IR-4 MINOR CROP PEST MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

The goal of IR-4 Project is to develop the data needed by the US Environmental Protection Agency to support the regulatory approval of safe and effective conventional pesticides and biopesticides for fruits, vegetables, nuts, herbs and ornamental crops as well as minor uses on major (corn, soybean, cotton, etc.) crops. The IR-4 Project is needed because registrants of crop protection technology focus their development effort in major crops. IR-4 fills the niche by developing the required data to extend these registrations to specialty crops/minor uses. IR-4 Headquarters manages and coordinates all activities of national IR-4 Project including all activities with collaborators and researchers, the crop protection industry, State Agricultural Experiment Stations, EPA, USDA and cooperating foreign governments.IR-4 continues to provide significant products and outcomes to directly answer the request for assistance submitted by specialty crop growers, producers and commodity associations. On an annual basis, IR-4 data is used to facilitate over 2000 new food and non-food registrations for critical pests in specialty crops. IR-4 focuses its efforts on registration of conventional pesticides and biopesticides deemed lower risk for humans and the environment while giving the specialty crop producers technology to better manage diseases, pests and weeds in a sustainable and environmentally manner. Some of these products are of acute need for use in IPM systems. The food chain benefits because these registrations reduce pest damage and maintains crop yield and quality while providing consumers and food processors with an ample supply of fruits, vegetables, herbs, ornamentals and other specialty crops that make up a healthy diet and enhances the environment.