P-295 - The IR-4 Project: Ensuring pest management solutions for specialty crops

Monday, August 4, 2025

3:45 PM - 4:30 PM HST

Location: Exhibit Hall 3

Presenting Author(s)

JP

Jaimin Patel

IR-4 Project, North Carolina State University
Raleigh, North Carolina, United States

Author(s)

RB

Roger Batts

IR-4 Project, North Carolina State University
Raleigh, North Carolina, United States
PM

Philip Moore

IR-4 Project, North Carolina State University
Raleigh, North Carolina, United States
AA

Alice Axtell

IR-4 Project, North Carolina State University
Raleigh, North Carolina, United States
JB

Jerry Baron

IR-4 Project, North Carolina State University
Raleigh, North Carolina, United States

Abstract Text: Specialty crop growers face challenges in accessing effective pest management tools because the private sector prioritizes research for commodity crops with higher returns, leaving fewer resources for specialty crop protection. The IR-4 Project bridges this gap by conducting trials through IR4 platforms like Residue and Product Performance, Integrated Solutions, Biopesticide Regulatory Support, Pollinator Health, and Invasive Species, under its Food Crops and Environmental Horticulture programs. IR4 evaluates conventional chemicals, biopesticides, and emerging technologies to find pest management solutions for both organic and conventional growers. In 2024, IR-4 conducted 426 residue trials, 148 product performance trials, and 62 Integrated Solutions trials under the Food Crops Program. Such previously completed trials supported EPA’s establishment of 52 new tolerances for 8 active ingredients, enabling 1,024 potential new uses on food crops in 2024. Additionally, 671 performance trials were completed under the Environmental Horticulture Program focusing on non-food crops. In 2025, IR-4 will conduct 384 residue trials, 149 efficacy and crop injury trials, and 50 Integrated Solutions trials in Food Crops. The Integrated Solutions platform addresses pest management voids, helps prevent pest resistance, and reduces the risk of maximum residue level violations in export markets. IR-4’s impact extends beyond growers to food processors, consumers, and the broader economy—ensuring a stable supply of high-quality produce while advancing integrated pest management strategies.