GROWER ACCEPTANCE OF ECONOMIC THRESHOLDS FOR WEED MANAGEMENT IN ILLINOIS

Authors: CZAPAR, GEORGE - UNIV OF ILLINOIS; CURRY, MARC - UNIV OF ILLINOIS; WAX, LOYD

Submitted to: Weed Technology Journal
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/8/1996
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: The use of economic thresholds by growers has been accepted more for insect management than for weed management. We wanted to determine the reasons for this trend in management decision and style, so that we could use this information to help increase use of thresholds for weed management. We conducted surveys of growers, agricultural chemical dealers, and bank farm managers to learn the reasons that limit use of economic thresholds for weed management. Reasons given varied considerably according to the group surveyed. Growers were most concerned about harvesting problems, as 64% of the growers identified this as a major reason for not using economic thresholds. They were also concerned about landlord perception and weed production (38%), while 36% listed general field appearance as an important limitation. In contrast, 75% of agricultural chemical dealers and 63% of farm managers listed field appearance as a major cause of limited use of economic thresholds for weed management. Since grower concerns involve risk management and future profitability, economic weed thresholds that address long-term costs and benefits of weed control decisions may be more fully accepted. We have determined some of the main reasons that growers have not accepted widely the use of economic thresholds for weed management, and perhaps have gained insight into how we can improve grower acceptance of these important techniques. This information will be useful to all personnel involved in developing and implementing weed management programs such as growers, crop consultant, researchers, industry personnel, and extension specialists.

Technical Abstract: Although economic thresholds are often used to make insect control decisions, the use of thresholds for weed management has been limited. Surveys of growers, agricultural chemical dealers, and bank farm managers helped identify limitations to grower acceptance of economic thresholds for weed management. Growers were most concerned about harvest problems due to weeds, with 64% identifying this factor as a major limitation. Landlord perception and weed seed production were identified by 38% of the growers as major limitations, while 36% of the growers listed general appearance of the field as a reason. In contrast, 75% of the agricultural chemical dealers and 63% of the farm managers surveyed listed field appearance as a major reason limiting grower acceptance of economic thresholds for weed management. Since grower concerns involve risk management and future profitability, economic weed thresholds that address long-term costs and benefits of weed control decisions may be more fully accepted.