Pest Management Solutions for Specialty Crops and Specialty Uses
About the IR-4 Project
The IR-4 Project was established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 1963 to assist with the identification and registration of safe and effective pest management solutions for specialty crops, including many of the fruits and vegetables recommended for a healthy diet, as well as the flowers, trees and shrubs that enhance our environment.
Click on the below tiles to learn more about our three core programs.
Promoting Public Health
As a trusted partner with the specialty crop industry, the IR-4 Project is helping to increase the availability of fruits, vegetables, ornamental plants and other specialty crops while reducing waste caused by pest damage. IR-4 is also playing a key role in the international harmonization of pest management standards, expanding markets for American-grown products on a global scale.
IR-4 research takes place at many land grant universities and USDA-Agriculture Research Service facilities across the country. In addition to our four regional facilities, there are also IR-4 liaisons in every state working with local growers to identify safe and effective pest management solutions.
SUBMIT A REQUEST
Submit a pest management needs request to one of our programs
