Factors Influencing Adoption of Integrated Disease Management Practices among Grape Farmers

Abstract

The study examined the adoption pattern of integrated disease management practices among grape growers in Chikkaballapura district of Karnataka, India, during 2023–24. Chikkaballapura and Sidlaghatta taluks were selected because of their larger area under grape cultivation, and 120 grape growers, comprising 60 small farmers and 60 big farmers from 12 villages, were included. Data were collected through personal interviews using a structured schedule. Adoption was assessed for recommended cultural, biological, mechanical and chemical practices used in the management of downy mildew, powdery mildew and anthracnose. The results showed wider adoption of cultural, mechanical and chemical practices than biological control practices. All respondents removed and destroyed pruned plant parts for anthracnose management, while 75.00 per cent removed diseased canes and dead wood. Full adoption of recommended fungicide spraying was observed among 79.17 per cent of respondents for downy mildew, 80.00 per cent for powdery mildew and 76.67 per cent for anthracnose. However, 61.67 per cent did not adopt Bacillus subtilis or Trichoderma spp. application. Overall, 34.17 per cent of growers were in the low adoption category, 33.33 per cent in the medium category and 32.50 per cent in the high category. Path analysis indicated that innovativeness, economic orientation, extension contact and extension participation were important contributors to adoption behaviour.