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The three core objectives of the IR-4 program are: <OL><li>To obtain and maintain regulatory clearances of effective crop protection agents for high value, minor/specialty food crops and for minor uses (special circumstance needs) on major food crops with special emphasis on lower risk chemicals and uses that are compatible with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs. In this document, when we refer to the Food Use Program, we are referring to the program designed to address this objective.</li><li>To support research to enhance the development and registration of bio-pesticides for use in food and non-food pest management programs. In this document, when we refer to the Biopesticide and Organics Program, we are referring to the program designed to address this objective.</li><li>To support 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 new and important pest species. In this document, when we refer to the Ornamental Horticulture Program, we are referring to the program designed to address this objective. </li></OL>
<P>NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: The overall goal of the Interregional Research Project #4 (IR-4) program is to facilitate the provision of safe, effective and economical pest management solutions for growers of minor/specialty crops. This application is for funding to support the Western Region (WR) component of the IR-4 program. In the WR there are pest management needs for over 350 specialty crops and an extensive ornamental industry. The three core objectives of the IR-4 program are 1) to assist with regulatory clearances for crop protection agents, particularly lower risk chemicals, on minor/specialty food crops 2) to support research to enhance the development and registration of bio-pesticides and 3) to support research on crop protection products that will expand their uses on ornamental crops. The WR IR-4 center is comprised of an analytical laboratory, a field research office and a quality assurance unit to support GLP compliance requirements for pesticide registration. The WR proposes to carry out 72 magnitude of the residue projects requiring 171 field trials at 13 field research sites during the 2014 field season. The 72 projects will parlay into a minimum of 72 new labeled uses to assist in pest control in specialty crops. The IR-4 biopesticide grants program will support 7 biopesticide projects in the West as determined by the grant approval process. The WR ornamental program will provide funds in support of 10 projects across 3 disciplines. The WR Analytical Laboratory will perform analysis for 145 trials. All food use residue projects will be carried out under GLP with oversight from the WR Quality Assurance Unit. The WR will continue to solicit input from stakeholders (Growers, Commodity groups, Cooperative Extension specialists and farm advisers, State Liaison Representatives) to assist with prioritization of projects particularly those that use lower risk chemicals and are compatible with IPM approaches. </P>
<P>APPROACH: Food Use Program: This program is operated under GLP regulations (40CFR160), EPA Residue Chemistry Test Guidelines (OPPTS 860.1500, Crop Field Trials and OPPTS 860.1340 Residue Analytical Method) with the goal of establishing tolerances for pesticides on specialty crops. Standard protocols to describe how these trials are to be conducted are available online at the National IR-4 website. (http://www.ir4.rutgers.edu/FoodUse/DraftProtocols.cfm) Ornamental Horticultural Program: Standard protocols to follow for conducting the ornamental horticulture work can be found on the IR-4 National website as well. (http://www.ir4.rutgers.edu/ornamental/OrnamentalDrafts.cfm) Biopesticide and organic projects various methods are available in the grant proposals selected. </P>