摘要：Environmental concerns about pesticide usage in traditional production systems are prompting vegetable producers to consider alternative systems. Research results from a multi-year study on eggplant in southern Georgia compare two alternative production technologies to the conventional rye cover crop technology. Alternative technologies utilize beneficial insect principles as substitutes for conventional pesticide controls. Using field data, eggplant production budgets are developed to generate net return estimates under each system. Cost reductions achieved by using alternative technologies are not sufficient to offset the reduced yields and returns generated from these technologies. Cash input requirements for alternative systems suggest potential for limited resource producers.
