| Many organophosphate and pyrethroid insecticides currently used by California walnut growers have been linked to negative environmental or human health impacts, increasing the probability of use restrictions and phase-outs. This thesis assessed the acceptability of alternative reduced-risk strategies by comparing their costs to those of pest management programs currently in use among San Joaquin County walnut growers. Data from the California Department of Pesticide Regulation's legally mandated Pesticide Use Reports database were used to identify current pest management strategies practiced by walnut growers from 2002 to 2004. While many factors other than cost influence growers' pest management choices, the results of this project conclude that alternative strategies can be cost-competitive with conventional approaches, depending on the pest pressure and savings due to reductions in secondary pest outbreaks. |
