Analysis of Factors Affecting Pesticide Use in Corn Production: The Case Study of Samsun

The aim of this study was to determine both plant protection problems and factors affecting the dose use of pesticide in corn production, in Alacam, Bafra and Terme districts of Samsun province. The data were collected from surveys conducted in 15 villages of these three districts with a total of 100 surveys. The survey data cover the 2011 production year. According to the results; the use of pesticides increases with increases in farmers' age, operating expenses, the amount of seed used, higher land lease and the adverse weather effects in the corn production. In addition, the pesticide uses were more observed in a year lag in farms which received subsidy from the government than farms which did not receive such support. The use of pesticide doses declines with an increase in farm income, education level of the household head, and farms with a backpack pesticide sprayer. The less use of pesticide occurs in farms without both soil analysis, product marketing and selling their product with a lower price. Thus, such problems should be minimized in corn production in the region. In addition, the effective dose of pesticide in the corn production should be optimized with taking into account of both the environment and human health, the allowance of laws and economic principles.