Following successful tests at the University of Florida, a California-based company is making its crop management database on pesticides available to research and extension faculty at land-grant universities across the nation.

“When our research and extension faculty said they needed accurate, up-to-date information on pesticides from 104 manufacturers, we began a unique business arrangement with Crop Data Management Systems Inc. in Marysville, California,” said Daniel Sonke, an assistant coordinator for the integrated pest management (IPM) program at UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences in Gainesville.

“We selected CDMS because the company has developed an excellent, searchable online database for agricultural and specialty chemicals,” Sonke said. “Their ChemSearch database, which is updated daily, provides instant information on more than 1,600 products, along with label instructions, worker protection standards and other information about these products - information that’s essential when our faculty make recommendations to growers and residents about using these products on agricultural crops, turfgrass and ornamentals.”

He said UF initiated a statewide trial of the CDMS ChemSearch database in 2003, and the program was expanded in 2004 to 12 other states participating in the Southern Region IPM Center in Raleigh, North Carolina. IPM is the combined use of cultural, biological and chemical methods for effective, economic pest control with little effect on non-target organisms and the environment.

“Now, CDMS is so pleased with UF/IFAS leadership on the project that the company is making ChemSearch available to all land-grant universities and government institutions in the United States,” Sonke said. “They are offering the database service to these agencies at a substantial discount.” 

The database allows users to search by crop or site, pest (up to four at a time), state or county, manufacturer, product name, type of product (insecticide, herbicide, etc.), application time or label type. As a result of searches, use rates, pests controlled, re-entry options, crop rotations and safety information as well as other facts are displayed or printed in a one- or two-page format. In addition to the label summary for each product, full-text versions of all product labels are available.

“After searching other commercial databases, it was very clear that ChemSearch was the easiest service to use,” Sonke said. “You can learn how to use it in a few minutes, and it contains most of the chemicals our agents recommend.”

Sonke said the database is currently limited to pesticides for agriculture, turf and ornamentals. It does not contain household and structural products, and its home landscape section is limited to the largest manufacturers, rather than off-patent products and local brands. However, extension agents can still use the database to obtain information about active ingredients in household products.

UF/IFAS extension agents say the database is useful. “The label summaries are one of the best features,” said Dan Mullins, a Santa Rosa County horticulture agent in Milton. “Once you learn the terminology, the database is very user-friendly. The only limitation is in the area of ornamentals and turfgrass.”

Laura Miller, a Hillsborough County horticulture agent in Seffner, also said that the database is easy to use. “You can get all the label information, worker protection standards and other information in a few clicks.”

Pam Mattis, Duval County horticulture agent in Jacksonville, said the database allows her to make informed recommendations based on client needs. “I have tried several programs over the years, but this is the most friendly program to date, and it contains a broad spectrum of information.”

Gene McAvoy, Hendry County vegetable and horticulture agent in LaBelle, said he uses the system several times a week to answer client requests for information.

Ted Holmes, southern regional sales manager for CDMS in Bradenton, said the database allows users to compare label summaries between two products, providing a side-by-side comparison of things such as application rates, federal restrictions and environmental considerations.

Holmes said CDMS is working with universities to identify gaps in the database. “Working together provides a mutual benefit - CDMS wins by gaining new accounts and expanding the database, and clients win by having the information that they want.”