Minor-use pesticides alone or in combination with cultural and mechanical methods are evaluated under field, orchard, nursery and greenhouse conditions through determination of pest control by species, crop injury and crop yield. Plant samples are collected for determination of pesticide residues according to protocols and good laboratory practices specified by the National IR-4 Headquarters. 

Each year we have between 12 to 20 projects conducted on vegetable, fruit, and nut (sunflower) crops using food laboratory practices.  These results are used for specialty crop label registration expansion under the IR-4 program.    Trials are conducted on a variety of soil types located throughout the state at locations associated with CFAES/Ohio State University or growers.

The impact of the IR-4 trials support hundreds of registrations for specialty crops that pesticide companies would not otherwise support.  Results are conveyed to growers at field days and extension meetings.

For more information about IR-4 and the latest news or to submit a request for a chemical to be tested visit www.ir4project.org

Meet the researchers

  Mike Reding- Ornamental trials

 Leona Horst- Food use crops