Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Consumer Perceptions Of Flatheaded Borer Control Methods, Samuel Gerloff

Masters Theses

Flatheaded borers are insect pests that cause damage to ornamental and fruit producing plants. This study examines consumers’ willingness to pay for four alternative flatheaded borer control methods across four products. The four products tested included two plants (maple trees, blueberry bushes) and two fruits (apples (3 pounds), blueberries (1 pint)) to ascertain if differences were observed between product categories (plant verses food) and potential product uses for the plant categories (aesthetic vs food producing). The four control methods included a chemical drench, spray, cultivar selection, and cover crop. A no control option was also included. Survey data were collected …