Knowledge of grape growers on the use of bio-pesticides

Grape is an important fruit crop of temperate zone which has acclimatized to tropical and subtropical agro-climatic conditions prevailing in Indian subcontinent. Among the export oriented fruits, grape contributes maximum share of export from India to Europe and other parts of the world. As the maximum grapes are exported by the grape growers, bio-pesticides have an important role to accomplish the export standards which aids in the sense of keeping quality, disease and pest resistance and post harvest technology of the grapes. Subsequently it results in fine economic stability among the grape growers. Keeping this in view a study was conducted to assess the level of knowledge in the use of bio-pesticides in grapes by the growers of Baramati, Indapur and Junnar Tehsils of Pune district of Maharashtra. A total of 120 respondents were selected. The results of the study showed that maximum number of respondents were having medium level of knowledge in use of bio-pesticides to control pests and diseases. There was a significant difference noticed in high and low level of knowledge about use of bio-pesticides. The study suggests conducting of intensive awareness trainings on bio-pesticides usage and its benefit in grape production.