Huanglongbing (HLB), involves fostering both confidence in scientific information and encouraging collective action among growers. In this research, their agent-based model (ABM) highlights the importance of growers' perceptions of others' participation and their trust in scientific data in influencing their decision to engage in coordinated area-wide insecticide spraying. While individual participation in spraying does not significantly alter the timing of infection reaching a particular grower's crops, it is the collective actions of the community that determine the overall effectiveness in controlling the disease spread.
The findings suggest that as growers observe more of their peers participating in coordinated efforts, they are initially more likely to join in. However, after the disease has spread to a certain extent, some growers may become disillusioned or complacent, leading to a decrease in cooperation. This reduction in participation can exacerbate the spread of HLB. Conversely, when growers have increased confidence in the scientific information regarding HLB and its management, they are more likely to participate in collective actions, motivated by the prospect of higher cumulative profits from healthier crops.
Therefore, a comprehensive strategy to combat HLB should include efforts to strengthen growers' trust in scientific recommendations and promote a culture of collective responsibility. By doing so, it is possible to enhance cooperation and effectively manage the spread of this incurable infectious disease.
Flowers, Adelyn & Kaplan, Jonathan & Singh, Ajay. (2025). American J Agri Economics - 2025 - Flowers - Belief in neighbor behavior and confidence in scientific information as. American Journal of Agricultural Economics. 10.1111/ajae.12535.
Source: Research Gate