacy, and implementation of IPM practices into their businesses. Overall, Pennsylvania growers are aware of IPM practices; however, maintaining permanent records of pests identified and pest management strategies employed remain low. Continued education is warranted to enhance pest monitoring skills and recordkeeping along with demonstrable evidence to the cost effectiveness and marketing benefits that the implementation of IPM practices offer the nursery operators.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)297-302
Number of pages6
JournalHortScience
Volume39
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2004

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Horticulture

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