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NewsletterVol. 36 No. 4 October 2005

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What began as a simpleget-together between afew international friends,became the first face toface meeting of theInternational CropGrouping ConsultingCommittee (ICGCC).More than 50 peoplejoined Committee Chair,Hong Chen, and ICGCCAdvisor, Bernie Schneider,

as they and IR-4 ExecutiveDirector, Bob Holm,welcomed guests from ninecountries to participate inthe meeting, which washeld in San Diego, CA onSeptember 12, 2005. Theday long meeting ran intothe night as key inter-national representativeswere invited to speak andshare their views and efforts

in relation to crop groupingand international harmo-nization opportunities.

USDA Special Assistant tothe US Deputy Secretary ofAgriculture, BurlesonSmith, delivered apresentation on the USDAPerspective of CropGrouping as it relates toImports and Exports. He

talked about theimportance of cropgrouping as it allows forthe availability of nutritiousfoods, and about theincrease in US demand forfruits and vegetables. Heshared the benefits of cropgrouping as increasingpest control options andhaving a better utilizationof scarce resources, andwent on to discuss theinternational benefits ofcrop grouping that allowsfor better regulatoryharmonization, facilitatestrade and extends theseasonal availability offruits and vegetables.Burleson also talked aboutthe challenges in adoptingcrop grouping, which are:identifying logicalgroupings, overcomingregulatory obstacles andthe increased need tofoster internationalcooperation. An audiencemember who growsvegetables in California,reiterated the need tohave internationalharmonization of pesticidetolerances or Maximum

Meeting Face to Face:Building Trust

Back row l to r: Dan Kunkel, IR-44 Assistant Director; Wally Ewart, California Citrus Quality Council; HoytJamerson, Former EPA Minor Use Officer; Bob Holm, IR-44 Executive Director; Second row l to r: EricaMuller, Plant Protection Service, The Netherlands; Vivian Powell, UK, Horticulture Development Council;Doug Rothwell, Senior Minor Use Coordinator, PMRA; Jerry Baron, IR-44 Associate Director; BurlesonSmith, USDA Special Assistant to Deputy Secretary of Agriculture; Yuhai Guo,China AgricultureUniversity; Seated l to r: Naoki Motoyama, Japan, Chiba University; Bernie Schneider, EPA Senior PlantPhysiologist and ICGCC Advisor; Hong Chen, IR-44 Crop Grouping Committee Chairperson; AlanNorden, Australia APVMA, Pesticides Program; and Lois Rossi, EPA Registration Division Director

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DDiidd YYoouu KKnnooww

The IR-4 Newsletter is published quarterly for distribution to cooperators in our partner State/Federal/Industryresearch units, State and Federal officials, private interest groups, and private citizens. Material from the IR-4Newsletter may be reproduced with credit to the publication. Major funding for IR-4 is provided by USDA-CSREES and USDA-ARS in cooperation with the State Agricultural Experiment Stations. New JerseyAgricultural Experiment Station Publication No. P-27200-05-03, supported by state, U.S. Hatch Act, andother U.S. Department of Agriculture funds.

Editor: Sherrilynn NovackIR-4 Publications Communications Coordinator 732.932.9575 x 632, [email protected] Committee:Northeast Regional Field Coordinator, Edith Lurvey, 315.787.2308. North Central Regional Director and Chair of the IR-4 Project Management Committee, Bob Hollingworth,517.432.7718. Western Regional Assistant Field Coordinator, Stephen Flanagan, 541.752.9291. Southern Regional Field Coordinator, Charlie Meister, 352.392.2399. USDA/ARS Field Representative, Ben Fraelich, 229.386.3609. Commodity Liaison Committee member, Dave Trinka of MBG Marketing, 269.434.6791. State Liaison Representative, Rich Zollinger, 701.231.8157. IR-4 HQ, Assistant Research Scientist, Diane Infante; Weed Science Coordinator, Fred Salzman; Entomologyand Pathology Coordinator, Van Starner: and Technical Coordinator /Entomology, Ken Samoil 732.932.9575.

The IR-44 Newsletter Vol 36. No.4 October 2005

Watercress is aherbaceous plant in itsnatural condition andgrows along fresh waterstreams. It has been usedsince prehistoric times.Xenophon, Generaland historian of theGreek-Persiancampaign, andXrexes,PersianKing,recommendedwatercress for theirsoldiers.

Native to Asia Minor andthe Mediterranean, todaywatercress is cultivatedthroughout the world. Itboasts about being therichest source of theglucosinolate nasturtiin,which upon hydrolysisproduces phenethylisothiocyanate (PEITC).PEITC has beendemonstrated to have arole in protection againstcancers associated withtobacco specificcarcinogens (J.Agric FoodChem. 51(18):5504-9).

In the U.S., most of thisspecialty crop is grown inAlabama, California,Florida, Hawaii,Pennsylvania, Tennessee,and West Virginia. Prior tocommercialization,watercress was harvestedfrom fresh water streamsand sold in markets. In thelast forty years, commercialproduction practices havegone through a majortransformation.

Environmental concerns

have played a key role inshaping the productiontechniques of this crop.Currently watercress farmsoperate along water

resources in anenvironmentally

friendly way. Asignificant part of the

acreage uses waterrecycling techniques to

irrigate the crop.

The industry is movingaway from the traditionalwet (low) areas towardlands used for growingcrops like corn andsoybeans. This initiation ishelping to move watercressout of an aquaticclassification.

The majority of watercressis sold as traditionalbunches, however recentlypackaging has caught on.With food safety concerns,the irrigation waters andthe packed products aretested for several foodpathogens.

Watercress growers areparticularly thankful to IR-4. In the last 20 years,IR-4 has played a majorrole in helping us byworking on pesticideregistrations for thisspecialty crop, whenregistrants would not.Earlier successes includeddiazinon, glyphosate,malathion, mevinphos, andpermethrin. With theintroduction of “reducedrisk” and other saferpesticides, azoxystrobin,cyprodinil +fludioxonil,imidacloprid, and spinosadwere registered for use inwatercress production.

Currently, IR-4 is helping inthe registration ofmetaldehyde for snailcontrol. Snails createserious problems since theyare lodged inside bunchesat harvest.

The growers are alsolooking forward to theproducts that will becomeavailable to us as a result ofcrop grouping. When this iscompleted, crop groupingwill be a significant help tothis orphan crop.

Watercress is a healthy foodthat tastes good. If youhaven’t tried it, watercresshas a zesty taste. It isconsumed fresh in salads,sandwiches, and cooked insoups or used as garnish.For more information aboutwatercress and to printrecipes, please visitwww.watercress.com.

Watercress: A Health Food with aFresh Taste — by Gopal K. Saxena, Horticulturist, B&W Quality Growers, Inc.



Over the past 15 yearsAgriculture has experiencedthe introduction of termslike Risk Cup and OPreplacements; it hassuffered the loss ofhundreds of pestmanagement tools, and has"advanced" into anenvironment of GMOcrops. The idea of wantinga new use for a specialty

crop (less that 300,000acres) is hard enough butwhat if your specialty cropis really minor and is grownon less than 800 acres? Inaddition, you need productsthat have a 1-3 day PHI(pre harvest interval), shortREIs (re-entry intervals) andare safe to beneficialinsects. And if that isn'thard enough, this minor,minor crop industry needsto have products labeled foruses that didn't even exist15 years ago. Sound

tough? Welcome to theworld of Greenhouse (GH)Hydroponics VegetableProduction!Today, the US GH industryis fortunate to have anorganization that can helpthem overcome some ofthese hurdles. The IR-4Project, established to meetthe needs of specialty cropgrowers, working in

cooperation with theUSEPA and chemicalcompanies, performsthe research andsubmits the datanecessary to achievenew use product labelsfor specialty crops.While this cooperationis a true boost to thisindustry, there is aneven greater challenge:Efficacy Data.

Manufacturers arewilling to work with IR-4 to have their

products labeled for GHuse, however, they arerequiring more and moreefficacy data or as theyprefer to call it, “crop safetydata” in order to supportthe label submission.

At the recent IR-4 SouthernRegional meeting in SouthPadre Island, TX, acommon theme echoed byeach of the chemicalcompany representativeswho reported on newchemistry and productadvances was the need for

more efficacy data tosupport IR-4 labelregistrations.

The hydroponics vegetableindustry is growingsteadily. It currentlysupplies over 37% of theretail (grocery) market forfresh market tomatoes(Calvin and Cook, 2005).This is not unexpectedconsidering the EuropeanGH industry suppliesgreater than 90% of thefresh market tomatoproduction. However, as ofyet, GH research is notincluded as part of mainstream extension orresearch at most USuniversities. Therefore, theUS GH industry is urgingUniversity research andextension scientists torecognize this opportunityto increase their programs.

In the IR-4 SouthernRegion, Regional FieldCoordinator, CharlesMeister has championedthis need for efficacy forspecialty crops and thanksto his efforts and thesupport of the IR-4 GrantsProgram we are seeing afew more studies focusedon GH, but to meet thecritical needs for thisindustry we needuniversities across thenation to step up to ourchallenge and help us bysupporting research andefficacy trials.

The GH Industry is willing

to share its part of theburden by supplyingmaterials for research,space, sharing knowledge,and fostering a long termrelationship between TheGreenhouse HydroponicsVegetable Industry and theUniversity system. If you’dlike to learn more aboutthis industry and take usup on the challenge,contact your Regional FieldCoordinator (see below)and Michael E. Bledsoe atVillage Farms, L.P. or KarinTifft, at EuroFresh, Inc formore information onpotential projects.

Efficacy for anEvolvingAgriculture

CCoonnttaacctt IInnffoorrmmaattiioonnffoorr IIRR-44 RReeggiioonnaall FFiieelldd CCoooorrddiinnaattoorrss

Northeast Region Ms. Edith Lurvey [email protected]

North Central RegionDr. Satoru Miyazaki 517.336.4611 [email protected]

Southern RegionDr. Charles [email protected]

Western RegionMs. Rebecca Sisco 530.752.7634 [email protected]

USDA-AARS Dr. Paul H. [email protected]

""Thhe Hydroponicsvegettablle industtry isgrowing stteadilly.. Ittcurrenttlly supplliesover 37% off tthherettaill ((grocery))markkett ffor ffreshhmarkkett ttomattoes......""

— by Michael E. Bledsoe, Ph.D. Vice President of Technology and Corporate EHS Officer, Village Farms, L.P.

EuroFresh Greenhouse, Wilcox AZ

proliferation of vineyardsand wineries in many NorthCentral states. An increasein ethanol production intheir states was alsomentioned by several statereps. Regional DirectorBob Hollingworthannounced that JeffWyman, Professor ofEntomology at theUniversity of Wisconsin, along-time Field ResearchDirector and IR-4supporter, officially retiredAug. 3. A new person fromindustry who has primarilysmall and tree fruitexperience was recentlyhired and the hope is toadd capacity to do fruitGLP trials with this person.

The group went throughpotential projects thatcould be prioritized at theannual IR-4 Food UseWorkshop (FUW) in SanDiego, and discussed theprojectsthey’d like topush. Theyalsodiscussedwhichprojectsmight beappropriatefor regionalupgrades.During thecourse of thisdiscussion,variousquestionsregarding thisyear’s FUWprocess wereaddressed viaphoneconsultation

DDiidd YYoouu KKnnooww......

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IR-44 North CentralAnnual RegionalMeeting, Lincoln, NE,Aug. 9-110, 2005— by Van Starner, IR-44 Coordinator, Entomologyand PathologyThe IR-4 North CentralAnnual Regional meetingwas held in Lincoln, NE, inAugust, and was attendedby more than a dozenpeople. Doug Doohanfrom Ohio State Universitychaired the meeting, andlocal arrangements wereorganized by ShripatKamble from the Universityof Nebraska. Persons whoparticipated representedPurdue University,University of Illionois,South and North DakotaState Universities, theNorth Central USDA IPMCenter at Michigan State,University of Wisconsin,University of Nebraska atScottsbluff, IR-4 at MSU, and IR-4Headquarters (HQ). RichZollinger (ND State Univ.)served as secretary.

Following a number ofadministrative items, twoaward presentations, andan IR-4 HQ presentation,Larry Olsen from the NorthCentral IPM Center talkedabout their organizationand programs - he thankedIR-4 for involvement intheir prioritization process.Two common themes insubsequent state reportswere 1) the serious effectsof drought this summeracross large parts of IN, IL,WI and MI; and 2) the

Summer RegionalMeetings

with IR-4 HQ. A numberof suggested additionswere raised to be addedto the FUW project book(such as EPA region map,crop groups/rep crops,definitions of variouscategories/priorities, etc.),and these werecommunicated to IR-4HQ. When the meetingwas adjourned, allattendees went away witha feeling that it had been agood meeting and worththeir while to be thereparticipating.

The IR-44 SouthernRegion AnnualMeeting, South PadreIsland, TXAugust 22-224, 2005Southern RegionalDirector, Marty Marshallwelcomed the crowd ofover 40 attendees toSouth Padre Island. Hegave a brief introductionand overview of the IR-4program and turned themeeting over to RegionalField Coordinator, CharlieMeister. “It’s at the annualmeeting where myresearchers learn about

Dudley Smith, and Juan Anciso have written abook entitled “The Crops of Texas. The book is acompilation of facts on crop production for thestate. The authors, drew upon their backgrounds in crop production andeconomics, pests and pest management, and commercial agriculture toproduce colorful narraties and compile data on 200 horticultural,agronomic, and forage crops, plus seed production for the state. Narrativesfor each crop provide production facts, marketing trends, and key weed,insect and disease pests. Crop acreages are provided by production regionsand then summarized for the state, along with cash values. This publicationis available online at http://aggiehorticulture.tamu.edu or you can obtain aCD or hardcopy by contacting Dan Lineberger, Horticulture Department,Texas A&M University.

The Crops of Texas

the new technologies. Thatis why I invite chemicalcompany representatives togive a 10-minutepresentation about theirproducts,” stated Charlie.“This year we are focusingon Ornamental products onday one and Food Useproducts on day two.” Morethan 15 companiesresponded to Charlie’sinvitation to talk about theirproducts.

In addition to productpresentations, researcherswere invited to give a 10-minute presentation abouttheir studies and pestcontrol needs. Ornamentalresearcher, Yan Chen, fromLSU talked about her 2005trials to control efficacy offive preemergenceherbicides on yellownutsedge and theirphytotoxicity on sixherbaceous perennials inlandscape plantings.Scott Ludwig from TexasCooperative Extensiondiscussed the pest controlneeds for Ornamentals inTexas. He concluded Texasneeds more products to

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and the America WestArena (home of the NBAPhoenix Suns, who have ahome game Wed. nightMar. 1 vs the MilwaukeeBucks). Also, about adozen major leaguebaseball teams (Cubs,Giants, White Sox, etc.) callthe Phoenix / Tucson area"home" for spring training,and you might be able tocatch a "Cactus League"game.

Reserve the Dates - YouDon't Want to Miss It!!!Look for more details in thecoming months on the IR-4website at ir4.rutgers.edu.For more information,contact the TC Chair, VanStarner at, 732-932-9575x621 or [email protected].


PPeerrssoonnaalliittiieess iinn tthhee NNeewwss

On August 11, 2005, IR-4Residue and AnalyticalChemistry Coordinator,Johannes Corley, wasrecognized by the GinsengBoard of Wisconsin (GBW)for his efforts in workingwith ginseng growers toachieve new pesticideregistrations. An inscribedplaque was presented toJohannes by the GBWPresident, Joe Heil, at aField Day held in Wausau,Wisconsin. Joe emphasizedthat the partnership

between the ginseng industryand IR-4 has becomeespecially valuable because ofthe occurrence of pestresistance, an overall lack ofregistered products, andincreased market pressurefrom foreign competition."Ginseng growers are veryfamiliar with the help that IR-4 offers to our industry.Johannes has done anoutstanding job and wewanted to show ourgratitude." He added, "We donot hesitate to let our

legislators know theimportance of IR-4's work tothe state's economy". Duringthe Field Day, Johannesprovided an update of theIR-4 projects and priorities.In particular, he discussedthe potential of non-fooduse registrations forproducts that might behelpful to a multi-year,perennial crop such asginseng. This is the secondtime Johannes has made thetrek to Wisconsin toobserve an ongoing IR-4residue trial and meet withgrowers to assess theirneeds. Over the course ofhis August visit, heobserved an applicationmade to an IR-4 residuetrial. He also saw a numberof field research trials

The first national trainingevent since the 2001meeting in San Antonio willbe held Tuesday, Feb. 28,through noon on ThursdayMar. 2, 2006. The IR-4Project ManagementCommittee (PMC) will holdits annual February meetingin concert with thisconference, and will beparticipating throughout.

As prescribed by the PMCa few years ago, a nationaltraining event is to beorganized every third yearfor the benefit of everyoneinvolved in IR-4 researchacross the country. We alsowelcome our colleagues inCanada.

All IR-4 Field ResearchDirectors and their

technicians; LaboratoryResearch Directors andtheir analysts / technicians;Regional FieldCoordinators, QualityControl reviewers, QualityAssurance officers, StudyDirectors, PMC members,and others involved in IR-4GLP research areencouraged to attend.

The agenda for the 2-dayevent is being finalized bythe IR-4 TrainingCommittee (TC), and therewill be something foreveryone. Plans includespecial speakers fromoutside the IR-4 Project;plenty of time forFRD/RFC/SD/QA to just"talk shop" amongthemselves about day-to-day protocol, field data

book, and other GLP issues;a full day of laboratory-specific training for labpersonnel; opportunities tochoose topics from severalmini-course offerings; anddiscussions about the futureof electronics in IR-4 datacollection and final reportpreparation.

The training will be held atthe newly remodeledWyndham Phoenix Hotel indowntown Phoenix, AZ -not a bad place to spend afew days near the end ofwinter! For your timeoutside the classroom, andwithin walking distance,there are many places toeat, several theatres, thePhoenix Museum of History,the AZ Science Center, thePhoenix Convention Center,

2006 IR-44 National EducationConference— by Van Starner, IR-44 Coordinator, Entomology and Pathology

established with growercooperators and supportedthrough IR-4 Biopesticidegrants including an IR-4Biopesticide DemonstrationTrial.

IR-4 North Central RegionalField Coordinator, Dr. SatoruMiyazaki, was also afeatured guest during the Ginseng Field Day.

GrowersRecognize Efforts— by Mary Hausbeck, Ph.D., MSU Professor and Extension

Specialist in Vegetable and Green House Ornamental Crops

IR-44 Residue and Analytical ChemistryCoordinator, Johannes Corley, right, observesa ginseng trial application performed byResearch Assistant Blair Harlan.

FFeeaattuurree AArrttiiccllee

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The call came in on Friday,August 5, 2005. A picklegrower in Eastern Michiganasked researcher MaryHausbeck to look at hiscucurbit crop because ofwhat appeared to be a

virus. Mary,who hadcommitted tospending theweekend at afamily reunion,requested herPh.D. student,

Amanda Gevens, take thetrip and investigate theissue. Amanda suspectedthe virus was actuallydowny mildew. She tooksamples to the lab and hadthem analyzed. What shesuspected was confirmed;downy mildew, a pathogenthat had not been found inthe entire state of Michiganfor fifteen years, hadreached Michigan.

Amanda alerted Mary whowas seven hours awayvacationing in the upperpeninsula of Michigan.Mary established a growerand processor phone chainand got to work makingcontact with growers andprocessors. By 5pm onSaturday, a vast majority ofgrowers and processors inthe state of Michigan hadbeen alerted. Countyagents continued thephone chain on Monday.

Getting fungicides on thecucumber crops during thenext 24-48 hours wascrucial in keeping theoutbreak at bay and luckilythe higher than averageMichigan temperaturesprovided some help inkeeping the disease incheck. "Our growershaven't seen this pathogenup close but are familiarwith its devastation as they

reaped the benefits of thedowny mildew outbreak onsouthern watermelon andcucumber crops last year,"stated Mary. "They don'twant what happened tothose growers to happenhere and are serious aboutkeeping this under control."

Mary described thedevastation of this pathogenin an article she wrote forthe August 26, 2005 CropAdvisory Team Alert(www.ipm.msu.edu/CAT05_veg/V08-25-05downy.htm)."Downy mildew is well-known for causingcatastrophic losses in a briefperiod of time. When theconditions are favorable,unprotected foliage canbecome completely infectedand appear to be frostedwithin 10 days of initialinfection. The worst casescenario is that once thefoliage dies, the fruit stopdeveloping, qualitydecreases, sun scald occursand secondary rots develop.In a best case scenario, ifthe fruit are mature enoughwhen the foliage becomesinfected with downy mildew,they can be harvested withminimal yield loss eventhough the foliage hascompletely collapsed."

Mary continued working thephones and counseledgrowers on the pest controloptions for downy mildew,as Brian Cortright, herresearch assistant, drovethem to meet with vegetablegrowers in westernMichigan. Ralph and KenOomen own and operateOomen Bros. Farm in Hart,MI, about two hours fromMary and Brian's office atMSU. She had arranged aspecial meeting withgrowers in this part of thestate to meet with an IR-4

representative. Ralph andKen knew a little bit aboutIR-4 and as a result of themeeting, understood a bitmore about how IR-4 couldhelp them. Ralph discussedone big issue concerningFolicur a triazole fungicide."We really need this product.It has a great potential for usin controlling rust onasparagus. Right now wehave it as a Section 18, butwe really need it registered."Ralph went on to ask if IR-4might have a way of workingwith the registrants on thePHI of fungicides labeled forPHYTOPHTHORA controlon zucchini. "You see the

registrant develops thisproduct for major crops,such as potatoes, where thePHI is not an issue. For thesmaller acreage crops, it isan enormous issue. Aproduct with a PHI of threeand five days is almostunworkable for us whenwe're hand-harvesting everyday. If IR-4 could help inthat aspect, it would make ahuge difference." (see sidebar) Mary encouraged Ralphand Ken to communicatetheir needs to the MichiganVegetable Council and totheir State Legislators. Shestated to them, "This wouldnot only help you in gettingIR-4 priorities, but would

also help IR-4 maintainlegislative support." KenOomen agreed that the IR-4research was valuable anddiscussed Mary's IR-4research, which has beenconducted on his farm forten years. He commented,"These test plots areextremely critical to us and Ican't stress enough howimportant the test productsare, especially when theyhelp us find ways to controlpest issues." Ralph and Kenhave been very generous toMary and her researchefforts and will oftenorganize their crops andplan their pest controlmanagement with Mary'sresearch in mind. Maryrelayed, "They've given meas many as ten acres fortrials, and will often call andask if I need some spaceand then adjust theirplanting in consideration ofmy trial plots."

Mary invited Ralph and Kento join her for a lunchmeeting. She was able toput together an impromptuluncheon with key growers,crop consultants, andExtension agents to discussthe downy mildew outbreakand distribute theinformation fliers. Maryremarked, "I think thatMichigan is somewhatunique in how we are ableto pull together these sortsof meetings, sometimes atthe last minute, to getinformation out to the

IR-44 Focus o Mary Hausbeck, Micc

Mary visits with Ken (seated) andRalph Oomen at their farm. Ralphand Ken have provided Marywith land and materials forresearch.

Mary showsgrower, TomOomen, picturesof downy mildew

One aspect of Ma solving. A grower try and find out w not growing adequ

Mary was inemergencymanagementmode whenan outbreakof downymildew wasdiscoveredin Michigan.She and herteam spenthoursleading intodayscontactinggrowers.

Mary points to a contrast it with a looks promising

growers feel confident thatresearch will lead to a futuresolution. They see resultsand know that Mary, herteam, and IR-4 are workingfor them.

When Ralph Oomen asked ifIR-4 had a role in helpingthe registrants reduce thePHI on the labels the answeris a resounding YES. But inorder to do that, a ProjectClearance Request (PCR)needs to state “reduce PHI”or in some cases, “increaseduse rate” as the reason forneed. IR-4 is in a position tohelp but we need to makesure the PCR reflects theproper use. If you areunsure about the “reason forneed” section on the PCR,please contact a RegionalField Coordinator. Since ittakes up to four years andcosts in excess of $100,000for a study to be completed,it is important that the PCRsare filled out correctly andefficacy data supports therequest. Sometimes, due toa new pest or a change inuse pattern, the efficacy dataare not available. Here, too, IR-4 may be able to help. Ifyou have questions aboutthe data needed, contact aRegional Field Coordinator.They’re there to bring clarityto these issues. (See contactinformation on page 3.) Don'tforget, a complete andaccurately filled out PCRhelps IR-4 help you.

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industry as quickly aspossible. We also value thefeedback and everyone ishelped by the exchange."

Later that day, Mary wasasked to visit an asparagusfarm that was showing poorgrowth. After a look atseveral areas of the field,Mary, Brian Cortright andBrian Wernstrom, a cropconsultant, concluded thestress was not a result of apathogen. Problem solvingis an integral part of Mary'sjob and she is often askedto look at problem fields tohelp in identifying both thecause and research asolution. It's this problemsolving Mary likes best;when she hears directlyfrom the grower about theirneeds and is able to applyresearch to the problem.

Mary was not only workingthe phones to communicatethe downy mildewemergency, but was alsoworking with her ResearchAssistant, Blair Harlan toput the final touches on aginseng growers field day.The event was held inWausau, WI the next day.With an expectedattendance of 50 growers,the field day was an eventthey looked forward to andone where they could sharestrategies for ginseng. Marygot involved with thesegrowers about 5 years agowhen the MichiganDepartment of Agricultureasked her to becomeinvolved with the ginsengindustry in Michigan whichhad begun to growsignificantly (approximately170 acres) especially in theUpper Peninsula. In

particular, the groupneeded a Section 18 labelfor use of mancozeb tocontrol ALTERNARIAblight. Since she had beeninvolved with writingSection 18 labels forvegetable crops over theyears, it seemed like agood fit. The largestginseng grower in Michiganat the time was workingclosely with the Wisconsinginseng industry and it wasthrough his efforts that aregional research effort wasinitiated.

According to the GinsengBoard of Wisconsin,"Commercial ginsengcultivation in the US isabout 100 years old, buttrade in Wisconsin ginsenghas a history dating back tothe 18th century.Wisconsin producesapproximately 95% of allUS cultivated ginseng, withthe majority coming fromnorth central Wisconsin."The industry, however, is incrisis with more and moregrowers leaving thebusiness. They are findingit harder to managediseases, which devastatetheir crops. When ginsengcrops take four years fromplanting to harvest torealize a return oninvestment, the risks inkeeping the crop healthyare often too great forsome growers. That is whyWisconsin has lost over200 growers in the pastdecade. President of theGinseng Board ofWisconsin, Joe Heil stated,"The few growers that areleft are so dependent onIR-4. Many of the less than50 growers are merely

staying in business becausethey are relying on theproducts in the IR-4pipeline getting registered.Their hopes are riding onIR-4 helping them manageand sustain their gardens."These growers arecommitted to the IR-4process and as many as fiveor six will take time out oftheir gardening to attendthe annual IR-4 Food UseWorkshop.

Mary is one of IR-4'sunique researchers in thatshe conducts researchacross all disciplines in boththe Food Use andOrnamentals programs.Across the board, herstudents and assistants talkabout Mary's ability tochampion their cause andencourage them tosucceed. "She works hardto find grant money for us,"stated graduate student,Shaunta Hill. "She takes areal interest in her studentsand the thing I learned themost from Mary is how tobe encouraged."

It's no wonder that peoplelike Joe, the Oomenbrothers, and her studentsare so fond of Mary. Evenwhen hosting a trial meansthat the untreated checkplot will succumb todisease and potentiallyendanger the entire field,

on Researcher: higan State University

Waiting for the flight to WI isMary (right) with grad studentShaunta Hill and ResearchAssistant Blair Harlan.

PCRs: The Keyto Change - bby IR-44 Associate Director,Jerry Baron

ry’s job is problem has asked Mary tohy his asparagus is

quately.

a control plot to a product that.

Blair Harlan, JoeHeil, and BryanWebster (1-rr onthe left) and, JerryHeil, Shaunta Hill,Dan Reif, andMary Hausbeckpose in front ofJoe’s ginsenggarden.

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Residue Levels (MRLs). Hecommented on the needfor standardization becausehe trades with Mexico andfinds the differences inMRLs to be prohibitive tooperating his business.

Wally Ewart also restatedthe need for settinginternational MRLs. As thePresident of the CaliforniaCitrus Quality Council, anda member of the CODEXCommittee on PesticideResidues, his organizationprovides guidance so thatCalifornia citrus meets theregulatory and scientificstandards for domestic andexport markets. Wallyreported on the grower'sperspective and suggestedone solution forharmonization shouldinclude uniform datarequirements and parallelrisk assessments forinternational and nationalstandard setting bodies.

This suggestion wasstrongly echoed by eachpresenter. In Japan, thediscovery of illegal residuesof an insecticide onimported spinach fromChina and Japanesedistributors sellingunregistered agrichemicalsto farmers led thegovernment to revise theJapan Pest Control Act,

which provides for heavypenalties (up to$100,000) and prisonterms (up to three years).Chiba UniversityProfessor NaokiMotoyama reported hiscountry's need for more

pest management toolsand encouraged furthergrouping of specialty cropsin order to meet this need.

Australian Pesticides andVeterinary MedicinesAuthority, Minor UseProject Officer, AlanNorden also sees theadvantage of cropgrouping. He stated thebenefits could be great asthere would be a reductionin regulatory costs. Thiswould come via reducedduplication in gatheringsupporting information,improved access to dataand fewer overall trials.

Erica Muller, traveled fromThe Netherlands to deliveran update on CODEX andCrop Grouping Activities inthe European Union. Ericais a member of CODEXand the EU Working groupon Pesticides Residues andSCFCAH, and is affiliatedwith the Plant ProtectionService of the Netherlands.

The day also includedpresentations from,Canada's Pest ManagementRegulatory Agency (PMRA)Senior Minor UseCoordinator, DougRothwell, reporting onNAFTA; UK'sHorticultural DevelopmentCouncil, TechnicalManager, Vivian Powell

reporting on the UK'sapproach to minor usesand crop grouping; andChina AgricultureUniversity's Yuhai Guoreporting on the status ofspecialty crop productionin China.

Some feel the catalyst forthe face-to-face meetingwas theparticipationof the EPARegistrationDivisionDirector, Lois Rossiwhorepresentsthe EPAOffice ofPesticidePrograms(OPP) onmany internationalcommittees and also spenta six month sabbatical withthe EU in Brussels. Shestated the role of the OPPis being a leader inpromoting harmonizationefforts both internally andexternally and also sees heroffice as being a championfor identifyingopportunities forcollaboration andcooperation. Sheencouraged theparticipants to seethemselves as beingsignificant players in thiseffort to harmonize dataand establish cropgroupings. "Our role isleadership in thinkingglobally and tryingroutinely to think of ourrole as a global leader,"stated Lois, "It's importantto have coffee with oneanother and get to knoweach other so thatcommunication can befostered and trustsestablished. It's through

this trust that we build thatcan help us accomplish thetask of working togetherglobally."

"Trust is critical to success,"stated IR-4 AssociateDirector, Jerry Baron duringhis concluding presentationthat introduced a proposal

developed by IR-4'sAssistant Director, DanKunkel, that a not forprofit InternationalSpecialty CropFoundation beestablished. Herecommended that itshould be funded byvarious stakeholdersand housed at IR-4 HQ.The purpose of theFoundation would be toassist in the facilitationof MRL establishmentthrough data mining

and reformatting data in anappropriate (standard)format for variousgovernment authorities. Therecommendation washeeded by the group andmore discussion willcertainly follow.

A special evening meetingdiscussing medicinal cropswas added onto the day-long sessions and washosted by IR-4 AssociateCoordinator, Bill Barney.The medicinal crop meetingincluded presentations fromMichigan State Univeristy’sMary Hausbeck, AuburnUniversity's M.S. Reddyand China AgriculturalUniversity's Yuhai Guo.

To get a good sense of thespeakers and to view theirpresentations, visit the IR-4website at ir4.rutgers.eduand follow the link for theInternational Crop GroupingConsulting CommitteeMeeting.

Lois Rossi encouragesthe participants of theICGCC Meeting tospend time buildingtrust and then goforward together toaffect global change.

Building Trustcontinued from page 1

More than50 peoplefrom ninecountriesparticipatedin the firstface-tto-ffacemeeting oftheInternationalCropGroupingConsultingCommittee.


PPeerrssoonnaalliittiieess iinn tthhee NNeewwss

9

In the past few monthsthere have been somechanges at CSREES that willaffect IR-4. Dennis Kopphas been promoted toAssistant Administrator ofProgram and Analysis.Dennis has been asupporter of IR-4 Programsfor many years in severaldifferent capacities. Ourformer National ProgramLeader, Jim Parachetti,reported to Dennis formany years and as suchreceived support anddirection from Dennis onCSREES policy and budgetissues. Dennis replaced Jimfor a short time prior toMonte Johnson beingnamed as the CSREES IR-4National Program Leader.During this interim, Denniswas an active participant inPMC Meetings andchallenged IR-4 to becomea better program throughnew initiatives andstakeholder involvement.Dennis continues to be anactive IR-4 supporter in hisnew position and he andBob Holm have breakfastmeetings when Bob is inDC to keep each otherabreast of important issueson CSREES and IR-4respectively.

IR-4 would also like tocongratulate Rob Hedbergon his new position atCSREES. Rob has beenDirector of Science Policyfor the National andRegional Weed ScienceSocieties (Weed ScienceSociety of America, Aquatic

Plant Management Society,Northeast Weed ScienceSociety, Southern WeedScience Society, NorthCentral Weed ScienceSociety and WesternSociety of Weed Science)since 1999. His primaryresponsibilities are tostrengthen communicationbetween federal policymakers and the 4000members of these societies,to increase public aware-ness of weed problems, andto improve federal weedresearch and managementefforts.

His previous policyexperience included workon the U.S. SenateAgriculture Committee asan American Associationfor the Advancement ofScience Fellow from 1995-1996. He also has manyyears experience workingwith farmers as a RegionalAgronomy Agent for theUniversity of VermontExtension Service.

When asked about hisvision in his new role asUSDA/CSREES SciencePolicy and LegislativeAffairs Advisor, Robcommented, "My vision formy role within CSREEScenters on communicationwith the spectrum ofcustomers, beneficiaries andsupporters. I want toensure we have goodcommunications about whatCSREES is currently doingas well as how we canemploy all the componentsof our system (Extension,Education and Research) tomeet their needs andexpectations. The IR-4program and its CommodityLiaison Committee is one ofthe models for successfulcommunications that I willkeep in mind as I look forways to make sure we have

good two way communica-tion with our stakeholders."

IR-44 Welcomes NewCSREES NationalProgram Leader While Monte Johnson isn'tnew to CSREES, he hasrecently become the newCSREES National ProgramLeader for the IR-4 Project.Since 2001, Monte hasbeen the CSREES NationalProgram Leader forEnvironmental Toxicologyand has worked with thePest ManagementAlternatives Program(PMAP) and the PesticideSafety Education Program(PSEP). Previous toCSREES, Monte spenteleven years as anExtension Specialist withinthe Department ofEntomology at theUniversity of Kentucky.

Monte is passionate aboutcommunicating thesuccesses of CSREESprograms. The CSREESPMAP program is one inwhich he is particularlyproud to have played arole. As the Director ofPMAP, he worked with thecommunications staff todevelop informationalsheets that highlighted theprograms' accomplishments(www.csrees.usda.gov/nea/pest/pdfs/pmap_flyer.pdf).PMAP funding hassupported research such asAlternative Weed Control inVegetable Crops, PestManagement forGreenhouse BeddingPlants, Alternative Controlof Varroa Mites on HoneyBees, and Replacing OPson Stored Grain for FoodProcessing.

Monte has a strong interestand background in

landscape and ornamentalsand is pleased to join IR-4as it strengthens its supportof the OrnamentalHorticulture Program.While in Lexington, KY,Monte participated in toursof horticultural research atthe South Farm ExperimentStation. He often spokewith groups concerningIntegrated PestManagement research onjunipers, dogwoods andbirch.

"We are delighted to haveMonte working with us asthe CSREES liaison," statedIR-4 Executive Director,Bob Holm, "he has alreadyproven his commitment tous by attending IR-4'sEPATWG meeting, visitingthe HQ office a couple ofweeks later and attendingthe July IR-4 ProjectManagement Committeemeeting held in Vermont.Considering his otherresponsibilities, Monte'szeal to learn more aboutIR-4 and become moreactively involved isimpressive."

"I'm glad to assume the roleas CSREES IR-4 liaison,"stated Monte, "IR-4'sreputation for success hasmade a name for itself inthe grower community. Isee my role as keeping thesuccesses of IR-4 everpresent before those whocan help IR-4 fulfill itsmission to Specialty CropGrowers."

Monte can be contacted atmpjohnson@ csrees.usda.gov.

IR-4 extends its best wishesto all three men as theytake on new challenges andaccomplish innovative goalswithin CSREES.

ChangesatCSREES

EEnnttoommoollooggyy WWoorrkkiinngg GGrroouupp PPrriioorriittyy AAPR# Group Commodity Chemical09669 A BEAN (DRY) INDOXACARB09675 A BEET (SUGAR) THIAMETHOXAM09679 A BLUEBERRY SPIRODICLOFEN09344 A CANEBERRY E2Y4509421 A CELERY METALDEHYDE09649 A CUCUMBER THIAMETHOXAM09614 A ONION FORMETANATE

HYDROCHLORIDE09079 A PARSLEY FIPRONIL09690 A PEACH SPINOSAD08985 A PEPPER NOVALURON

(BELL & NON-BELL)07574 A TARO METALDEHYDE09514 A WATERCRESS DINOTEFURAN

WWeeeedd SScciieennccee WWoorrkkiinngg GGrroouupp PPrriioorriittyy AAPR# Group Commodity Chemical09660 A AVOCADO NAA09243 A BLUEBERRY HALOSULFURON08563 A BROCCOLI DIMETHENAMID-P09519 A CABBAGE FLUMIOXAZIN01243 A CARROT GLYPHOSATE08066 A GREENS DIMETHENAMID-P

(MUSTARD)08992 A LENTIL 2,4-DB09677 A PEPPER FOMESAFEN

(BELL & NON-BELL)09407 A RHUBARB HALOSULFURON09538 A SQUASH (SUM.) FOMESAFEN09352 A STRAWBERRY OXYFLUORFEN

(ANNUAL)08948 A TOMATO FOMESAFEN

PPllaanntt PPaatthhoollooggyy WWoorrkkiinngg GGrroouupp PPrriioorriittyy AAPR# Group Commodity Chemical09501 A BLUEBERRY V-1011809263 A BROCCOLI FLUTOLANIL09143 A CABBAGE TRIFLUMIZOLE09612 A CANEBERRY OXAMYL09176 A CANTALOUPE V-1011809616 A CITRUS PROPICONAZOLE

(POSTHARVEST) 09392 A GINSENG FLUTOLANIL08760 A GREENS FLUTOLANIL

(MUSTARD)09497 A GUAVA MANCOZEB09567 A PEPPER CYPRODINIL +

(BELL & NON-BELL) FLUDIOXONIL09093 A PERSIMMON BOSCALID +

PYRACLOSTROBIN09177 A SQUASH (SUM.) V-10118



10

2005 Food Use Workshop PrioritiesThe 2005 IR-4 /USDA Food Use Workshop was heldSeptember 13-15, 2005 in San Diego, CA. With beautifulweather as a back drop, some say this was the bestattended most cooperative meeting to date.

The Food Use Workshop is the place to be for settingresearch priorities for the next year. Since research fundingis limited, IR-4 ranks research priorities according tointerest, industry support, and clearly stated “reason forneed” on the Project Clearance Request (PCR) forms. Ateach workshop session, Entomology, Plant Pathology andWeed Science, twelve “A” priorities are allowed. An “A”priority guarantees the research will be funded in the nextresearch season, additionally, each session selects 36 “B”priorities, which have the ability to be upgraded andresearched on a regional basis if funds become available.Workshop participants vote by voice on which PCR shouldbe ranked “A”, “B”, or “C”. With as many as 300 requeststo rank in each session, the task can be daunting. That iswhy attendance is crucial in having a project ranked highly.This year, over 20 commodity and grower representativesattended the meeting to make sure their needs werepresented.

The initial hours of each session is devoted to a cursoryranking of priorities and ends with many more “As” and“B’s” than are allowed. The last hour or so of each sessionis where the negotiation and “horse trading” begins. Thisis when the “A’s” and “B’s” are narrowed down to fallwithin the limits of twelve “A’s” and 36 “B’s”. This is themost tactical part of the workshop when compromise and“research trading” (where an “A” may be changed to a “B”with the goal to upgrade the “B” to a regional “A” later inthe planning process) become the focus. Time is allotted inbetween the initial ranking and the final in order forparticipants to discuss their most needed priorities withother participants, commodity groups and company reps.

Cooperation is key to this process as an “A” priority canoften be needed for a regional need and all four regionsmust agree the need is warranted. The give and takeduring these last hours is remarkable and this is when anoutsider notices the true collaboration of IR-4. Somehowthe researchers, chemical companies, growers andcommodity groups make the compromises to achieve theoverall IR-4 mission: provide safe and effective pest controlproducts for specialty crop growers.

Next year’s meeting will be held in the Midwest. Thefollowing is a list of the 2005 Food Use Workshop “A”priorities. Visit the IR-4 website at www.ir4.rutgers.edu, tolearn more about the workshop priorities.

Crop: AsparagusFederal Register: July 27, 2005

Product: S-MMetolachlorTrade Name: Dual II MagnumCrops: Head and Stem Brassica, Corn (Field, Sweet, andPop), Cotton, Garlic, Leafy Petioles, Dry Bulb Onion,Green Onion, Dried Shelled Peas, Dried Shelled Beans,Soybean, Edible Podded Legumes, Peanut, Safflower,Shallot, Sorghum (Grain), Fruiting Vegetables, RootVegetables (except Sugar Beet), Tuberous and CormVegetables



Thhe give andttakke duringtthhese llastthhours isremarkkablleand tthhis iswhhen anouttsidernottices tthhettruecollllaborattionoff IR-44..

TToolleerraanncceess

2005 Food Use Workshop

Product: 2,4-DDTrade Names: AquaKleen, Barrage, Hi-Dep, Lawn-Keep,Malerbane, Planotox, Plantgard, Weedar, WeedtrineCrops: Hop, Soybean, Wild RiceFederal Register: July 27, 2005

Product: Pymetrozine Trade Name: Chess, Fulfill, Plenum

Clearances June - August 2005

IR-4 HeadquartersRutgers, The State University of New Jersey681 Highway 1 South North Brunswick, NJ 08902-3390

PRESORTED FIRST CLASS MAIL

U.S. POSTAGEPAID

JERSEY CITY, NJPERMIT NO. 295

Address Service Requested

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey • University of California • Cornell University• University of Florida • Michigan State University

Major funding for IR-4 is provided by SpecialResearch Grants and Hatch Act Funds from USDA-CSREES, in cooperation with the StateAgricultural Experiment Stations, and USDA-ARS.


Feb 28-MMar 2, 2006, IR-44 National EducationConference: Phoenix, AZ, Contact Van Starner732.932.9575 x 621

CCaalleennddaarr ooff EEvveennttss

control armored scales,slugs and snails and foundthere were only limitedproducts to controlwhiteflies, ambrosiabeetles, leafminers,herbaceous perennials andliverwort.

Day two focused on FoodCrops. IR-4 Manager ofSeed TreatmentTechnology Program, JackNorton, spoke aboutIR-4’s initiative to form aseparate program that will

be focused entirely on pestmanagement solutions forthe protection of geminatingseedlings from phyto-pathogenic fungi,nematodes, and insects. University of Georgia’sStanley Culpeppercommunicated that there isa desperate need forherbicides in greens, colecrops, pepper, squash,eggplant and watermelon.Texas A&M’s T.X. Liureported on newinsecticides for management

of onion thrips ononions and MikeBledsoe reported onthe need for efficacyfor greenhouseplants. (See relatedarticle on page 3.)

Some say thehighlight of the meetingwas the evening shrimpfeast, donated by FritzJaenike, the onsiteBusiness Manager fromHarlingen Shrimp Farms.

The Southern Region alsohosted an OrnamentalsTour on Wednesday,August 24. The day-longtour visited Rivers EndNursery to see tropicalfruit trees, bamboo andother exotic ornamentaltrees. Other stopsincluded Fletcher’swholesale nursery,Southern Fields Aloe farm,the Weslaco orchid green-

house, the USDA Beefield laboratory, and theUSDA IR-4 research site.

A great deal of planningand preparation went intothis meeting and tour. Robin Adkins, AmandaHogle and Lori Greggworked tirelessly to pullthe meeting together.Their efforts did not gounnoticed. GOOD JOB!Plans are underway fornext year’s meeting too.To learn more about thethe Southern Regionalmeetings contact CharlieMeister at [email protected]

Regional Meetingscontinued from page 4

Weslaco Orchid Nursery

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