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BASIC
Program
BASIC
Results
 2002
Results
2003
Results
2006
Results
The
Growers
Methods
to Reduce Chemical Use
Best
Management Practices
Cleaner
Cotton
BASIC Newsletter
BASIC
Manual
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The Growers
In 2000 and 2001, the majority of growers
enrolled in BASIC were in the Chowclilla area (Madera and
Merced Counties). In 2002, SCP made the decision to move the
project areas to a new base in Fresno County (Firebaugh) where
there was increasing grower interest and a group of farmers
willing to make some changes in their farming practices.
In a follow-up survey of the 2000-2001
Chowchilla area growers, all but two of the farmers said they
continued to use biological practices on their cotton and
the other crops they farmed. Several stated they recommended
the practices to their neighbors and the biggest benefit was
learning how beneficial insects work in the fields and allow
a grower to reduce chemicals without impacting quality and
yields.
By 2004, 44 cotton field were enrolled
in the BASIC program, including 4 growers in Kern County near
Bakersfield. The majority of the growers are in the Firebaugh-Dos
Palos area, where larger scale growers with multiple growing
conditions are present. By gatering date from three different
geographical regions, the BASIC program is demonstrating that
biological control can work well under many growing scenarios
and conditions.
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