The Diffusion of Integrated Pest Management Techniques

This paper examines the diffusion paths of selected Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques among vegetable growers in 15 states, as well as the factors influencing such paths, using static and dynamic diffusion models. The adoption of these IPM techniques appears to follow the logistic model, and the 75 percent adoption of most IPM techniques will be reached in the first quarter of the next century, if current conditions prevail. Significant differences in levels of adoption across states and crops can be accounted for by the different conditions in the regions and crops, as well as the levels of research, education, and revenues per acre.