Understanding adoption, non-adoption, and discontinuance of biological control in rice fields of northern Iran

Biological control of pests can reduce unnecessary pesticide applications in crop production, but research on the adoption of this strategy and the post-adoption status over a long period is limited. In this study, we examined factors affecting adoption, non-adoption, and discontinuance of the use of biological control with Trichogramma spp. for the management of the Asiatic rice stem borer [Chilo suppressalis (Walker)] in rice (Oryza sativa L.) fields of Iran. Information was collected from 415 rice farmers of Golestan Province of northern Iran. A significant proportion of farmers did not adopt biological control, whereas most early adopters dropped it soon after adoption and turned back to the use of pesticides. Attributes of the biological control method and certain perceptions of farmers, such as compatibility of the technology (i.e., consistency with existing values, prior experiences, and needs of farmers), perceived self-efficacy about the method, facilitating conditions (i.e., technical support), perceived usefulness and ease of use of the technology were significant factors for the adoption. Additionally, farmers who perceived benefits of pesticide use, those who were more concerned about safe use of pesticides, those who produced high rice yields, and those who had high annual farm income were less likely to adopt biological control. On the other hand, the likelihood of rejection decreased with increased education level, perceived self-efficacy about the method, increased off-farm income, and information from plant protection staff. The likelihood of discontinuance decreased among farmers with large area under rice cultivation. Policies geared at promoting the biological control in rice fields of the study area should point out its usefulness and ease of use to farmers to guarantee continuous and long-term use after initial adoption. Local stakeholders should monitor the process of biological control adoption and support the initial stages of the process by providing technical support and effective incentives.