August 1, 2024

Pest Management Solutions for Specialty Crops and Specialty Uses

The following is a recap of news and updates released by

The IR-4 Project during the month of July.

LATEST NEWS

Presentations Posted from the Industry Technology Session

Presentations have been posted from IR-4's 2024 Industry Technology Session. Thanks to all who joined us on July 18 as presenters and attendees—it was a fantastic event and it wouldn't be possible without your efforts and interest.

Visit the event web page to view the recorded presentations (those we have permission to share).

This event provided a platform for companies to present updates on products already in IR-4 research, as well as new technologies designed to meet the pest management needs of specialty crop producers. There were many novel technologies presented that make IR-4 optimistic about the future of specialty crop pest management. Be sure to check out the presentations if you missed them, and feel free to reach out to the presenters with questions about their products.

SOAR Award Nomination Period Now Closed

Thank you for the nominations we received for the 2024 SOAR Awards! The selection committee looks forward to reviewing this year's nomination materials. Headquarters plans to announce recipients in the fall.

Thanks for a Successful Specialty Crop Tour!

On June 26, we hosted our annual specialty crop tour with colleagues from the EPA and USDA. This year’s tour, led by Van Starner, began in Maryland and wove through the rolling hills of Adams County, Pennsylvania (Van's home turf!).

This longstanding yearly tradition is a favorite of many IR-4 team members, and a meaningful opportunity to connect with our regulatory partners. Out in the field, talking with growers and enjoying the fruits of their labor, we can connect with the “why” behind our research and regulatory work—ensuring growers have the crop protection tools they need to produce these healthy, abundant harvests.

Thank you to all who joined, and to our hosts: Hart Hemp Company, Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences Fruit Research & Extension Center, Griest Orchards, Knouse Fruitlands and Thirsty Farmer Brew Works.

Stay tuned for a full recap of this exceptional tour in August!

New Video: The Food Use Workshop Process

We are pleased to share this new video tutorial made to introduce newcomers to the Food Use Workshop, or serve as a refresher for those who have participated before. Learn what to expect at the event, and how to get involved in IR-4’s Food Crop research cycle before, during and after the Workshop. Find it on our website and YouTube channel.

MORE EVENT UPDATES

Tentative Agenda Posted for the Food Use Workshop

A tentative agenda is now available for IR-4's annual Food Use Workshop.

This year's priority-setting meeting will take place September 10-12, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Research priorities for residue, product performance, and integrated solutions studies for 2025 will be identified during this workshop. A virtual option will be available for participants unable to attend in person.

Please note this is the final month to book at the early bird registration rate (valid through August 29) of $375. This rate will increase to $475 on August 30.

The workshop will take place at the Renaissance Milwaukee West Hotel. A block of hotel rooms is available for our in-person meeting attendees from September 8-13. Rooms must be reserved by Monday, August 12, 2024, to receive the group rate of $183/night. Visit the event web page for a room booking link and other helpful information.

We hope to see you in Milwaukee!

Important Deadlines

The deadline has passed for Project Clearance Requests to be submitted for consideration at the 2024 Food Use Workshop. Please note these upcoming dates and deadlines, including the PCR nomination period:

• August 15-29: Project Clearance Requests are eligible for nomination online
• August 30: Registration rate increases (early bird rate valid through 11:59 pm on Aug. 29; regular rate effective at or after midnight on Aug. 30)
• September 3: Final day to request a cancellation and refund
• September 5: The list of nominated projects is posted on the public website
• September 10-12: Food Use Workshop

Planning to nominate Project Clearance Requests prior to the Food Use Workshop? Check out our recent video tutorial outlining the nomination process.

Research Symposium Presentations Available for Viewing

Thank you to all who joined our 2024 Research Symposium: Food Crops! IR-4's biology team enjoyed sharing results from impactful plant pathology, entomology and weed science projects. If you missed the Symposium or would like to revisit the content, you may now view the recorded presentations via the event web page.

Join Us as a 2024 IR-4 Event Sponsor

Sponsors make events like the Food Use Workshop possible and help IR-4 deliver on its grower-focused mission. Are you interested in sponsoring IR-4’s 2024 events? Please reach out to ir-4_project@ncsu.edu for more information.

IR-4 CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

IR-4 Headquarters Seeks Environmental Horticulture Program Manager to Join NC State Team

RESEARCH UPDATES

Food Crops

The following tolerance success was added to the IR-4 website in June; none were added in July. Find other tolerance successes under Food Crop Successes & Stories.

• Cyflumetofen (Federal Register date: May 10, 2024)
• Cyantraniliprole (Federal Register date: May 15, 2024)

Environmental Horticulture

The following crop safety research summary was posted to the Environmental Horticulture Program page in June:

— Stay tuned for more in August —

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This material is based upon work that is supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under award numbers 2022-79111-38469 with substantial cooperation and support from the State Agricultural Experiment Stations, USDA-ARS and USDA-FAS. In accordance with Federal Law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.