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Spatial Externalities of Pest Control Decisions in the California Citrus Industry

Kelly Grogan and Rachael Goodhue

Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics, 2012, vol. 37, issue 1, 24

Abstract: Predaceous and parasitic insects provide control of important citrus pests. However, many pesticides are toxic to these beneficials. Using California citrus grower survey data, this article tests whether landscape-level use of pesticides affects the presence of and reliance on Aphytis melinus, an important beneficial insect. Results show that landscape-level pesticide use decreases the presence of A. melinus and increases reliance on insecticides. Pesticide use on non-citrus crops has a significant negative effect on the presence of Aphytis melinus, suggesting a cross-crop spatial externality. Our findings illustrate that regulations designed to address cross-crop effects on beneficial insects can increase social welfare.

Keywords: Agricultural and Food Policy; Crop Production/Industries; Production Economics (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2012
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (8)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:ags:jlaare:122310

DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.122310

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