KNOWLEDGE ASSESSMENT OF INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AMONG HYBRID TOMATO GROWERS

This study investigates the knowledge levels of hybrid tomato growers in Karnataka, India, regarding Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices. Through structured interview schedule and standardized knowledge tests, data were collected to assesses growers’ understanding of cultural, physical, chemical, and biological IPM practices. Findings reveal that majority of respondents (69.17%) had medium level knowledge about IPM practices apropos in tomato cultivation. Among different IPM practices, respondent possess highest knowledge in chemical practices (x̄= 0.7208, ranked Ist) followed by cultural practices (x̄= 0.6991, ranked IInd), mechanical or physical practices (x̄= 0.5167, ranked IIIrd) and the least knowledge in biological practices (x̄= 0.1583, ranked IVth). In the Standardized Multi-variate Regression Analysis (SMRA), coefficient of determination (R2= 0.621) interpreted as 62.1% of total variation in knowledge level explained by a set of nine independent variables collectively considered under this study. However, standardized ß-value shows the amount of variation in dependent variable explained by particular independent variable.Furthermore, Independent variables – posing positive effect on dependent variable – were year of schooling (standardized ß-value = 0.298), cosmopolitness (standardized ß-value = 0.236) found significant at 1% (p<0.01); occupation (standardized ß-value = 0.110) at 5% (p<0.05); tomato farming experience (standardized ß-value = 0.129), annual family income (standardized ß-value = 0.113) and extension contact (standardized ß-value = 0.111) found significant at 10% (p<0.10). On contrary, age was found negatively significant at 1% (t=-7.163; p<0.01) level with standardized ß-value -0.443. By addressing knowledge gaps and promoting environmentally friendly alternatives to chemical pesticides, can contribute to more efficient and sustainable hybrid tomato cultivation. The study advises policies need to be formulated by focusing targeted training for older farmers and enhanced extension and media outreach across all age groups.