Feasibility assessment of integrated pest management (IPM) of walnut Zeuzera Pyrina (leopard moth) in Baft county

This survey research aimed to feasibility assessment of integrated pest management (IPM) of Walnut Zeuzera Pyrina (leopard moth) in Baft county. Statistical population of this research consisted of all the walnut growers in Baft county (N= 5750). According to Cochran formula, size of the sample was determined (n= 300). The respondents were chosen through multi-stage sampling technique. Validity of the questionnaire as research tool was confirmed by an expert group. Cronbach alpha coefficients which calculated among 0.76 to 0.89 for several scales of the questionnaire showed that reliability of the questionnaire was suitable. According to the results of Friedman test, the components of IPM of walnut Zeuzera Pyrina were ranked on the subject of feasibility assessment as: knowledge – skills capabilities, chemical operations, mechanical operations, agronomical operations, logistic-extension supporting services, economic ability, and biological operations. Correlation coefficients showed significant positive relationship between number of household members, membership in local organization, sources and channels of information about walnut cultivation, information and technical knowledge regarding walnut, the number of visits to Jihad-e-Keshavarzi office, number of cultivated varieties of walnuts, innovation in walnut cultivation, agronomical activities for controling Zeuzera Pyrina, number of household members employed in walnut growing, total annual income of walnut growing, the average yield of Walnut orchard (as independent variables) and feasibility assessment of IPM of Zeuzera Pyrina (as dependent variable). Also, comparison tests showed a significance differentiation among groups of respondents relating to feasibility assessment of IPM of Zeuzera Pyrina. Finally, using garden school's approach to training walnut growers, supplying biological inputs and advisory services, allocating credits for revitalization of walnut orchards and the use of indigenous knowledge is suggested.