Adoption of integrated pest management practices among Potato growers

Potatoes are the world's most important vegetable crop. They originated in the Andean region of South America and were first brought to Spain, where they were marketed as early as 1576. Potato is a multipurpose food, consumed by more than one billion people in all over the world. It is a staple food in Europe and vegetable in the developing countries in response to such a scenario, researchers have been trying to develop alternative means of pest management which are known as Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices (Pedigo, 1991). IPM not only helps in controlling pests ecologically but also is economical for the growers and ultimately in agribusiness. The potato plays a strong role in developing countries with its ability to provide nutritious food for the poor and hungry. The demand for potato is growing as both a fresh and processed food. The decreasing availability of land for area expansion means that yields will have to be improved. Critical to achieving improved tuber yields will be access to an adequate water supply, including more efficient use of scarce water and costly fertilizer inputs..