IR-4 (David Ennes and Keri Skiles)
The purpose of the IR-4 program is to ensure that producers of specialty crops and ornamental plants have adequate tools to conduct sound, sustainable integrated pest management. Companies that develop and sell crop protection products focus their resources on major crops to maximize profits. When a specialty crop (food or ornamental) needs help justifying its need for a new pesticide, IR-4 can step in and help. Through field trials, the potential product is assessed for efficacy and pesticide residues. Samples go through laboratory analysis to determine the amount of chemical residue on the crop. Rigorous quality assurance methodologies and documentation pave the way for EPA approval. The Kearney team of David Ennes and Keri Skiles runs dozens of field and greenhouse trials every year, from sprouts to harvest, with a wide range of crops from cherries to melons, basil to tomatoes, and stevia to hemp. They rigorously document all aspects of crop development, pest management, systematic experimental treatment and sample collection. Samples are preserved in freezers and shipped by refrigerated transport to analytical laboratories across the country.
The IR-4 Project at UC Kearney (youtube.com)
