Usability of theory of programmed behavior in study of tendency and behavior of potato farmers towards use of integrated pest management (Case Study: Villages of Central District of Ardabil County)

The purpose of this study was use of model of programmed behavior in study of tendency and behavior of potato farmers towards use of integrated pest management.

To get the objective of research descriptive- correlation method and based on structural equation model was used.The statistical population included potato farmers in the central part of Ardabil county (N=3484). The sample size was estimated according Cochran's formula (200) and samples were selected using proportional multi-stage assignment. Data collection tool was a questionnaire consisting of 6 sections and 47 questions, the validity of which was confirmed based on the opinion of faculty members and its reliability was confirmed by Cronbach's alpha (for different sections from 0.82 to 0.93). Data were analyzed by two software SPSS and Lisrel.

According to results from structural equation analysis variables behavior tendency and control of perceived behavior predicts 82 percent of changes of variable potatos behavior towards integrated pest management.

As there is a significant correlation between behavior tendencies with behavior of potato farmers about integrated pest management it is suggested that scientific visits, demonstration farms, and extension and education classes on integrated pest management increased.