Growers’ knowledge on integrated pest management (IPM): A case study in Tennessee

Crop damage due to arthropod pests is one of the most critical problems growers face in agricultural cropping systems. To combat pests, growers use various management practices, like physical, cultural, biological, and chemical, or combinations of these methods. Integrated pest management (IPM) is an environmentally sustainable practice that combines all possible pest management techniques. The use of beneficial arthropods such as natural enemies of pest species (Biological Control) helps manage pest species without using harmful pesticides. Biological Control is also one of the most important components of IPM. However, growers may have limited knowledge and understanding of the IPM and/or Biological Control. In this aspect, our study aimed to assess the knowledge, perception, and experience of specialty crop growers of Tennessee on using and adopting IPM and Biological Control. This study designed a comprehensive questionnaire and administered an electronic survey using Qualtrics. Using a grower database and existing cooperative extension program of the Tennessee State University and the University of Tennessee, we received 289 responses. Results show that 53% and 61% of sampled growers had average or below-average knowledge on IPM and biological control, respectively. The survey results also show that 39% of sampled growers have taken some course related to IPM. Out of them, 63% got trained through training provided by Extension agents. Our study highlights the scope and importance of Cooperative Extension Programs for the growers to adopt environmentally sound pest management practices on cropping systems. We discuss the Tennessee growers’ specific knowledge on various components of IPM.