IPM messaging: Who, What, How? Insights from a survey of farmers and agronomists in Scotland

Enhanced awareness and knowledge among arable (field crop) farmers and agronomists are pivotal for making informed integrated pest management (IPM) decisions. In this study, we had 3 primary objectives: (i) identifying the key factors influencing the adoption of IPM, (ii) gathering insights into the currently perceived pest threats, and (iii) identifying any necessary intervention tools or methods for modifying the flow of information. In 2021, a telephone survey involving 267 arable and arable/livestock farmers and 26 agronomists was conducted in Scotland. The survey was designed to gather information on the perceived invertebrate pest, disease, and weed threats, the extent of IPM implementation, and the sources of information consulted. Several factors influenced the uptake of IPM, including farm type, location, agronomist engagement, farmer’s age, education, and membership in schemes promoting IPM. Notably, there were disparities in perceptions of the most significant pest threats between arable farmers and agronomists. This points to a division of decision-making responsibilities and, consequently, varying information needs. Agronomists typically require technical information related to pesticide effectiveness and disease management, whereas arable farmers seek guidance on cultural approaches for managing weeds and invertebrate pests. Furthermore, preferences for information sources also differed, with agronomists showing a preference for social media as a source of IPM information, while farmers favored the farming press. Ultimately, a deeper understanding of IPM practices equips farmers to actively participate in IPM discussions with their agronomists. This enables the collaborative development of an effective IPM strategy and, in turn, increases the adoption of IPM practices.