Insecticide Resistance Action Committee
Overview
The Insecticide Resistance Action Committee (IRAC) is a specialist technical group within the CropLife International organization that provides a coordinated industry response to prevent or manage insecticide resistance in crop pests and disease vectors. The committee was formed in response to the growing concern about the development of resistance in pests to insecticides, which poses a significant threat to global food security and public health.
History
IRAC was established in 1984 by a group of agrochemical companies concerned about the potential impact of insecticide resistance on the sustainability of their products and the broader implications for global agriculture and public health. The committee's initial focus was on the development of resistance management strategies for the major insecticide classes used in agriculture, including organophosphates, carbamates, pyrethroids, and neonicotinoids.
Mission and Objectives
IRAC's mission is to facilitate communication and education on the topic of insecticide resistance and to promote the use of resistance management strategies to prolong the effectiveness of insecticides and mitigate the impact of resistance on agriculture and public health. The committee's objectives include:
- Promoting the understanding of insecticide resistance and its implications.
- Developing and promoting the use of resistance management strategies.
- Facilitating communication and cooperation among stakeholders in the resistance issue.
- Providing a forum for the exchange of information and ideas on resistance management.
Structure and Membership
IRAC is composed of representatives from member companies of CropLife International, as well as invited experts from academia, government agencies, and other stakeholders in the resistance issue. The committee operates through a number of working groups focused on specific aspects of insecticide resistance, including:
- Mode of Action (MoA) Working Group: This group is responsible for classifying insecticides based on their mode of action, which is critical for the development of resistance management strategies.
- Resistance Monitoring Working Group: This group coordinates resistance monitoring efforts and develops guidelines for resistance testing.
- Outreach and Education Working Group: This group is responsible for disseminating information on resistance and resistance management strategies to stakeholders.
Activities and Initiatives
IRAC's activities are focused on the development and promotion of resistance management strategies, which are based on the principles of insecticide rotation, mixtures, and mosaics. The committee also provides guidance on resistance monitoring and testing, and facilitates the exchange of information on resistance issues among stakeholders.
One of IRAC's key initiatives is the development of the Insecticide Resistance Management (IRM) Guidelines, which provide comprehensive guidance on the implementation of resistance management strategies for major crop pests. The guidelines are updated regularly to reflect the latest scientific understanding of resistance mechanisms and management strategies.
Impact and Challenges
IRAC's work has contributed significantly to the understanding of insecticide resistance and the development of effective resistance management strategies. However, the committee faces several challenges, including the need for greater cooperation and coordination among stakeholders, the need for more research on resistance mechanisms and management strategies, and the need to increase awareness and adoption of resistance management strategies among farmers and other end-users of insecticides.