Evaluation of knowledge agroecologiques in organic and conventional horticulturists of the north zone of Cartago, Costa Rica

In the zone to the north of Cartago, Costa Rica, the conceptual understand of the agroecosystem, among three groups of vegetable growers-organic, advised by the Ministry of Agriculture and advised by commercial input distibutors-were studies to determine their progression through the four stages of integrated pest management: calendarization, rational pesticide use, substitution and system redesign. The three groups were more familar with pest and disease identification than with their life cycles and the influence of abiotic and biotic factors in the food web. The organic growers had greater agroecological knowledge about spontaneous vegetation and life in the other two groups.