The main objectives of the research were: to determine Level of farmers'
awareness of technical recommendations related to integrated control of sugar
beet weeds, to determine relationship between farmers' awareness and different
studied independent variables, and to determine problems that encounter the
participant farmers in relation with technical recommendations of integrated sugar
beet weed control.
The research was implemented during the period March-April, 2013. The
research was carried out in the biggest three districts of sugar beet at Fayoum
Governorate (Etssa, Tamia, and Fayoum districts), then the biggest villages in
each of the previously districts were selected (Defno village of Etssa District,
Darel-Salam of Tamia District, and Abgig village of Fayoum District). The research sample encompassed 214 participant farmers representing about 44,6%
of farmers' total populations. A pretested written questionnaire and face-to-face
interviews were used in collecting the research data. Simple correlation
coefficient, arithmetic mean, frequency tables, and percentages were used in
analyzing the obtained research data.
The main findings of the research were as the following:
17.29 % % of the participant farmers were found to be of high awareness level
in relation with the items of technical recommendations related to integrated
sugar beet weed control, about 47.66% with low awareness level, and about
35.05% with medium awareness level.
There was a positive significant relationship (at 0.01 significance level) between
participant farmers' awareness total score and each of the studied independent
variables (participant education, cultivated area with the concerned crop, and
awareness with damages caused by sugar beet weeds. In addition, it was found
that there was a positive significant relationship (at 0.05 significance level)
between the studied dependent variable and each of the independent variables of
total agricultural cultivated area, average production per feddan in tons.
Nine problems were found to encounter farmers in relation with their awareness
regarding sugar beet technical recommendations including farmers' unawareness
to proper use of those recommendations related to pesticide use, unavailability
of production inputs necessary for implementing integrated sugar beet weed
control, lack of farmers' awareness with types of pesticides, and unavailability
of enough agricultural extension efforts related to sugar beet weed control.