Assessment of Pesticide Selection and Application Behaviors of Sugar Beet Farmers in Konya Province

This study is undertaken to determine the behaviors of sugar beet farmers regarding pesticide selection and applications in the Çumra, Altınekin, and Seydişehir districts of Konya province, where sugar beet production is concentrated in 2023. A total of 20 sugar beet farmers were randomly selected from each district through a random sampling method, and evaluations were made based on their responses to 16 face-to-face questions. The results were calculated as percentages and presented in tables. The behaviors of farmers regarding pesticide selection and application practices were assessed in two stages. It was found that sugar beet farmers often seek information from pesticide dealers when choosing and determining the dosage of agricultural chemicals, and they mostly obtain pesticides from agricultural chemical dealers. It was noted that they acquire the chemicals when they start growing the crop, do not spray regularly for pests and diseases as a preventive measure, and pay attention to the legality, cost-effectiveness, and effectiveness of the pesticides they purchase. Half of the sugar beet farmers reported conducting at least two pesticide applications during the season, and the majority stated that they perform pesticide applications in the morning and afternoon. Farmers acknowledged the importance of pesticide residues but emphasized that the effectiveness of the pesticide was more crucial. They also reported not adhering to the waiting periods between the last pesticide application and harvest. Regarding pesticide handling, application, and post-application practices, it was observed that farmers partially protected themselves. They tended to spray excess pesticide-contaminated water at the edge of the orchard or on vacant land and disposed of empty pesticide containers haphazardly on the edge of the field.