Progress 09/01/10 to 01/31/12
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416): 1. Conduct field trials and collect residue samples to provide data for supporting petitions for pesticide tolerance in vegetable, melon, and specialty crops. 2. Generate and submit data on phytotoxicity, crop and pest response to pesticides for the purpose of expanding registration labeling in food, ornamental, and specialty crops to IR-4 headquarters. Approach (from AD-416): Evaluate needs for crop protection chemicals in minor acreage crops by consulting growers and grower associations. Submit request for pesticide clearance through IR-4 sponsor. Conduct field trials, apply pesticides, harvest and ship residue samples according to study protocols, standard operating procedures, and good laboratory practices to ensure compliance with EPA regulations for the magnitude of residue and efficacy/phytotoxicity studies. Due to FY12 USDA-ARS Program Reductions, this project has been terminated. During the life of the project, all assigned pesticides were fully evaluated and results reported to IR-4 Headquarters. In FY12, all raw data, correspondence, and miscellaneous facilities information from this test site was transferred to the IR-4 Headquarters for permanent archival, and the site was officially decommissioned on January 31, 2012.
Impacts
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Progress 10/01/10 to 09/30/11
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) 1. Conduct field trials and collect residue samples to provide data for supporting petitions for pesticide tolerance in vegetable, melon, and specialty crops. 2. Generate and submit data on phytotoxicity, crop and pest response to pesticides for the purpose of expanding registration labeling in food, ornamental, and specialty crops to IR-4 headquarters. Approach (from AD-416) Evaluate needs for crop protection chemicals in minor acreage crops by consulting growers and grower associations. Submit request for pesticide clearance through IR-4 sponsor. Conduct field trials, apply pesticides, harvest and ship residue samples according to study protocols, standard operating procedures, and good laboratory practices to ensure compliance with EPA regulations for the magnitude of residue and efficacy/phytotoxicity studies. This report documents progress for the parent project 0500-00007-096-00D Field Trials to Develop Data on Crop Protection Chemicals for Vegetable and Specialty Crops, which started Sept 2010 and continues research from project 0500-00007-086-00D. The USDA-ARS/IR-4 facility at Weslaco, Texas, conducted all assigned spring and summer residue trials and is going forward with assigned fall residue trials. IR-4 Quality Assurance (QA) conducted a facility audit and also audited three field residue applications as they were being made and found no deficiencies. The IR-4 successfully passed facility inspections by Quality Assurance personnel to ensure that strict EPA guidelines and GLP policies were being adhered to. With no deficiencies found, the Weslaco location was rated fully successful in three separate IR-4 field trial applications monitored by QA to ensure GLP compliance. Significant Activities that Support Special Target Populations Our work has contributed to pesticide tolerances being established each year by the EPA. These pesticides are then eligible to be used by producers of minor or specialty crops. Pesticide registration requires that the EPA must first ensure that there exists no threat to human health and no unreasonable risk to the environment of the pesticide and its application if used according to the label directions. To assure public safety, more than 140 different studies on a chemical's toxicology, crop residues, and environmental effects may be conducted. Where pesticides may be used on food or feed crops, the EPA also sets tolerances (maximum pesticide residue levels) for the amount of the pesticide that can legally remain in or on foods. The EPA provides clearance for the distribution and application of the registrant pesticide use as prescribed on the pesticide label with satisfactory results from these field tests. The trials conducted at Weslaco are specifically aimed at giving vegetable growers in our area and nationwide a broader selection of crop protection chemicals. Accomplishments 01 Development of crop protection chemical for minor crops. EPA requires commodities that are to be sprayed with a crop protection chemical be tested to pass chemical residue standards before that pesticide can legally be used and the commodity marketed. The IR-4 Project provides th field trial and laboratory residue data necessary for EPA clearance of minor crop tolerances, and approval of new uses for pesticide labels for fruits, vegetables, and other minor crops, which benefits minor crop growers, food processors, and consumers. The IR-4 program in Weslaco, T accepted 15 pesticide commodity field trials and completed the spring trials according to EPA guidelines and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP). We also accepted and conducted a "Priority Fast Track" trial on onions that was specifically requested by onion growers in our area, and finish our applications, sampling, and shipping in 12 days. Pesticides were applied, commodities harvested, and residue samples were shipped accordi to protocol. Data for supporting petitions for pesticide tolerance in vegetables and specialty crops was provided according to protocols. Quality Assurance (QA) audit comments / reviews on data submitted were generally excellent. Weslaco trials produced chemical / commodity uses cleared by the EPA. The residue trials conducted have resulted in registrations of new pesticides, re-registration of existing pesticides, and an expanded number of pesticides available for use by commercial and noncommercial producers of minor or specialty crops nationwide, with emphasis on those grown in the Rio Grande Valley region of south Texas.
Impacts
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