IR-4 Launches Searchable Database for Biopesticide and Organic Pest Management Solutions
The Interregional Research Project No. 4 (IR-4) announced in mid-May the launch of its biopesticide/organic database on the IR-4 website: (www.ir4.rutgers.edu/Biopesticides/LabelDatabase/index.cfm). The database, which is searchable by crop, pest, and state, will assist commercial and home growers of specialty crops. 
Specialty crops include fruits, vegetables, ornamentals and turf, but IR-4 also includes minor pests that are found on major row crops in this database. IR-4 Biopesticide Manager, Dr. Michael Braverman explained, “This project was conceived out of the observation that most growers or homeowners were unaware of the variety of today’s biopesticides. There are a few biopesticides that show up on conventional product websites, but there isn’t a database for just biopesticides and organics.”
The database enables growers to input their crop, pest and state and it responds by providing a list of EPA registered product labels that fit their criteria. It also supplies the manufacturer contact information and other pertinent data. “Organic growers will find this particularly useful too, as the database can limit the search to organically approved pest management products, said Braverman.”
Biopesticides are primarily natural products or organisms. They generally have broad modes of action which avoids resistance problems that may exist with some conventional products. Biopesticides often work best in rotation with conventional products so that optimal pest management can be obtained. Additionally, most biopesticides have no restricted entry interval requirements, whereas conventional products often limit the time growers can return to the fields following a treatment. This can hamper pruning, weeding, irrigation or other cultural practices. Another advantage of biopesticides may be reduced time to harvest. Since biopesticides are usually broadly labeled, growers of minor crops with obscure pest problems may find a biopesticide can provide a solution to their needs.
Part of the funding for this database was made possible through a grant from EPA Region 2 (NY, NJ, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands). Technical assistance was provided by those at EPA headquarters and many Biopesticide Industry Alliance manufacturers. Additionally, many individual companies contributed their information to help create the database. “We will be updating the data continually and welcome user comments. We hope this resource will be a valuable tool for our stakeholders,” concluded Braverman. (IR-4 Release, 5/17/07).
