Source: NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIV submitted to NRP
IR-4 MINOR CROP PEST MANAGEMENT
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
COMPLETE
Funding Source
SPECIAL GRANT
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
1023743
Grant No.
2020-34383-32455
Cumulative Award Amt.
$2,351,831.00
Proposal No.
2020-07639
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Aug 1, 2020
Project End Date
Feb 28, 2023
Grant Year
2020
Program Code
[RR]- IR-4 Minor Crop Pest Management
Recipient Organization
NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIV
(N/A)
RALEIGH,NC 27695
Performing Department
IR4
Non Technical Summary
IR-4 Project Headquarters (HQ) manages and coordinates all activities for the national IR-4 Project including research efforts with conventional and bio-based pesticides to support US Environmental Protection Agency registration on specialty food and non-food crops (fruits, vegetables, herbs, nuts, ornamentals) and other minor uses on major crops. The need for the IR-4 Project is economic - registrants of pesticides/biopesticides focus their development efforts on major crops and major markets. IR-4 fills the niche by developing the required data to extend these registrations to specialty crops/minor uses. HQ coordinates all activities with collaborators and researchers including commodity/grower groups, the crop protection industry, State Agricultural Experiment Stations, EPA, USDA and cooperating foreign governments. The national IR-4 Project provides significant deliverables with positive impacts to stakeholders that include: new registrations for key pests; extending the value of data to include similar crops through crop grouping and extrapolation; and assisting in the harmonization of international Maximum Residue Levels to remove pesticide residues in crops as a trade barrier. IR-4's focus on registration of crop protection products deemed lower risk for humans and the environment benefits society, as a whole, while giving the specialty crop producers technology to better manage diseases, pests and weeds in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner. Organic growers also benefit from registrations of biopesticides derived from natural materials.
Animal Health Component
25%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
25%
Developmental
75%
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
2111499113010%
2111119113010%
2111129113010%
2112110113010%
2121499110210%
2121129110210%
2122110110210%
2131499114010%
2131129114010%
2132110114010%
Knowledge Area
212 - Pathogens and Nematodes Affecting Plants; 211 - Insects, Mites, and Other Arthropods Affecting Plants; 213 - Weeds Affecting Plants;

Subject Of Investigation
1119 - Deciduous tree fruits, general/other; 1499 - Vegetables, general/other; 2110 - Ornamental trees and shrubs; 1129 - Berries and cane fruits, general/other;

Field Of Science
1130 - Entomology and acarology; 1102 - Mycology; 1140 - Weed science;
Goals / Objectives
The IR-4 Project was established in 1963 by the USDA to provide assistance to growers of fruits, vegetables, nuts, herbs, ornamentals and other specialty crops by facilitating the regulatory approval of conventional chemical pesticides and biopesticides to manage insects, plant diseases, weeds and other pests that reduce crop yield or quality. IR-4 also assists with the regulatory approval of pest management technology for minor uses on major crops.The IR-4 Project accomplishes its mission through the development and submission of the high quality data required by USEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other regulatory authorities to support registration decisions. Regulatory authorities require magnitude of the residue and/or product performance data on synthetic chemical pesticides, biochemical pesticides, microbial pesticides, plant incorporated protectants and other technologies to assess the risk and benefits. The IR4 Project submissions traditionally support approximately 50% of the EPA registrations for new uses of existing pesticides/biopesticides. The core objectives of the IR-4 Project are:1) Food ProgramObtain and maintain regulatory clearances of effective crop protection agents for high value, specialty food crops and for minor agricultural uses (special circumstance needs) on major food crops with an emphasis on lower risk chemicals, biopesticides, and uses that are compatible with integrated pest management (IPM) programs. To accomplish this goal, IR-4 preforms U.S. EPA guideline Magnitude of the Residue studies at various IR-4 sponsored field research centers and analytical laboratories. throughout the U.S. From these cooperating research sites, IR-4 obtains required data to support the registration of chemical and bio-based pesticides.IR-4's new initiative, Integrated Solutions, was introduced at the 2018 Food Use Workshop.The goal of this initiative is to screen conventional chemical pesticides and biopesticides to identify the best solution or management practice(s) to address existing pest management voids. Sub-objectives include the management and prevention of pest resistance to pesticides and management of key pests while mitigating the residues of chemical pesticides in the crop.2) Environmental Horticulture ProgramSupport research on crop protection products that will expand their uses on ornamental crops (nursery, floral, turf, and other non-food crop systems) to allow management of invasive/exotic pests (arthropods, nematodes, vertebrates, pathogens, or weeds).
Project Methods
The IR-4 Project process starts with a request for assistance or "Project Clearance Request" (PCR) to cover a pest management void in the production of fruits, vegetables, nuts, herbs, ornamentals and other specialty crops.The PCR requests information on the pest, the problems it causes, the economic impact, the impact of the pest on IPM programs as well as the identification of a potential product that has shown ability to manage that pest.Scientific staff at HQ will review all new PCRs. Relevant PCRs are forwarded to the registrants of chemical or bio-based pesticides to determine their support and a commitment to add the specialty crop use to their registration if IR-4 develops the necessary data. EPA screens the list of Researchable Projects to determine if there are any major regulatory impediments that would prevent registration. Additionally, the USDA-Regional Integrated Pest Management Centers reviews PCR for their Integrated Pest Management (IPM) compatibility. IR-4 HQ maintains a database that tracks the requests for assistance, along with the relevant details pertaining to the request.Congressional appropriations do not provide adequate funds to conduct research to answer all Requests for Assistance. HQ facilitates electronic and face-to-face interaction to identify the most important research projects. It starts with a web based "Nomination" process where stakeholders identify a limited number of projects identified for further consideration. IR-4 has established a web-based Priority Setting Tool that allows participants to make comments on particular projects that can be viewed by others in the decision making process. IR-4's priority setting is finalized at the annual Food Use Workshop where participants discuss the merits and attributes of projects and select those with the highest priority for IR-4 research the following year.After completion of priority setting, IR-4 has its National Research Planning Meeting to assign field and laboratory locations for the research projects. If a project is also a priority in Canada, IR-4 will work in cooperation with CN-PMC on these studies of mutual interest. Study Directors at HQ draft protocols specific to the individual research study. IR-4 must follow federal requirements, including EPA's Harmonized Test Guidance (OPPTS 860) and Federal Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) Standardin development of data.Research is implemented in two phases: field and laboratory. The majority of field trials are assigned to dedicated field research scientists at University or USDA research farms.There are 20 field research centers/key research sites throughout North America that meet EPA requirements for GLP and geographic distribution of data. In most studies, the test chemical is applied in the field in a manner that simulates proposed grower use of the pesticide on the target crop. When the crop is at the appropriate stage, samples of the crop are collected and shipped to the analytical laboratory where the amount of test chemical remaining in or on the crop is determined. All data are transferred from the research sites to HQ.HQ Study Directors and QAU personnel critically evaluate data and draft pesticide tolerance petitions. Results of field and laboratory research are submitted to the EPA to request a pesticide tolerance and registration. EPA then reviews the reports and scientific data and if the estimated risk is below acceptable thresholds, EPA will establish a pesticide tolerance via publication of a Final Rule in the Federal Register. The registrant of the pesticide is then allowed to add the new use on their federal registration as well as modify their state registrations.In certain cases, registration is dependent on the development of adequate product performance (efficacy and/or crop safety data). This data can be a critically important component in obtaining registrations. HQ provides leadership in the development of necessary data to answer product performance data needs.

Progress 08/01/20 to 02/28/23

Outputs
Target Audience:The primary stakeholders or target audience of IR-4 research activities are the domestic growers/farmers of food and nonfood specialty crops. Other stakeholders are food processors. Also others in the food chain who process or sell specialty crops as food and ultimately, the target audience is the public who consumes the high quality "healthy" specialty crops/food or purchases ornamentals that enhance the environment. The primary stakeholders have significant involvement in directing IR-4's research activities. Involvement starts with the initial Request for Assistance (aka Project Clearance Request or PCR)submitted to IR-4 in the Food Program or response to grower needs survey in the Environmental Horticulture Program. Any farmer/grower, public sector researcher/extension educator or individual is allowed to submit a Request for Assistance or respond to a survey. The only groups of individuals prohibited from submitting Requests for Assistance are representatives from pesticide (chemical or biopesticide) companies. Stakeholder involvement continues during priority setting of research. Because of resource limitations, IR-4 can only perform research to address the most critical farmer/grower needs for new pest management technology. IR-4 solicits input on the importance of specific projects utilizing a variety of methods including state/regional discussion meetings (in-person or virtural), web-based nominations of the highest priorities, input from EPA and the USDA-Regional Integrated Pest Management Centers, and face-to-face dialogue at the annual IR-4 National Priority Setting Workshops. The interests of these primary stakeholders are articulated by four main groups including: individual farmers/growers who directly interact with the IR-4 Project; members of the IR-4 Commodity Liaison Committee (CLC), a formal advisory group consisting of growers, commodity groups, and food processors; members of the Minor Crop Farmers Alliance, a national organization representing farmers, processors and others involved in the production of various horticultural crops from across the U.S. and; State and federal research scientists and extension educators who directly or indirectly represent the interests of specialty crop growers. The primary IR-4 deliverable recognized by the target audiences is EPA approved registrations of crop protection products (chemical pesticides and biopesticides). Approvals or proposed IR-4 actions included new/modified pesticide tolerance and registration. Traditional forums documenting new new/modified pesticide tolerances include publication in the Federal Register. IR-4 also hasdirect meetings with companies to keep track of registraions. Once these new registrations are confirmed, IR-4 will share the new via publication in the monthly activity reports, quarterly newsletter, and annual reports Changes/Problems:In 2021, IR-4 finalized the two-year transition of its National Headquarters from it long time home at Rutgers University to North Carolina State University. This major upheaval of the IR-4 research coordiation, direction and program management occurred because of limited indirect cost contributions from the USDA grant to Rutgers. NC State was willing to accept a smaller indirect cost recovery. This move result in a large turnover in IR-4 Headquarters staff due to retirement and or reluctance to move to the new location. IR-4 hashired a new staff and has established new offices in North Carolina. Many of these new employees lack the extensive experience of previous staff. However,the new staff has learmed very quickly and have become very proficient with their new responsibilities. In October 2021, the IR-4 Project Management Committeemade a difficult decision to close the North Central Region Analytical Laboratory at Michigan State University. This decisionwas made as the cost of maintaining this and other dedicated Regional Analytical Laboratories continues to increase withcorresponding decrease in new research to respond to stakeholder needs. The laboratory was closed July 31, 2022. Funds saved will be reallocated back into research. In March 2022, the US Congress increased the amount of funds for the IR-4 Project. This is the first time in over 12 years, IR-4 received a modest funding increase from $11.9 million to $14.5 million. While these new funds have assisted IR-4 greatly, Unfortunately, IR-4 is not able to utilize the full $2.6 million increase for research. With this action, USDA modified their intrepretion of the authorizing language and the grant terms now all the host insittuions to collect a modest (10%) of funds for indirect cost recovery. While IR-4 management is supportive of the modest indirect cost contribution, there is still a significant need for additional funds to help specialty crop farmers gain access to adequate and the most modern pest management technology available. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?IR-4 continues to have on-going training, especially for new staff, to ensure that research in the Food Program is performed according to acceptable processes and directions. Food Program participants must also receive ongoing training to ensure continued compliance to EPA Good Laboratory Practice Regulations (Chapter 40, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 160). These trainings are often "in house" with new staff such as Study Directors or at the IR-4 regional offices, for example, the IR4 Western Region team provides quarterly training webinars that are open to all researchers, please see: http://wrir4.ucdavis.edu/events/Webinars/Past_Webinars.html. Every three years, IR-4 Project conducts a national training program that brings together all field scientists, analytical chemists, research managers, study directors, quality assurance and Project management in one location for extensive professional development. In addition to the above, IR-4 continues to provide intern opportunities to Undergraduate and Graduate degree students. IR-4 has hosted students as well as visiting scientists at our Headquarters facilities and at IR-4 Regional offices How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?IR-4 Project Headquarters takes the lead in serving as the focal point in outreach by providing communication to IR-4 Project stakeholders including: farmers/growers, commodity associations,food processors, internal IR-4 personnel (State Liaison Representatives, staff at the IR-4 regional offices and analytical laboratories, cooperating ARS scientists, state and federal government agencies, international partners, registrants of pesticides and biopesticides other interested members of the public. IR-4 utilizes a mix of communication tools and media, including traditional printed materials. IR-4 has transitioned most of the traditional print materials to electronic frequent electronic bulletins that rapidly highlight successes, challenges and relevant news. In 2020, IR-4 Project began publishing "Success Stories in our food (https://www.ir4project.org/fc/food-crop-successes-stories/) and environmental horticulture (https://www.ir4project.org/ehc/environmental-horticulture-research-summaries/) programs. IR-4 does print and provide traditional paper copies of the Year End Summary, a document that summarizes the annual report The IR-4 Project website (ir4project.org) continues to evolve and improve in layout and content to make this site more user friendly and useful. As cited above, the IR-4 website contains the current news and information about IR-4 activities, with access to the many databases used in the Food, Environmental Horticulture, Biopesticide/Organic Support and Integrated Solutions research programs. Stakeholders can submit a "Request for Assistance" form through the website and most importantly, check the status of IR-4 research on specific crops and pests through the various databases noted above.. IR-4 also uses social media and Constant Contact to "push" information to its stakeholders. Constant Contact subscribers (over 2000) receive monthly updates about IR-4 research and other breaking news related to the program. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? 2021-Food Program During the period of performance, IR-4 submitted 13 data bundles to EPA or to the cooperating registrant for addressing 63 specific IR-4 Requests for Assistance on individual crops or crop groups/crop subgroups. IR-4 also submitted justification packages to EPA requesting that many of the data bundles be classified as Reduced Risk submissions.There are currently over 100 reports signed at IR-4 and ready for submission but are awaiting final submission documents (EPA forms, labels etc.) or are being bundled with other studies before making the submission to EPA. In the period of performance (August 1, 2020 through July 31, 2021), IR-4 data, efforts and submissions supported 79 new pesticide tolerances that were established by EPA throgh publication in the Federal Register. Through the use of crop grouping and other extrapolation models, 331 new uses of safe and effective pest management products to protect fruits, vegetables, nuts, herbs and other specialty food crops are available in one or more states. Food Program-2022 During the interim period of performance, EPA established 99 tolerances based of prior IR4 submissions. Using established extrapolations models as codified in the EPA crop groupings as well as ad-hoc suggestions, these tolerances supported the registrations of 512 new uses of crop protection technology on specialty crops and minor uses on major crops. Please note that these numbers do not include proposed actions of additional new tolerances. Another accomplishement that IR-4 tracks is the submission of pesticide tolerance petititons to EPA. During the period of performance, IR-4 submitted 14 tolerance petitions that involved 54 specifc request for assistance that had been submitted by IR-4 public sector stakeholders Environmental Horticulture (EH) Program During the period of performance, the EHC Program oversaw 555 trials with 43 researchers under 28 protocols. EHC researchers submitted 128 reports encompassing 423 trials. These were reviewed, one line brief summaries written, and individual report files were compiled into pdfs and then posted onto the IR-4 website (https://www.ir4project.org/ehc/ehc-registration-supportresearch/environmental-horticulture-database-a/). IR-4 reccived data; 217 trials received with crop injury information, 159 trials exhibited no injury after application, 18 trials had minor injury or no injury at the planned use rate and moderate injury at above use rates, and 40 trials exhibited injury sufficient to recommend limited or no use with those crop-active ingredient combinations. Of the 184 trials received with efficacy data, 54 trials demonstrated great to excellent efficacy of the active for the target pathogen, pest or weed; 28 trials demonstrated good efficacy where the active would be useful within an overall management program. The remaining efficacy trials exhibited limited impact with the active ingredients on their target pathogens, pests, or weeds. Out of these researcher reports and those received previously, 12 research project summaries were prepared and posted (https://www.ir4project.org/ehc/environmental-horticulture-research-summaries/). Registrants of crop protection tools utilize the efficacy and crop safety data generated to write directions for use for new or amended labels and technical bulletins to guide users on best application strategies and parameters. Registrations occur through EPA and state regulatory agencies. However, IR-4 only tracks state registrations where it is known that IR-4 data were submitted. During the period of performance, IR-4 data contributed to two state registrations with an impact of 1433 crop uses

Publications

  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Batts, R.B., J. J. Baron, D. Kunkel, and M. P. Braverman. 2021. Update on IR-4 Weed Science Projects - Food Crops. Proc Northeastern Plant, Pest, and Soils Conference, Abstract #135.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Batts, R.B., J. J. Baron, D. L. Kunkel, and M. P Braverman. 2021. IR-4: Weed Control Project Updates - Food Crops. Proc. Southern Weed Science Society, Abstract #149.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Batts, R.B., J. J. Baron, D. L. Kunkel, and M. P Braverman. 2021. IR-4: Weed Control Project Updates - Food Crops. Weed Science Society of America, Abstract #24.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Homa, K., Barney, W.P., Davis, W.P., Guerrero, D., Berger, M.J., Lopez, J.L., Wyenandt, C.A. and Simon, J.E., 2021. Cold Plasma Treatment Strategies for the Control of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. basilici in Sweet Basil. HortScience, 56(1):42-51.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Khang Huynh, Lea Corkidi, Elizabeth Leonard, Cristi Palmer, James Bethke, Nishanth Tharayil. 2021. Dissipation and transformation of the diamide insecticide cyantraniliprole in ornamental snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus). Chemosphere, Volume 281, 130753, ISSN 0045-6535, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.130753.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Palmer, C.L., E. Vea. 2021. Update on 2020 Weed Science Research in the IR-4 Environmental Horticulture Program. Northeastern Plant, Pest, and Soils Conference. January 2021.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Baron, J.J. 2021 IR-4 Project Annual Report. http://www.ir4project.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/2020-AnnualReport.pdf NIFA Support
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: 2021 Baron, J. J. and J. Heiss. 2021. IR-4 Project Year End Summary. http://www.ir4project.org/wpcontent/uploads/2021/04/2020-Year-End-Summary.pdf
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Salazar, C. S., LeBlanc N., Daughtrey M. L., Hausbeck M., Palmer C., Shishkoff N., Warfield C., and Crouch J. A. 2022. The impatiens downy mildew epidemic in the U.S. is caused by new, introgressed lineages of Plasmopara destructor with prominent genotypic diversity and high evolutionary potential. Plant Disease. https://doi.org/10.1094/PDIS-08-22-1872-
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Braverman, M., W. Barney, P. Moore and J. Baron. 2022. Regulatory requirements for biopesticides and emerging technologies. Association of Applied Biologists Meeting, Bringing Biocontrol and IPM to Market, Abstract, Page 29
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Frank S., Gilrein D., Havers M., and Palmer C. L. 2022. Box Tree Moth: Fact Sheet, Management & Visual Guide. BTM_FactSheet_VisualGuide.pdf (ncsu.edu)
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Batts, R.B., J. J. Baron, and V. K. Pedibhotla. 2022. IR-4: Weed Science Update - Food Crops. Weed Science Society of America annual meeting. Abstract #151
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Batts, R.B., J. J. Baron, and V. K. Pedibhotla. 2022. IR-4: Weed Science Update - Food Crops. Western Society of Weed Science annual meeting. Abstract #111
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Batts, R.B., J. J. Baron, and V. K. Pedibhotla. 2022. IR-4: Weed Science Update - Food Crops. North Central Weed Science Society annual meeting. Abstract #150
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Axtell, A. and Pedibhotla V. 2022. Pesticide use nearby rivers & other water bodies: tips for reducing pesticide loss & novel technologies. EPA webinar series: Reducing pesticide in water in indian country thru integrated pest management
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Axtell, A. and Batts, R. 2022. Fall 2022 sweet potato update (handout) - the IR-4 project. NCSU sweet potato field day


Progress 08/01/22 to 02/28/23

Outputs
Target Audience:The primary stakeholders and target audience of the IR-4 Project's research activities are the domestic growers/farmers of food and non-food specialty crops. Other stakeholders are food processors and others in the food chain who process or sell specialty crops as food. Ultimately, the target audience is the public who consumes the high quality "healthy" specialty crops/food or purchases ornamentals that enhance the environment. The primary stakeholders have significant involvement in directing IR-4's research activities. Involvement starts with their initial submission of a "Request for Assistance" or PR to IR-4 in the Food Program or their response to a Grower Needs Survey in the Environmental Horticulture Program. Any farmer/grower, public sector researcher/extension educator or individual can submit a Request for Assistance from IR-4. The only groups of individuals prohibited from submitting Requests for Assistance are representatives from pesticide (chemical or biopesticide) companies. Stakeholder involvement continues during priority setting process for selection of research. Because of resource limitations, IR-4 can only perform research to address the most critical farmer/grower needs for new pest management technology. IR-4 solicits input on the importance of specific projects utilizing a variety of methods including state/regional discussion meetings, web-based nominations of the highest priorities, input from EPA and from the USDA-Regional Integrated Pest Management Centers, and from face-to-face dialogue at the Annual IR-4 National Priority Setting Workshops. The interests of these primary stakeholders are articulated by four main groups including: • individual farmers/growers who directly interact with the IR-4 Project; • members of the IR-4 Commodity Liaison Committee (CLC), a formal IR-4 Project advisory group consisting of growers, commodity groups, and food processors; • members of the Minor Crop Farmers Alliance, a national organization representing farmers, processors and others involved in the production of various horticultural crops from across the U.S. and; • State and federal research scientists and extension educators who directly or indirectly represent the interests of specialty crop growers. IR-4's primary deliverable, as recognized by the target audiences, is EPA registrations of crop protection products (chemical pesticides and biopesticides). Approvals or new registrations resulting from IR-4 data are monitored and communicated to stakeholders. Traditional forums documenting new registrations include publication in the Federal Register of new pesticide tolerances or notice of registrations, direct meetings with companies or announcements in trade publications and newsletters. Once these new registrations are confirmed, IR-4 will share the new via publication in the monthly activity reports, quarterly newsletter, and annual reports. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Nothing Reported What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? All deliverables accomplished under this grant during the last period were reported in the previous progress reports and the final report. This additional time under this grant did not include any additional technical activities. The time was provided to allow sub award to invoice.

Publications


    Progress 08/01/21 to 07/31/22

    Outputs
    Target Audience:The primary stakeholders and target audience of the IR-4 Project's research activities are the domestic growers/farmers of food and non-food specialty crops. Other stakeholders are food processors and others in the food chain who process or sell specialty crops as food. Ultimately, the target audience is the public who consumes the high quality "healthy" specialty crops/food or purchases ornamentals that enhance the environment. The primary stakeholders have significant involvement in directing IR-4's research activities. Involvement starts with their initial submission of a "Request for Assistance" or PR to IR-4 in the Food Program or their response to a Grower Needs Survey in the Environmental Horticulture Program. Any farmer/grower, public sector researcher/extension educator or individual can submit a Request for Assistance from IR-4. The only groups of individuals prohibited from submitting Requests for Assistance are representatives from pesticide (chemical or biopesticide) companies. Stakeholder involvement continues during priority setting process for selection of research. Because of resource limitations, IR-4 can only perform research to address the most critical farmer/grower needs for new pest management technology. IR-4 solicits input on the importance of specific projects utilizing a variety of methods including state/regional discussion meetings, web-based nominations of the highest priorities, input from EPA and from the USDA-Regional Integrated Pest Management Centers, and from face-to-face dialogue at the Annual IR-4 National Priority Setting Workshops. The interests of these primary stakeholders are articulated by four main groups including: • individual farmers/growers who directly interact with the IR-4 Project; • members of the IR-4 Commodity Liaison Committee (CLC), a formal IR-4 Project advisory group consisting of growers, commodity groups, and food processors; • members of the Minor Crop Farmers Alliance, a national organization representing farmers, processors and others involved in the production of various horticultural crops from across the U.S. and; • State and federal research scientists and extension educators who directly or indirectly represent the interests of specialty crop growers. IR-4's primary deliverable, as recognized by the target audiences, is EPA registrations of crop protection products (chemical pesticides and biopesticides). Approvals or new registrations resulting from IR-4 data are monitored and communicated to stakeholders. Traditional forums documenting new registrations include publication in the Federal Register of new pesticidetolerances or notice of registrations, direct meetings with companies or announcements in trade publications and newsletters. Once these new registrations are confirmed, IR-4 will share the new via publication in the monthly activity reports, quarterly newsletter, and annual reports. Changes/Problems:In 2021, IR-4 finalized the two-year transition of its National Headquarters from it long time home at Rutgers University to North Carolina State University. This major upheaval of the IR-4 research coordiation, direction and program management occurred because of limited indirect cost contributions from the USDA grant to Rutgers. NC State was willing to accept a smaller indirect cost recovery. This move result in a large turnover in IR-4 Headquarters staff due to retirement and or reluctance to move to the new location. IR-4 has already hired a new staff and has established new offices in North Carolina. Many of these new employees lack the extensive experience of previous staff. However, IR-4 was fortunate, approx. 33% of prior staff are still involved in the operations. In October 2021, the IR-4 Project Management Committee made a difficult decision to close the North Central Region Analytical Laboratory at Michigan State University. This decision was made as the cost of maintaining this and other dedicated Regional Analytical Laboratories continues to increase with corresponding decrease in new research to respond to stakeholder needs. The laboratory will close on/about July 31, 2022. Funds saved will be reallocated back into research. In March 2022, the US Congress increased the amount of funds for the IR-4 Project. This is the first time in over 12 years, IR-4 received a modest funding increase from $11.9 million to $14.5 million. While these new funds have assisted IR-4 greatly, IR-4 is not able to utilize the full $2.6 million increase for research. Over $1.45 million of these funds are now allowed to be used to offset indirect costs at the institutions that host IR-4. While IR-4 management is supportive of the modest indirect cost contribution, there is still a significant need for additional funds to help specialty crop farmers gain access to adequate and the most modern pest management technology available. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?IR-4 continues to have on-going training, especially for new staff, to ensure that research in the Food Program is performed according to acceptable processes and directions. Food Program participants must also receive ongoing training to ensurecontinued compliance to EPA Good Laboratory Practice Regulations (Chapter 40, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 160). These trainings are often "in house" with new staff such as Study Directors or at the IR-4 regional offices, for example, the IR4 Western Region team provides quarterly training webinars that are open to all researchers, please see: http://wrir4.ucdavis.edu/events/Webinars/Past_Webinars.html In 2023, IR-4 Project is hosting a national training program that brings together all field scientists, analytical chemists, research managers, study directors, quality assurance and Project management in one location for extensive professional development. A similar event was held in San Diego in February 2020; see link to the event summary; https://www.ir4project.org/workshops-and-events/2020-national-education-conference/. In addition to the above, IR-4 continues to provide intern opportunities to Undergraduate and Graduate degree students. IR-4 has hosted students as well as visiting scientists at our facilities. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?IR-4 Project Headquarters takes the lead in serving as the focal point in outreach by providing communication to IR-4 Project stakeholders including farmers/growers, commodity associations, food processors, internal IR-4 personnel (State Liaison Representatives, staff at the IR-4 regional offices and analytical laboratories, cooperating ARS scientists), state and federal government agencies,international partners, registrants of pesticides and biopesticides other interested members of the public. IR-4 has transitioned most of the traditional print materials to electronic frequent electronic bulletins that rapidly highlight successes, challenges and relevant news. In addition over the past year the IR-4 program began publishing "Success Stories in our food (https://www.ir4project.org/fc/food-crop-successes-stories/) and environmental horticulture (https://www.ir4project.org/ehc/environmental-horticulture-research-summaries/) programs. IR-4 does print and provide traditional paper copies of the Year End Summary, a document that summarizes the annual report The IR-4 Project website (ir4project.org) continues to evolve and improve in layout and content to make this site more user friendly and useful. As cited above, the IR-4 website contains the current news and information about IR-4 activities, with access to the many databases used in the Food, Environmental Horticulture, Biopesticide/Organic Support and Integrated Solutions research programs. Stakeholders can submit a "Request for Assistance" form through the website and most importantly, check the status of IR-4 research on specific crops and pests through the various databases noted above.. IR-4 also uses social media and Constant Contact to "push" information to its stakeholders. Constant Contact subscribers (over 2000) receive monthly updates about IR-4 research and other breaking news related to the program. Prior to COVID-19, IR-4 personnel regularly attended and participated in in scientific, association, and trade meetings in order to contribute presentations concerning IR-4 accomplishments and provide information and updates to growers. The majority of these in-person meetings have been suspended over the last two+ years. IR-4 continues to participate in the events virtually. IR-4 anticipates that the in opportunity for person meetings will gain momentum. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?IR-4 continues to receive new request needs for US commodity growers. In 2021, stakeholders submitted 197 new requests for specialty crop registrations. Since 1963, IR-4 stakeholders have submitted 13,391 requests for assistance to the IR-4 Food Use Program. Of these, 319 are currently considered "researchable projects" that remain as outstanding documented needs of specialty crop growers. The other requests have been addressed through previous research and regulatory submissions or cannot be registered at this time. As of June 10, 2020, IR-4 Food Program database is tracking 341 potential unaddressed needs (voids) for growers. In September of 2022, IR-4 will again ask stakeholders to select their highest priorities for research in 2023, which will only be a fraction of the overall needs. IR-4 anticipates that are current funding levels the 2023 research program will consist of 60-65 new residue studies, 100 performance projects 15-20 new integrated solutions projects for the Food Program and twenty to twenty-five Environmental Horticulture projects. IR-4 expects to submit approximately 25 (products) regulatory data packages to EPA with nearly 80 studies covering over 100 stakeholder requests. The Environmental Horticulture program will provide as many as twenty data summaries to crop protection companies for expanded use to horticulture crops. IR-4 intends to allocate more effort on product performance or "value" data development that is needed to alive liability concerns by registrant concerns who support these projects. This adjustment is in response to an increased trend by the crop protection industry to request that IR-4 provide crop safety data or efficacy data prior to them willing to add a new use to their registration. IR-4 will also continue addressing hard to control pest voids by integrating its biopesticide research activities into established Food Crop Product Performance and Environmental Horticulture activities and reserve priorities for organic production stakeholders. This will be accomplished through the integrated solutions approach where biopesticides andconventional chemical pesticides are used in an approach that maximizes management of pests becoming resistant to the crop protection technology. It also allows a focus on using biopesticide products close to harvest to further reduce any potential for residues in the crop as it enters the food supply. This residue mitigation approach will help reduce pesticide harmonization issues that US specialty crop farmers face with exporting crops to international markets

    Impacts
    What was accomplished under these goals? During the interim period of performance, (August 1, 2021 to July 30, 2022), EPA established 99 tolerances based of prior IR-4 submissions. Using established extrapolations models as codified in the EPA crop groupings as well as ad-hoc suggestions, these tolerances supported the registrations of 512 new uses of crop protection technology on specialty crops and minor uses on major crops. Please note that these numbers do not include proposed actions of additional new tolerances. Another accomplishement that IR-4 tracks is the submission of pesticide tolerance petititons to EPA. During the period of performance, IR-4 submitted 14 tolerance petitions that involved 54 specifc request for assistance that had been submitted by IR-4 public sector stakeholders. The montly accomplishments include: August 2021-37 tolerances, 217 registrations, 0 submissions September 2021-23 tolerances, 174 registrations, 2 submissions/6 stakeholder request for assistance October 2021- 220 tolerances, 655 registrations (proposed actions), 2 submissions, 7 stakeholder request for assistance November 2021-7 tolerances, 34 regisrations, 1 submission, 2 stakeholder request for assistance December 2021-2 tolerances, 1 regisrations, 2 submissions, 4 stakeholder request for assistance Janurary 2022-2 tolerances, 25 regisrations, 1 submission, 14 stakeholder request for assistance February 2022-1 tolerance, 16 regisrations, 0 submissions March 2022-25 tolerances, 43 regisrations, 3 submissions, 6 stakeholder request for assistance April 2022-27 tolerances, 128 regisrations (proposed actions), 1 submission, 15 stakeholder request for assistance May 2022-2 tolerances, 2 registrations, 2 submssions, 2 stakeholder request for assistance June 2022- 0 tolearnces, 0 registrations July 2022

    Publications

    • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Batts, R.B., J. J. Baron, D. Kunkel, and M. P. Braverman. 2021. Update on IR-4 Weed Science Projects - Food Crops. Proc Northeastern Plant, Pest, and Soils Conference, Abstract #135.
    • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Batts, R.B., J. J. Baron, D. L. Kunkel, and M. P Braverman. 2021. IR-4: Weed Control Project Updates - Food Crops. Proc. Southern Weed Science Society, Abstract #149.
    • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Batts, R.B., J. J. Baron, D. L. Kunkel, and M. P Braverman. 2021. IR-4: Weed Control Project Updates - Food Crops. Weed Science Society of America, Abstract #24.
    • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Homa, K., Barney, W.P., Davis, W.P., Guerrero, D., Berger, M.J., Lopez, J.L., Wyenandt, C.A. and Simon, J.E., 2021. Cold Plasma Treatment Strategies for the Control of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. basilici in Sweet Basil. HortScience, 56(1):42-51.
    • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Khang Huynh, Lea Corkidi, Elizabeth Leonard, Cristi Palmer, James Bethke, Nishanth Tharayil. 2021. Dissipation and transformation of the diamide insecticide cyantraniliprole in ornamental snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus). Chemosphere, Volume 281, 130753, ISSN 0045-6535, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.130753.
    • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Palmer, C.L., E. Vea. 2021. Update on 2020 Weed Science Research in the IR-4 Environmental Horticulture Program. Northeastern Plant, Pest, and Soils Conference. January 2021.


    Progress 08/01/20 to 07/31/21

    Outputs
    Target Audience:The primary stakeholders or target audience of IR-4 research activities are the domesticgrowers/farmers of food and non-food specialty crops. Other stakeholders are food processors,others in the food chain who process or sell specialty crops as food and ultimately, the target audience isthe public who consumes the high quality "healthy" specialty crops/food or purchases ornamentals thatenhance the environment. The primary stakeholders have significant involvement in directing IR-4's research activities.Involvement starts with the initial Request for Assistance submitted to IR-4 in the Food Program orresponse to grower needs survey in the Environmental Horticulture Program. Any farmer/grower,public sector researcher/extension educator or individual is allowed to submit a Request for Assistanceor respond to a survey. The only groups of individuals prohibited from submitting Requests forAssistance are representatives from pesticide (chemical or biopesticide) companies.Stakeholder involvement continues during priority setting of research. Because of resource limitations,IR-4 can only perform research to address the most critical farmer/grower needs for new pestmanagement technology. IR-4 solicits input on the importance of specific projects utilizing a variety ofmethods including state/regional discussion meetings, web-based nominations of the highest priorities,input from EPA and the USDA-Regional Integrated Pest Management Centers, and face-to-facedialogue at the annual IR-4 National Priority Setting Workshops. The interests of these primary stakeholders are articulated by four main groups including:individual farmers/growers who directly interact with the IR-4 Project;members of the IR-4 Commodity Liaison Committee (CLC), a formal advisory group consisting ofgrowers, commodity groups, and food processors;member of the Minor Crop Farmers Alliance, a national organization representing farmers, processorsand others involved in the production of various horticultural crops from across the U.S. and;State and federal research scientists and extension educators who directly or indirectly represent theinterests of specialty crop growers. The primary IR-4 deliverable recognized by the target audiences is EPA registrations of crop protectionproducts (chemical pesticides and biopesticides). Approvals or new registrations based on IR-4 data aremonitored. Traditional forums documenting new registrations include publication in the Federal Registerof new pesticide tolerances or notice of registrations, direct meetings with companies or announcementsin trade publications. Once these new registrations are confirmed, IR-4 will share the new viapublication in the monthly activity reports, quarterly newsletter, and annual reports. Changes/Problems:After ten years of flat funding combined with increased costs IR-4 is in desperate need for newresources to maintain it capacity to help specialty crop farmers gain access to adequate pestmanagement technology. IR-4 has reached a point where it can no longer absorb the continuederosion of ability to do work. IR-4 has had to make some very difficult decisions. In 2020, USDA was able to modify their intrepretion of IR-4 funding authorization and modified the grant to allow the host institutions (NC State, University of California-Davis, Michigan State University, University of Maryland Eastern Shore and University of Florida) to collect 10% indirect costs on total direct costs. While IR-4 management was pleased that this modification was made as it is beleived this will preventinsititutions refusing to participate because there are no indirect costs collected, IR-4 had already made its research committement for 2021. Fortunately the host insitutions agreed to waive the indirect costs for 2021. However, this charge is looming in the future and must be address for 2022. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Every three years, IR-4 Project conducts a national training program that brings together all fieldscientists, analytical chemists, research managers, study directors, quality assurance and Projectmanagement in one location for extensive professional development. ThelastNational TrainingConference was held February 2020 in San Diego, CA.In addition to the above, IR-4 continues to have on-going training to ensure that research in the FoodProgram is performed according to acceptable processes and directions. Food Program participantsmust also receive ongoing traning to ensure continued compliance to EPA Good Laboratory PracticeRegulations (Chapter 40, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 160). Also, the IR-4 Western Regionteam provides quarterly training webinars that are open to all IR-4 Project employees. IR-4 continues to provide intern opportunities to Undergraduate and Graduatedegree students. IR-4 has hosted students as well as visiting scientists at our Headquarters facilities and at IR-4 Regional offices. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?IR-4 Project Headquarters takes the lead in serving as the focal point in outreach by providingcommunication to IR-4 Project stakeholders including:farmers/growers,commodity associations,food processors, internal IR-4 personnel (State Liaison Representatives, staff at the IR-4 regional offices andanalytical laboratories, cooperating ARS scientists,state and federal government agencies,international partners,registrants of pesticides and biopesticidesother interested members of the public. IR-4 utilizes a mix of communication tools and media, including traditional printed materials such asbrochures, flyers, posters, news releases, quarterly newsletters, and annual reports as well as internet-based tools. In July 2019IR-4 phased out publication of quarterly newsletter as a cost savings step. TheNewsletter has been replaced by frequent electronic bulletins that promplty highlight successes, challengesand relevant news. The recently redesigned IR-4 website (www.ir4project.org) continues to evolve. The IR-4 websitecontains the current news and information about IR-4 activities, with access to many databases used in the Food, Environmental Horticulture, Biopesticide/Organic Support and Integrated Solutions researchprograms. We continue to make improvements and modifications to make this site more user friendlyand useful. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?IR-4 will continue to accept new Requests for Assistance, prioritize pest management voids, developresearch protocols, manage EPA guideline research, and develop data required to facilitate registrationsof crop protection technology for specialty food and non-food crops. IR-4 has recently announced that itintends to focus more efforts on product performance or "value" data development. This modification isin response to an increased trend by the crop protection industry to request that IR-4 provide crop safetydata or efficacy data prior to them willing to add a new use to their registration. IR-4 is also integratingits biopesticide research activities into established Food Crop Product Performance and Environmental Horticulture activities. This consolidation will allow IR-4 to focus efforts on a new integrated solutionsapproach where biopesticides and conventional chemical pesticides are used in an approach thatmaximizes management of pests becoming resistant to the crop protection technology. It also allows afocus on using biopesticide products close to harvest to further reduce any potential for residues in thecrop as it enters the food supply. This residue mitigation approach will help reduce pesticideharmonization issues that US specialty crop farmers face with exporting crops to international markets.

    Impacts
    What was accomplished under these goals? Food Program During the period of performance, IR-4 submitted 13data bundles to EPA or to the cooperatingregistrant for addressing 63 specific IR-4 Requests for Assistance on individual crops or crop groups/crop subgroups.IR-4 also submitted justificationpackages to EPA requesting that many of the data bundles be classified as Reduced Risk submissions.There are currently over 100 reports signed at IR-4 and ready for submission but are awaiting finalsubmission documents (EPA forms, labels etc.) or are being bundled with other studies before makingthe submission to EPA. In the period of performance (August 1,2020 through July 31, 2021), IR-4 data, efforts and submissions supported 79newpesticide tolerances that were established by EPA throgh publication in the Federal Register. Throughthe use of crop grouping and other extrapolation models, 331new uses of safe and effective pestmanagement products to protect fruits, vegetables, nuts, herbs and other specialty food crops areavailable in one or more states. The number of actions (submissions, pesticide tolerances and new uses) is down significantly from previous years as IR-4 has operated is an less than ideal state due to the COVID-19 Global Pandemic. In addition, IR-4 previous submissions were not prompltly reviewed and assessed due to EPA safe guarding their employees from COVID-19 infection.At the end of calendar year 2020, IR-4's efforts over its 57years have yielded 21,932new uses withconventional pesticides on food crops. Environmental Horticulture (EHC) Program During the period of performance (August 1, 2020 through July 31, 2021), the EHC Program oversaw555 trials with 43 researchers under 28 protocols. EHC researchers submitted 128 reports encompassing 423 trials. These were reviewed, one line brief summaries written, and individual report files were compiled into pdfs and then posted onto the IR-4 website (https://www.ir4project.org/ehc/ehc-registration-supportresearch/environmental-horticulture-database-a/). IR-4 reccived data;217 trials received with crop injury information, 159 trials exhibited no injury after application, 18 trials had minor injury or no injury at the planned use rate and moderate injury at above use rates, and 40 trials exhibited injury sufficient to recommend limited or no use with those crop-active ingredient combinations. Of the 184 trials received with efficacy data, 54 trials demonstrated great to excellent efficacy of the active for the target pathogen, pest or weed; 28 trials demonstrated good efficacy where the active would be useful within an overall management program. The remaining efficacy trials exhibited limited impact with the active ingredients on their target pathogens, pests, or weeds. Out of these researcher reports and those received previously, 12 research project summaries were prepared and posted (https://www.ir4project.org/ehc/environmental-horticulture-research-summaries/). Registrants of crop protection tools utilize the efficacy and crop safety data generated to write directions for use for new or amended labels and technical bulletins to guide users on best application strategies and parameters. Registrations occur through EPA and state regulatory agencies. However, IR-4 only tracks state registrations where it is known that IR-4 data were submitted. During the period of performance, IR-4 data contributed to two state registrations with an impact of 1433 crop uses

    Publications

    • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Baron, J.J. 2021 IR-4 Project Annual Report. http://www.ir4project.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/2020-Annual-Report.pdf
    • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Baron, J. J. and J. Heiss. 2021. IR-4 Project Year End Summary. http://www.ir4project.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/2020-Year-End-Summary.pdf