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Azinphos-methyl (AZM) phase-out: Actions and attitudes of apple growers in Washington State

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  25 February 2011

Jessica R. Goldberger ,
Nadine Lehrer  and
Jay F. Brunner
Jessica R. Goldberger*
Affiliation:
Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA.
Nadine Lehrer
Affiliation:
Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center, Washington State University, Wenatchee, WA 98801, USA.
Jay F. Brunner
Affiliation:
Department of Entomology, Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center, Washington State University, Wenatchee, WA 98801, USA.
*
*Corresponding author: [email protected]
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Abstract

The Environmental Protection Agency's phase-out of the pesticide azinphos-methyl (AZM) has encouraged the transition of apple pest management toward more environmentally and socially sustainable practices. This study reports on results of a 2009 survey of conventional apple growers in Washington State. Growers were asked about their approaches and attitudes toward the AZM phase-out and barriers to the adoption of reduced-risk insecticides (AZM-alternatives) as part of their integrated pest management (IPM) programs. Chi-square and analysis of variance (ANOVA) techniques were used to examine relationships between actions and attitudes toward the phase-out and grower characteristics. Results showed that Washington apple growers have begun eliminating AZM and adopting AZM-alternatives. However, larger growers (in terms of acreage and income) and growers more familiar with Washington State University's (WSU's) educational resources were more likely to have already reduced their AZM use. These results suggest that larger farms can play an important role in increasing the sustainability of conventional agriculture, despite a common association of sustainable agriculture with small farms. Results also suggest that agricultural extension services could be well served to extend their outreach to smaller growers and others lagging in the transition to more sustainable apple pest management.

Keywords

apple productionazinphos-methylintegrated pest managementpesticide usesustainable agricultureWashington State
Type
Research Papers
Information
Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems , Volume 26 , Issue 4 , December 2011 , pp. 276 - 286
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2011

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