IR-4 Celebrates Milestone: Since its formation 50 years ago, the IR-4 Project has made it easier for growers to control a wide range of pests

摘要

FROM its humble beginning in 1963 as a two-person operation at Rutgers University in New Jersey, the IR-4 Project has grown into a multi-million dollar research organization with more than 120 employees and a presence in almost every state. IR-4 was established by the Directors of the State Agricultural Experiment Stations to create a program to assist fruit growers and other specialty crop producers with their critical pest management needs. Although specialty crops make up about 40% of the total value of U.S. crop production, it can seem like an uphill battle to gain registration and special use exemptions in the fight against pests. This is where IR-4 has stepped in; using direct funding from USDA and other sources, and in-kind support from the land grant system, crop protection companies, and EPA, the program has facilitated registration of 26,000 materials since its inception.