The perception of corn farmers about biological control of <i>Caradrina</i> by <i>Braconid</i> in Dezful Township, Khouzestan Province, Iran

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyze the perception of corn farmers about biological control of Caradrina by Braconid in Dezful Township, Khouzestan Province, Iran. The method used in this study was correlative descriptive and causal relation. A random sample of Dezful township corn farmers of Khouzestan Province, Iran (n = 350) was selected for participation in this study. A questionnaire was developed to gather information regarding perception of farmers on biological control of Caradrina by Braconid in corn farms of Dezful Township, Khouzestan Province. The questionnaire was pilot tested in Shoushtar Township, Khouzestan Province. Questionnaire reliability was estimated by calculating Cronbach’s alpha. Reliability was Cronbach's alpha = 0.85. Data collected were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). According to results of this study, there were significant correlation between perception of corn farmers about biological control of Caradrina by Braconid with work experience, social participation, level of education, income, technical knowledge and extension activity. The result of regression indicates that 38% of the variances in the perception of respondents could be explained by the social participation, level of education, income, technical knowledge and extension activity.

Key words: Biological control, Caradrina, Braconid, corn farmers, Dezful.