Analysis in terms of environmental awareness of farmers' decisions and attitudes in pesticide use: the case of Turkey

The aim of this study was to analyze in terms of environmental consciousness farmers' decisions and attitudes in pesticide use. Data were obtained from melon growers of the villages of Cankiri Province of Turkey. The farms were chosen by the random sampling method. Chi-square test (chi(2)) was used for analyzing the relationships between some selected socio-economic characteristics and the decisions and attitudes in pesticide use. The decision-making of pesticide application time showed significant relationships between the information sources used by the farmers, their age, education and farm size. A relationship was also found between the information sources used by the farmers and their experience in identifying diseases or insect pest. An intensification of extension services to educate farmers on safe use of pesticides in melon production is recommended. A communication gap between the farmers and research centers was established. Extension programs, brochures and field visits are the sources of information that fanners rely on.