ABSTRACT
In contributing to the environmental barrier, conventional pest control occasions the use of either persistent, slowly-degradable compounds, or rapidly degradable but highly toxic compounds. The technological barrier refers to extension problems whereby any new techniques would have to integrate into existing agricultural practices and to be effective in controlling pest populations within prescribed time limits. During the 1978/79 and 1979/80 cotton seasons a survey was conducted to determine the factors operative in changing farmer attitudes to pest management. This survey, to be reported elsewhere, also gathered baseline data on the methods used for dealing with pest problems. Those interviewed represented 92 percent of all farmers in the Queensland Industry. The marked regional differences in pesticide usage could be attributed to a difference in: pest spectrum; chemical effectiveness; attitudes to pest management; information services available to farmers.
