Adoption and Diffusion of Integrated Pest Management Innovations in Agriculture

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Abstract
This study systematically evaluated the adoption and implementation of integrated pest management sampling techniques developed for use by California farmers who grow tomatoes for processing. The rate and magnitude of adoption of the techniques were affected by nonentomological factors, including characteristics of the growers, sources of information, and perception and evaluation of the IPM innovation. Adoption of the IPM innovation followed the familiar S-shaped curve predicted by diffusion theory. A relatively high level of reinvention of the IPM techniques by growers was discovered along with adoption. Previous experience with IPM programs, land ownership, and type of enterprise were related to adoption. No significant differences were discovered for use of professional sources of information by adopters and nonadopters, although nonadopters relied significantly more on personal sources than did adopters. Attributes of the IPM innovation, particularly its complexity, figured prominently in the adoption rates. Those responsible for the development and the dissemination of IPM must be attuned to diffusion theory and to the fact that IPM innovations are complex clusters of technology and information.

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