Overview

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Pesticides are frequently the tactic of choice for managing pests because of cost, effectiveness, availability, and convenience. They have contributed impressively to our present-day agricultural productivity, but at the same time they have triggered issues and concerns such as pest resistance, water contamination, and worker exposure. CSREES is addressing the appropriate and safe use of pesticides by identifying alternative tactics and by assessing the benefits and risks associated with pesticide use through research, extension, and education. CSREES programs specifically dedicated to these areas are the Minor Crop Pest Management (IR-4), Pest Management Alternatives (PMAP), and Pesticide Safety Education (PSEP) Programs. Several other CSREES-funded opportunities--such as the National Research Initiative (NRI), Crops at Risk (CAR), and Regional IPM (RIPM) program--help address critical needs in pest management. Extension and education components are addressed primarily through the PSEP.

In Focus

• CSREES funds lab to develop natural pest repellent.
• Several CSREES multistate research projects address pesticide issues.
• The Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP) Coordinators provide pesticide safety information to the public to become certified pesticide applicators.
• Minor Crop Pest Management (IR-4) supports the registration of pesticides and biological control agents for use on specialty crops.

Partnerships

• CSREES collaborates with numerous agencies and organizations in conducting the Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP).

Events

• Competitive Grants Grantsmanship Workshops, Washington, DC/Salt Lake City, UT, September/October, 2008.
• Galaxy III Conference: "Celebrating the Extension System: Strengths, Diversity, and Unique Qualities," Indianapolis, IN, September 15-19, 2008.
• 2009 International Master Gardener Conference: "New Frontiers" in horticulture and gardening, Las Vegas, NV, March 22-26, 2009.


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Selected Results and Impacts

• The Pest Management Alternatives Program supports the development of new pest management tools and techniques to address critical pest problems.
• The 2002 PSEP Annual Report summarizes data from the CSREES Pesticide Safety Education Program.
• With funds from the Pest Management Alternatives Program (PMAP), scientists are working on many projects like honeybee pests and stored grain protectants.

Resources

• Agricultural Health Study. North Carolina State University. Summary of the Agricultural Health Study's first 12 years.
• National Pesticide Applicator Certification Core Manual. A National Association of State Departments of Agriculture Research Foundation and EPA Project.
• American Association of Pesticide Safety Educators, Virginia Tech University.


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Contacts

Monte Johnson

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