Economic Effect of Insect Pest Management Strategies on Small-scale Tomato Production in Mississippi

Abstract

<jats:p>Due to difficulty in monitoring insect pests, applications of insecticides are frequently conducted on a calendar schedule. However, seasonal variability in pest populations leads to these calendar schedules sometimes being inaccurate. Threshold-based insect management strategies, including use of thresholds with conventional pesticides and with use of organic pesticides only, were compared with a conventional calendar approach for yield, management cost, and production value of tomato (<jats:italic>Solanum lycopersicum</jats:italic>). Effect of cultivar was considered by inclusion of the long season cultivar Celebrity and the short season cultivar Early Girl Bush. These factors were compared for spring and fall seasons during two production years. Greatest total and marketable yields were obtained from use of conventional pesticides according to action thresholds. Use of organic insecticides according to thresholds did not affect yields in comparison with a calendar-based approach. Proportion of fruit rated unmarketable was greater with use of organic insecticides due to reduced efficacy and residual of control. Production costs for the organic threshold-based approach were greater due to increased number of insecticide applications required. Gross margin for both conventional and organic threshold-based insect pest management was greater than for the conventional calendar method. Increased economic return for conventional threshold-based management was due to increased yields. Increase in return for organic threshold management was based on premiums received for organically grown tomatoes. Adoption of conventional threshold-based insect pest management by small-scale producers has the potential to increase production efficiency and value, as well as increase environmental sustainability of production. Economic feasibility of organic production requires access to markets willing to pay significant premiums for organic produce. Further research to evaluate economic and yield impacts of production practices for small-scale farms is needed.</jats:p>

Comparative Economics of Conventional, Organic, and Alternative Agricultural Production Systems

“…Due to the constraints of pest monitoring, insecticide applications are generally conducted on a calendar schedule. Stephenson et al (2019) assessed threshold-based management strategies, including the use of conventional-threshold and organic-threshold pesticide use relative to a calendar-based approach in tomato. Yield, management cost, and production value were quantified.…”

The Effectiveness of Fertilizer Subsidy: How the Impact to the Production

“…Susanti, et al (2019) also stated that the use of pesticides did not have a significant effect on rice production. Different results were stated by Stephenson, et al (2020) that the use of pesticides at the proper dose can increase production. Based on the research results, the use of pesticides in Sukaasih Village was adjusted to the pests that appeared.…”

Safeguarding Tomato Cultivation: Challenges and Integrated Pest Management Strategies in North India

“…Fruits with visible insect damage or deformities may be less desirable to consumers, resulting in lower sales volumes or decreased prices at the market. Pests like the tomato fruit borer may cause internal damage to fruits, making it difficult to detect infestations until after harvest, further impacting consumer confidence in the product [50].…”