Perceptions of the pros (beneficial effects) and cons (harmful effects) of pesticides influence patterns of
pesticide acceptance and use among farmers in developing countries. However, perceptions about
pesticide effects can vary greatly among farmers and thus continuous research is always useful for
developing effective intervention initiatives. A survey of 331 randomly selected rice farmers was carried
out in Mazandaran province of northern Iran to study perceptions of the pros and cons of pesticides and
to assess how these perceptions influence the adoption of biological control (BC) among farmers in the
area. Most farmers were well aware of both pesticide effects, with slightly lower perception levels about
pros than cons. The high risk of pesticides to human health was perceived as the most severe negative
effect, whereas the boost of crop productivity with pesticides was the most frequent perceived beneficial
effect. Although implementation of BC in the study area was quite low, most farmers expressed confidence
in BC and were in favor of its adoption. High levels of education and a tendency for own consumption
of produce were associated with high awareness of both pesticide effects among farmers. High
income, high rice grain yields, and intense use of pesticides were associated with positive perceptions
about pesticides, whereas high farming experience was associated with negative perceptions about
pesticides. Perceptions of the pros and cons of pesticides could predict support or rejection of BC among
farmers. Well-educated and experienced farmers, farmers with frequent extension contacts and high
share of family labor force in farming activities, as well as farmers who recognized that pesticide use has
cons were more likely to support BC in their farms.