Farmers' preferences for adoption of service plants in biological control and implications for agricultural system design

Decreasing recourse to chemicals in agriculture is a major challenge in the development of more sustainable agrosystems. Conservation biological control could be key to addressing this challenge by promoting pest regulation using natural enemies. We investigated ex ante perceptions and preferences of farmers about conservation biological control via the use of service plants to attract parasitoids. The aim of this study is to allow for designing systems matching with farmers vision, with higher chances of adoption. We interviewed 30 farmers involved in cucumber production in Guadeloupe, and used survey results to build a typology of farms. Farm Types were then assessed for characteristics with a focus on innovation variables. We further assessed how preferences, constraints and opportunities about service plants aiming for biological control differed among farm types. Variable significance was assessed with ANOVA and Chi-square testing, and we processed with post-hoc tests for significantly impacting variables. Finally, we translated these results into recommendations for agricultural systems and policy design. We documented a general interest in innovation but heterogeneity across farm types in terms of farmers' willingness to test and to adopt specific innovation. Knowledge about natural regulation was key for adoption. Workload and cash flow constraints significantly limited adoption of service plants. Despite differences in adoption levels, all farmers shared the same perception of constraints and opportunities for adoption and demonstrated similar preferences regarding service plant traits. Integrating service plants relevant to biological control in the fields should also consider other benefits and services to farmers, and should be supported by broad minded policies and training accessibility. Our results highlight that integrating service plants in innovative cropping schemes should consider farmers preferences and constraints and envision multiple criteria for success, as well as supporting policies for adoption. • This study investigated ex-ante farmers' preferences for biological control. • Farmers with higher education and knowledge level show greater interest. • Increased workload, lack of information and economic loss are perceived hurdles. • Farmers share common preferences of sought service plants' traits. • Accounting for farmers perception is key for designing cleaner agricultural systems.