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2007 Greenhouse Growers IPM Survey Results

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Introduction

Maine greenhouse growers were surveyed during 2007 by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources to find out what Integrated Pest Management (IPM) information and services are needed. The survey was conducted in two ways: 1) paper questionnaire administered at the annual meeting of the Mid Maine Greenhouse Growers Association in March 2007 (11 responses) and 2) an internet-based questionnaire (89 responses) accessed by Maine greenhouse growers in response to an invitation sent by email to 273 greenhouse businesses listed in the Maine Department of Agriculture's, Plant Industry Division licensing database (=33% response rate).

Results

The following summarizes the results of this survey (Total number of people surveyed = 100)

Which pests are most important?

Most people rated insects and plant diseases as being very important to their business. Weeds are less, but still somewhat important.

Pie graph showing that insect and diseases are more of a concern to most growers than weeds.

Which IPM strategies are currently used? (% of growers using the practice)

Some good IPM practices are used frequently, while others such as record-keeping and disinfecting cutting tools are not used as much.

Widely Used Practices Infrequently Used Practices
Scout Weekly (84%) Keep written records (18%)
Identify Pests (84%) Disinfect cutting tools (46%)
Base treatments on scouting results (70%) Use beneficial insects (29%)
Inspect plants on arrival (83%) Use sticky monitoring cards (55%)
  Use list-risk pest control products (59%)

Where do you get IPM information?

Growers get most IPM information from print sources (books, etc.), followed by the internet and meetings (conferences, etc.)

Pie graph showing break down of the sources where growers get their IPM information. Most growers get the majority of their information from print sources.

What would be most helpful?

During the growing season, more growers prefer to get timely delivery of IPM information by email or the internet. Half of the respondents would also like regular visits by an IPM specialist.

Bar graph showing that most growers would find delivery of timely IPM information by email and internet most useful

Interested in Joining a team of growers for in-season IPM demonstration and information sharing?

65% of respondents indicated interest in joining a team of growers to learn more about IPM during the growing season. Of these, 26% said they would travel 11-20 miles to participate, 40% would travel 21-30 miles, and 17% would travel 40-50 miles for weekly meetings.

bar graph showing that 65% of growers would like to join a team to learn more about IPM during the growing season.