IPM News and Events Roundup 01/05/2024

A weekly collection of IPM news, webinars, employment, funding opportunities, and more from the Northeastern IPM Center

If you have IPM-related research, events, or other IPM news you would like to have included, please email Jerrie Haines at jlh472@cornell.edu . If you would like to subscribe to the weekly Roundup, please email northeastipm@cornell.edu. Past Roundups are archived on our website.

Connect with the Northeastern IPM Center

Northeastern IPM Center News

The Biology and Management of Common Invasive Plants in the Northeastern U.S. and Southern Canada

February 27, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. EST

Register at https://neipmc.org/go/fARB

Presenter: Dr. Antonio DiTommaso

This presentation will focus on the biology and management (both chemical and non-chemical) of ten common invasive plants in the northeastern United States and southern Canada. Species covered include Japanese knotweed, buckthorn, swallowworts, honeysuckles, bindweeds, multiflora rose, and Japanese stiltgrass.

The Use of IPM in Beekeeping to Control Parasitic Varroa Mites

March 11, 2024 – 11:00 a.m.

Register at cornell.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_aG2wk8EKSXC2OTvB70BdrA

Presenter: Dr. Robyn Underwood

During this talk, you will learn about the parts of the IPM pyramid as they relate to controlling the parasitic varroa mite, widely the biggest problem in beekeeping. You will learn about breeding for mite resistance, cultural and mechanical controls, and chemical controls that are both organic-approved and synthetic. These items will be presented as a year in the life of a beekeeping operation.

Dr. Robyn Underwood received her BSc in Entomology and Applied Ecology from the University of Delaware and her PhD in Entomology from the University of Manitoba. As Penn State’s Extension Educator of Apiculture, she conducts scientific research projects to study beekeeper-applied questions and brings the results of the projects to the beekeepers through extension products that aim to make beekeeping a more successful venture.

Kosher, Halal and Insects: How do they relate?

March 25, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. (EST)

Register at cornell.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_R0qF_qloSt6k9EsgUWO9UA

Presenter: Dr. Joe Regenstein

Kosher and halal food regulations are an important part of the food industry. Both religious systems are concerned about the practices of modern agriculture including the role of insects and similar animal species. This talk will introduce these dietary laws and then look specifically at how each religion views insects in the food and feed context.

Research in the News

In the presence of the other: How glyphosate and peptide molecules alter the dynamics of sorption on goethite (sciencedirect.com)

The interactions with soil mineral surfaces are among the factors that determine the mobility and bioavailability of organic contaminants and of nutrients present in dissolved organic matter (DOM) in soil and aquatic environments. While most studies focus on high molar mass organic matter fractions (e.g., humic and fulvic acids), very few studies investigate the impact of DOM constituents in competitive sorption. Here we assess the sorption behavior of a heavily used herbicide (i.e., glyphosate) and a component of DOM (i.e., a peptide) at the water/goethite interface, inclusive of potential glyphosate-peptide interactions.

EPA News

EPA Update on Next Steps for Chlorpyrifos

In light of the November 2, 2023, Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals’ decision to vacate the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 2021 final rule effectively prohibiting the use of the pesticide chlorpyrifos on food or feed crops, EPA is issuing an update on its intended next steps

Background

In April 2021, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ordered EPA to issue a final rule in response to a 2007 petition filed by the Pesticide Action Network North America and the Natural Resources Defense Council. The Ninth Circuit ordered EPA to issue—within 60 days—a that final rule addressing the use of chlorpyrifos in food or feed crops, without taking public comment or engaging in “further fact-finding.”

Accordingly, given the deadline and instruction provided by the Ninth Circuit, on August 30, 2021, EPA issued a final rule revoking all chlorpyrifos tolerances (tolerances are federal rules that allow for a maximum level of pesticide residues on food). The revocation of those tolerances meant that any food or animal feed treated with chlorpyrifos after February 28, 2022 (the date the tolerances expired) could be considered adulterated and thus could not be distributed in interstate commerce.

That tolerance revocation rule was challenged by a chlorpyrifos registrant and several grower groups in the Eighth Circuit. On November 2, 2023, the Eighth Circuit issued a ruling vacating EPA’s final rule and remanding the matter to EPA for further proceedings. The ruling did not include a timeframe or specific instructions for EPA to take a final action on the use of chlorpyrifos in food or feed crops without public comment.

Next Steps

Upon issuance of the Eighth Circuit’s mandate (which has not occurred as of the date of this update), all chlorpyrifos tolerances would automatically be in effect once again. In conformance with the Eighth Circuit’s ruling and after issuance of the mandate, EPA intends to issue a notice correcting the Code of Federal Regulations to reflect the court’s reinstatement of chlorpyrifos tolerances.

The Eighth Circuit’s decision stated that EPA should have considered modification of tolerances in addition to complete revocation and noted that the Agency had “identified 11 specific candidates” of food and feed crop uses whose tolerances could be so modified in a Preliminary Interim Decision EPA issued in 2020. Consequently, the Agency expects to expeditiously propose a new rule to revoke the tolerances associated with all but the 11 uses referenced by the court. Theses uses may be found in the December 2020 Chlorpyrifos Proposed Interim Decision. Prior to the 2021 tolerance revocation, these uses represented about 55% of the total chlorpyrifos usage (average pounds applied) on agricultural commodities between 2014-2018.

EPA is also engaged in discussions with the registrants to further reduce exposures associated with the 11 uses of chlorpyrifos that were referenced by the Eighth Circuit, a process that will also include taking into account the 2020 draft document and public comments received thereto. This approach would allow use on alfalfa, apple, asparagus, cherry (tart), citrus, cotton, peach, soybean, strawberry, sugar beet, wheat (spring), and wheat (winter) with potential additional restrictions for geographic location, rate of application, farmworker and other vulnerable populations, and vulnerable species and their habitats that may be needed to address safety of the tolerances.

In addition, chlorpyrifos is currently under registration review and the Agency continues to work to implement the National Marine Fisheries Service’s 2022 Biological Opinion on chlorpyrifos, diazinon, and malathion. EPA will continue to work to protect farmworkers, endangered species and their habitats, and the nation’s most vulnerable populations (including children) through its ongoing registration review and Endangered Species Act processes for chlorpyrifos uses.

At this time, final cancelation orders, including their terms for existing stocks of products subject to those cancelation orders and related return programs for chlorpyrifos products, remain in place, unless and until amended by EPA.

EPA will continue to keep the public updated as it evaluates and takes any actions related to chlorpyrifos pesticide use.

Find more information about chlorpyrifos on the EPA website

EPA Launches New Program to Incentivize the Development of Novel Mosquito Control Product

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is launching a new program, the Vector Expedited Review Voucher (VERV) Program, to incentivize companies to develop novel or unique mosquito control products to help prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases like malaria, dengue, and Zika. The Agency is required to implement this program under the Pesticide Registration Improvement Act of 2022 (known as “PRIA 5”).

Mosquito-borne diseases are among the world's leading causes of illness and death and pose a significant risk to people in the United States. Controlling mosquitos is challenging, especially because many are developing resistance to currently registered insecticides. To address this risk, EPA is implementing the VERV Program to encourage the registration of new insecticides that use different mechanisms to control mosquitoes than currently registered insecticides. Controlling these mosquitoes is important to public health, particularly in densely populated areas that often contain overburdened and vulnerable communities.

Under the VERV Program, EPA will issue a voucher to the registrant of a new, qualifying pesticide product for mosquito control when it is successfully registered. An applicant may then redeem this voucher when submitting a future application for a different product under one of the specified PRIA codes. EPA will then expedite its review of the application, potentially allowing a shorter time to market for the product involved. Once issued, vouchers may be sold or transferred to other registrants.

Any application for a product seeking a voucher must meet the following criteria:

Prevent, kills, mitigates, or repels pyrethroid or other insecticide-resistant mosquitoes.
Use a novel or unique mechanism that is different from other insecticides already registered by EPA.
Target mosquitoes capable of spreading such diseases as malaria, dengue, Zika, chikungunya, St. Louis encephalitis, Eastern and Western equine encephalitis, and yellow fever.
Be made accessible for use in the United States, including territories or possessions of the United States, and countries where mosquito-borne diseases, such as malaria, are prevalent.
Broaden the adoption of integrated pest management strategies, such as insecticide resistance management, or makes those strategies more effective.
Not be contained in any pesticide product registered by the Agency as of the date of the enactment of PRIA 5 or does not contain an active ingredient approved in the 2-year period preceding the date of registration by any global authority for the same uses.

Vouchers issued under the VERV Program may be redeemed to shorten the statutory decision review time of a future pesticide application submitted under the following PRIA codes:

New active ingredient; food use (PRIA category R010); review time reduced by six months.
New active ingredient; food use; reduced risk (PRIA category R020); review time reduced by six months.
New active ingredient; non-food use; outdoor use; reduced risk (PRIA category R060); review time reduced by six months.
New active ingredient; non-food use; indoor (PRIA category R110); review time reduced by six months.
New active ingredient; non-food use; outdoor; reduced risk (PRIA category R070); review time reduced by four months.
New active ingredient, non-food use; indoor; reduced risk (PRIA category R120); review time reduced by two months.

For more information about the VERV Program, visit EPA’s webpage.

News

North Central IPM Center - December 2023 Issue

Highlights include:

Join the North Central IPM Center as a 2024 speaker
Urban pest factsheets
Using drones in ag

Can Insect Repellent Keep Flies Away Even After Death? (entomologytoday.org | 01/04/2024)

Flies and maggots have been helping detectives solve homicides for centuries, and modern-day forensic entomologists use insect evidence to estimate the time and often location of death.

But what happens when the victim sprayed themselves with DEET or another insect repellent to keep mosquitoes, ticks, and chiggers from biting? Will that have any effect on how quickly flies colonize the body?

That’s precisely what researchers investigated in a study published in November in the Journal of Medical Entomology.

From Lab to Field: BTI Research Leads to Development in Revolutionary Biofungicide, To Be Distributed by Nutrien (btiscience.org)

“This discovery has profound implications for agriculture. Phytalix is one of the first biological crop protection products with the efficacy and ease of use demanded by large-scale growers. Unlike traditional chemical fungicides that directly target pathogens, Phytalix works by enhancing plants’ own defenses. This will enable growers to protect their crops and increase yields without harming beneficial soil organisms or the environment,” explains Ascribe CEO Jay Farmer.

OCEAN COUNTY HORSE CONTRACTS EASTERN EQUINE ENCEPHALITIS (nj.gov | 12/26/2024)

A third confirmed case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) was detected in an unvaccinated 28-year-old Grade breed mare in Ocean County. Depression, front and rear ataxia, disorientation and falling were among the reported clinical signs, and the horse was humanely euthanized due to clinical deterioration. EEE was diagnosed in Gloucester and Salem Counties in September and October 2023.

Hiding Above Our Heads: Rare Ant Species Found in North Carolina Treetops (entomologytoday.org | 01/03/2024)

Much of our knowledge of canopy ecology comes from tropical ecosystems, particularly with respect to the insects living in the treetops. As a Ph.D. student at North Carolina State University, I wondered about the arboreal diversity in my own back yard and embarked on a multi-year project to characterize the diversity and ecology of ants in a temperate canopy ecosystem. Using skills I learned during a Canopy Ant Bootcamp in Madagascar, I began climbing trees to look for ants with a couple hundred feet of rope, a harness, and a few key pieces of gear.

A look at the new additions to Ontario's invasive species list (ctvnews.ca | 01/04/2024)

A large rodent from South America that officials say is often mistaken for a beaver along with two types of non-native crayfish are among 10 new invasive animal and plant species now prohibited or restricted in Ontario.

A semi-aquatic herbivore called a nutria, whose name in Latin (Myocastor coypus) translates to “mouse rat,” is the only mammal on the province’s updated invasive species list, which came into effect on Jan. 1.

Surveys

Farmland Prices and Soil Health

Have you or are you considering buying farmland or working with people who are? We would be interested to hear from you as a farmland owner about your preferences when purchasing or leasing farmland. If you work with farmland owners or tenants, we would greatly appreciate your forwarding our survey to them. The survey is part of a research project focusing on the (potential) relationship between soil health and farmland prices. Through this research, we aim to explore whether farmland owners are incentivized to build healthy soils when planning to sell their farmland. Additionally, we want to explore if there is a theoretical business model of buying degraded farmland, regenerating it, and selling it for a profit. If there is no relationship between soil health and farmland prices, we will look at policy solutions that incentivize farmland owners to build healthy soils. Ultimately, we hope this research helps farmers and landowners who are good farmland stewards to be rewarded for their soil health-building efforts. Through this, we hope to move our agricultural system toward greater resilience, long-term profitability, and sustainability. Please contact Maximilian Bucher-Melcer (mbb266@cornell.edu) for any questions.

Take the survey

Survey on Annual Bedding Plants Supply Chain analysis in the USA (eIRB # 25951)

This project is assessing the U.S. annual bedding plant industry to better understand the supply chain flow patterns and sustainability efforts being conducted throughout the chain. The outcomes of this research will include articles in industry magazines, extension publications, and presentations on usable information at Cultivate and other industry events.
Your response matters! If you participate in the annual bedding plant industry, like growing, buying, selling, or supporting businesses. Your participation is completely anonymous and voluntary. The survey will only take around 10-15 minutes. Please click on the link below to start the survey.
Follow this link to the survey:
Take the survey

General Small Fruit Grower Survey

UMass Fruit Extension is curious to learn about small fruit growers' interests and current problems. A brief general survey has been created to quickly identify topics and practices that require more research, outreach, and education. Please take a few minutes to fill out the survey as your answers will be used to inform Extension publications, events, and priorities. The survey will close on 2/16/2024. For any questions or concerns please contact: mbley@umass.edu.

Take the survey

Webinars, Seminars, Meetings, and More

What’s Bugging You First Friday is a monthly virtual series that explores timely topics to help you use integrated pest management (IPM) to avoid pest problems and promote a healthy environment where you live, work, learn and play. IPM is a wholistic approach that uses different tools and practices to not only reduce pest problems, but to also address the reasons why pests are there in the first place. Each month, our speakers will share practical information about how you can use IPM.

The 2024 What’s Bugging You First Friday schedule is now available on the program’s website, and you can register for multiple events using our registration form. We look forward to seeing you in 2024!

January 5^th: Winter Tree & Shrub Pruning | 2023 First Friday Recap

February 2^nd: NYS Plant Regulations | Choosing Native Plants

March 1^st: Changes to Home Garden Insecticide in NY | Tick Blitz

April 5^th: Weed ID | Rats in Vegetable Gardens

May 3^rd: No-Mow May | What to do with Grass Clippings

June 7^th: Tick & Mosquito Yard Treatments | Myth: Mosquito Repellent Plants

July 5^th: Japanese Beetle Management | Aphid-Eating Insects

August 2^nd: Spotted Lanternfly Update | Box Tree Moth Update

September 6^th: Back to School: Bed Bugs | Head Lice

October 4^th: Identifying Pests in Your Home

November 1^st: 2024 Tick Blitz Results | No Spray Needed

December 6^th: Feed the Birds | Repurposing a Holiday Tree

NOFA-NY's 2024 Winter Conference

NOFA-NY’s Annual Winter Conference draws hundreds of farmers, food system professionals, educators, advocates, researchers, homesteaders, and gardeners who are passionate about building a better food system.

Saturday, January 20 – Sunday, January 21, 2024

at the Marriott Syracuse Downtown

Classical Weed Biological Control 101 Short Course

The North American Invasive Species Management Association (NAISMA) Classical Weed Biological Control 101 Short Course is an asynchronous, professional, online short course that was created to provide you with knowledge about the science, application, and regulation of classical weed biological control. Experts from NAISMA have created this content just for you!

This asynchronous course consists of six sequenced video presentations, along with supplemental materials for in-depth learning and assessment. It takes approximately three hours to complete this online short course. This class was developed by professionals with real world experience managing invasive plants.

Registration Fee:

Free for all thanks to funding from the USDA Forest Service.

Get Outdoors this Winter! SLELO PRISM in collaboration with partners, will hold our annual Virtual Hike Challenge (VHC) happening November 2023, through March 2024. This challenge encourages community members to get outdoors and provides simple instructions to help you keep an eye out for hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA). HWA is an invasive forest pest that kills hemlock trees which play an important role in water quality and provide many ecoservices for nature and people. HWA is confirmed to be present in Oswego County and is spreading along the Eastern Lake Ontario shoreline. Participating in the VHC is easy, all you have to do is sign-up, visit your favorite hiking trail (or visit one of our suggested survey sites), look for HWA, report your observations to iMapInvasives, and share your experience on social media! Not only will you have an excuse to get outside this winter, but you’ll be protecting your forests and will win a prize for your efforts!

If you’re interested in a more “hands-on” experience, SLELO PRISM and the Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust are hosting guided walk and talks to train volunteers to survey for HWA. Participants will learn to identify hemlock trees, recognize the signs of HWA, and report observations using a free community science mobile app called iMapInvasives. Below is a list of upcoming hikes occurring November through March (registration is required).

2023-2024 Walk & Talk Schedule (held from 10 AM- 12 PM) Click to Register

1/10/24 Trenton Greenbelt, Holland Patent
2/14/24 Forest Park, Camden
3/13/24 Great Bear Rec. Area, Fulton

Take the Pledge to Protect: Are you looking for an easy and fun way to protect your favorite outdoor spaces now and for generations to come? Take the Pledge to Protect and learn simple and fun ways you can protect your favorite hiking trails, paddle-ways, forests, garden and community from invasive species.

The Pledge to Protect was developed by SLELO PRISM as a resource intended to educate and inspire you to protect your lands and waters from the impacts of invasive species. Upon taking the Pledge, you become a “Protector” and are sent monthly email blogs that provide simple actions you can take to protect your favorite outdoor spaces from invasive species and chances to win prizes by taking the suggested actions. In addition, the Pledge to Protect offers a social media toolbox, and virtual toolboxes themed for 5 pledge categories including: gardens, communities, waters, forests, and lands & trails. Each toolbox provides you with resources relevant to the environmental category and includes, invasives you may encounter, best management practices, regional and state-wide community science opportunities, prevention methods, and many links to helpful apps and other resources. To sign up to take the pledge visit iPledgeToProtect.org.

30-HOUR PESTICIDE CERTIFICATION COURSE AND DEC EXAM - ELMSFORD NY

This program is designed and approved by the DEC to meet the requirements to become a Commercial Pesticide Technician in category 3a or 3b. To become a fully and finally licensed pesticide applicator, after completing this 30-hour course and passing the exam, you will then only need to either have:

• one year of verifiable experience as a

technician with an additional 12 hours of category

• specific recertification training; or

two years of verifiable experience as a technician

(Without the additional recertification training)

Several Classes offered dates ranging from January 22, 2024 – February 1, 2024

Click here to view flyer and see details

SLELO PRISM invites you to attend a series of Zoom webinars to be held beginning in January 2024 through May. The webinars are free and continuing education credits are available. Registration is required to receive a link to the Zoom webinar and recordings will be sent to registrants.

February, 2nd, 1 PM- 2:15 PM- Swallow-wort Biocontrol Research. Hosted by SLELO's Eastern Lake Ontario Swallow-wort Collaborative. Learn how researchers are using natural predators to aid the control of invasive swallow-wort plants and get updates on field applications occurring in the state and beyond.
March, 1st, 1 PM- 2 PM- What You Should Know About Jumping Worms. Jumping worms reduce soil health and can be easily and unknowingly spread by gardeners. Learn how to recognize jumping worms and prevent their spread.
April, 10th, 1 PM-2 PM- Enhancing the Health of Riparian Ecosystems Through Restoration and Invasive Species Management. Get an overview of our multiyear Riparian Restoration Initiative. Learn about the ecological importance of the project areas, invasive species impacts, control & restoration methods used, selected plants, community involvement, and future plans.
April, 10th, 1 PM-2 PM- Enhancing the Health of Riparian Ecosystems Through Restoration and Invasive Species Management. Get an overview of our multiyear Riparian Restoration Initiative. Learn about the ecological importance of the project areas, invasive species impacts, control & restoration methods used, selected plants, community involvement, and future plans.
May 17th, 1 PM-2 PM- Birds as Habitat Health Indicators. Conservation Director of the Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission, Neil Gifford, will discuss a bird banding and tracking program used to determine ecosystem health on the preserve, the impacts invasive species can have on bird habitat, the benefits of invasive species management, as well as ways homeowners and land managers can support birds.

2024 Ronald D. Gardner Food Processing Pest Management Workshop with Post-Workshop Fumigation and Structural Pest Management Sessions

The objective of the Food Processing Pest Management Workshop and post-workshop sessions is to provide information to enable structural and food industry pest control operators and their clientele to improve their pest management skills.

Recertification credits have been assigned for applicators certified in New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.

Date: February 6, 2024 - February 7, 2024

Time: 7:15 am - 11:30 am

Location

RIT Inn & Conference Center, Henrietta, NY

Here Today, Gone Tomorrow: What to do if neonicotinoids are banned in New York State

Wednesday, February 7, 2024, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

The Birds and Bees Protection Act bill (A. 7640/ S. 1856-A) has been introduced in the New York State Senate and Assembly. If passed, this bill will ban use of these products for non-agricultural, turf and landscape purposes by 2027. Join us to learn about the current use of neonicotinoids; the pests they are suitable for, potential impacts to beneficial organisms and optimal use of neonics. Current alternatives to neonics will also be discussed with emphasis on preventative management strategies and curative management. We will also dive into the challenges of finding alternatives to these products and will address where these alternatives may be lacking compared to the neonics.

To register: Webinar Registration - Zoom

Extension Master Gardener Program

The UVM Extension Master Gardener program is currently accepting registrations for their 16-week online signature course starting on January 19. The course covers a wide array of topics, including vegetable, fruit, and ornamental gardening; integrated pest management of insects and diseases; soils; tree care; sustainable landscaping; and more. Two tracks are available: Track 1 for those aiming to become certified UVM Extension Master Gardener Volunteers, with a 40-hour internship requirement, and Track 2 for non-residents and Vermont gardeners interested in home horticulture study without certification. The registration deadline is January 12, with a $400 fee for Vermont residents, $550 for non-residents. Vermont residents can apply for scholarships until December 15. To learn more and register, visit http://go.uvm.edu/mastergardener.

Tristate Greenhouse IPM Online Workshop 2024

Description: Annual greenhouse and high tunnel pest management workshop for growers across ME, NH and VT.

Course Dates: This is a two-part workshop: January 18, 2024, from 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM EST and January 25, 2024, from 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM EST.

Group Registration (IMPORTANT): You will also have the ability during this registration process to register multiple individuals. If registering as a "group," please provide the complete contact information for EACH attendee to ensure pesticide applicator re-certification credits are awarded!

Price: $50 per person and covers attendance at one or both sessions.

Payment Terms: All payments are final. No refunds will be issued.

For questions, please contact Cheryl Sullivan, Department of Plant and Soil Science, via email at cfrank@uvm.edu or call (802) 656-5434.

Cornell Cooperative Extension Agritourism Monthly Webinar Series

Via Zoom

Price: Free

01/09 - AGRITOURISM FOR MAPLE SYRUP OPERATIONS

HOSTING LARGE SCALE EVENTS
CONSUMER TRENDS
EXTENDING YOUR SEASON

2^nd Tuesdays of the Month

12pm to 1pm

01/09 – Agritourism for Maple Syrup Operations

02/13 – Grants for Agritourism Operations

03/12 – Staffing your Agritourism Operation

04/09 – Working with your Local Tourism Office

TO REGISTER: HTTPS://TINYURL.COM/48RNM7HY

Questions can be directed to Lindsey Pashow at lep67@cornell.edu.

Register now for Cornell’s 2024 Hemp Webinar series (starts Jan. 24)

Join us for the 3rd annual Hemp Webinar Series hosted by Cornell University. Beginning January 24, 2024, these talks will explore a diverse set of topics within hemp cultivation, processing and genetics. Viewers will have the opportunity to connect with leading experts in the hemp research community and learn about recent developments in the industry. Each webinar will feature a presentation by a hemp expert followed by an interactive Q&A session.

Hemp Webinar Series Schedule

(Subject to change.)

Jan 24: Production Recommendations for Textile Fiber – David Suchoff, North Carolina State University
Feb 7: Supply Chains and Processing – Trey Riddle, IND Hemp
Feb 21: Expanding the NPGS Collection and Supporting Hemp Industry Development, David Gang, Washington State University
Mar 6: Climate Smart Hemp – Babu Valliyodan, Lincoln University
Mar 20: Fiber Quality Analysis – Wayne Swink, USDA-ARS (Chris Delhom Lab)
Apr 3: Weed Management – Lynn Sosnoskie, Cornell University
Apr 17: Agronomic Practices: Effect on Quality, Yield and Processing – Stefano Amaducci, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
May 1: Feral Germplasm and Genetic Diversity: Shelby Ellison, University of Wisconsin

The webinars will take place from 1pm – 2pm EST every other Wednesday from Jan 24th – May 1st via Zoom.

Registration required. Register now.

Research Topic “Focus on Spotted Lanternfly” edited by Drs Houping Liu, Xiaoyi Wang, and Miriam Cooperband has been published as an eBook by Frontiers of Insect Science. It addresses current knowledge gaps in biology, ecology, and management of SLF through the collection of 20 outstanding articles generated by various research groups in the forefront of the struggle from the United States and China. Follow the link (https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/35779/focus-on-spotted-lanternfly) for a FREE copy (PDF/EPUB) of this 245-page eBook if interested.

Save the Date!

2024 Spotted Lanternfly Summit

Date: February 27^th – March 1^st

Location: Central Pennsylvania

Key Highlights:

New research findings

Outreach and management discussions

Strategic plan updates

Fellowship Opportunities

USFS Fellowship in Climate and Forest Management

The ORISE Fellow will conduct research contributing to the Forest Climate Indicators project, and will engage in product co-production, outreach, and training at every stage of the project.

Research Project: The ORISE Fellow will engage in research, collaboration, and outreach with the Northeast and Midwest Climate Hubs and partners at Cornell University’s Northeast Region Climate Center on a project called “Using the Applied Climate Information System (ACIS) to Support Adaptation Management and Planning in Forestry Across Multiple Time Scales” (herein called the “Forest Climate Indicators” project). The aim of the project is to align climate change indicators with the needs of forestry stakeholders. Tracking trends in weather and changes in conditions using indicators can help forest managers make decisions. The research team will co-develop relevant indicators with stakeholders and design ways to apply the indicators across various temporal and spatial scales. Identifying and quantifying changes in climatic change affecting forests using these indicators and real-time weather data will guide development and adoption of effective adaptation, resilience, and sustainability practices.

USFS Tribal Climate Equity Fellowship with the USDA Northeast Climate Hub

The ORISE Fellow will engage in research and collaboration on climate equity specifically for Tribes and Tribal communities.

Research Project: The first project will focus on identifying climate equity issues in the region using literature reviews and other research methods. Climate equity ensures the just distribution of benefits from climate resilience efforts and alleviates unequal burdens created by climate change. We will define the scope and scale of these issues, communicate these results to our stakeholders, and collaborate with other scientists, other ORISE fellows, Hub leadership, and partners to determine potential solutions and pathways for achieving climate equity.

This fellow will also engage on our project: “Climate Smart Tools for the Tribal Soil Climate and Analysis Network (TSCAN)”. In 2017, the USDA Northeast Climate Hub worked with USDA-NRCS and the USDI Bureau of Indian Affairs to fund extensions of the automated meteorological stations in the SCAN network onto Tribal lands. Presently, there are 22 TSCAN (Tribal-SCAN) sites with strong interest for additional sites among the 574 Federally recognized Tribes. The goal of this work is to 1) determine needs for additional climate-smart tools that use data from the SCAN and TSCAN networks, 2) to create tools that address these needs, and 3) to provide education and outreach about the use and value of the existing and new tools. Two audiences will be targeted in the needs assessment, tool development, and outreach. The first audience is Tribal members and Tribal staff of the 22 Tribes presently operating TSCAN sites. The secondary audience is current and potential SCAN users such as producers and conservation planners. This ORISE fellow will help engage these key partners through listening sessions and meetings to identify interests and community needs for climate and weather data.

Internship Opportunities

Boyce Thompson Institute hosts two Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) programs

The USDA and NSF-funded Plant Genome Research Experiences for Undergraduates encompasses a wide variety of plant science research, including bioinformatics. This program involves labs and faculty members at both the Boyce Thompson Institute and Cornell University
Click here for more information on the Plant Genome and Bioinformatics REU programs.

The NSF-funded Programmable Plant Systems Research Experiences for Undergraduates is funded through CROPPS, the Center for Research on Programmable Plant Systems, and involves trans-disciplinary research that connects engineering and plant science. This program involves labs and faculty members at both the Boyce Thompson Institute and Cornell University, as well as at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champain, IL campus.
Click here for more information on the Programmable Plant Systems REU programs.

Employment Opportunities

Assistant Extension Professor of Horticulture and Ornamental Horticulture Specialist (Full-time; Orono, Maine)

University of Maine Cooperative Extension

This position will develop and conduct educational programs and applied research projects throughout the state with an emphasis on Maine’s green industry. Maine agricultural industries of focus include floriculture, nurseries, garden centers, arboriculture, greenhouse production, and clients involved in consumer horticulture. This position works with other extension faculty, advisory boards, and commodity associations to offer programs addressing the educational needs of Maine’s landscape designers, landscape professionals, nursery growers, propagators, arborists, growers, and professional gardeners.

Assistant/Associate Extension Educator for Controlled Environment Agriculture

University of Connecticut

This full-time, 11-month appointment for a non-tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant/Associate Extension Educator in CAHNR to collectively advance Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA). The successful candidate is expected to develop strong working relationships with producers throughout the state; interact with UConn faculty, state, and federal agency personnel; and develop interdisciplinary extension programs. This is an off-campus, county-based position. Assignment of office location is negotiable in the northwest or northeast part of the state and requires the individual to travel.

Entomologist

This position is with the Armed Forces Pest Management Board (AFPMB), and is located at Forest Glenn Annex, Silver Spring MD.

Serve as the senior entomologist and technical expert with the Strategy and Information Division (SID), Armed Forces Pest Management Board (AFPMB).
Receive, evaluate, research, coordinate, and prepares interim and final responses to inquiries pertaining to tactical herbicides locations from various offices.
Provide instruction on technical work matters and integrate the work of other team members to produce a consistent, unified, and practical product.
Oversee information product materials, including updating, editing, and reviewing technical guides, Department of Defense Instructions (DoDI’s), Department of Defense Manuals (DoDM’s), Website, and Disease Vector Ecology Profiles (DVEPS).

The Department of Entomology at the University of California, Riverside is seeking to fill two tenure-track positions for Assistant Professors/Assistant Entomologists, starting July 1, 2024. These positions are part of a cluster hire in the College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, aimed at enhancing the research and teaching excellence in the areas of agroecology and sustainable pest management, and genetics and genomics of arthropod vectors of human diseases.

Assistant Professor/ Assistant Entomologist in Agroecology and sustainable pest management

The successful candidate will develop an innovative, fundamental and applied research program on the interface of sustainability, global change biology, landscape ecology, and integrated pest management to develop responses to endemic and invasive arthropods and vector-borne pathogens affecting commercial agriculture and urban farms. Teaching responsibilities may include participation in existing courses in IPM, insect ecology, population biology, and pest management, developing new courses in agroecology, global change and the sustainable pest management sciences, as well as supervision of graduate and undergraduate students. For more details and application instructions, please visit this link.

Assistant Professor/Assistant Entomologist in Genetics/Genomics of Arthropod Vectors of Human Diseases

The successful candidate will develop a strong basic and/or translational research program investigating the molecular, genetic, and/or genomic basis of arthropod vectors of human diseases. Teaching responsibilities may include participation in existing courses on medical entomology, molecular biology, genomics, disease transmission, and population genetics, as well as development of new courses and supervision of graduate and undergraduate students. For more details and application instructions, please visit this link.

Part-Time Program Assistant - Pennsylvania IPM (Integrated Pest Management) Program

The Pennsylvania IPM (Integrated Pest Management) Program, based in the Dept. of Entomology at Penn State, seeks a bilingual (English/Spanish) Outreach Specialist to work in urban communities in Philadelphia and beyond to implement IPM programs and maintain and develop relationships with PA IPM partners. The successful applicant will work as part of a team to support and sustain IPM using face-to-face and online activities to teach the public how to control pests (bed bugs, cockroaches, mice, rats, etc.) in structures in urban communities, including single family homes, row houses, schools, commercial buildings, and other settings. The successful applicant will conduct public outreach including attending community and task force meetings, and events such as health and community events. Latinx residents make up over 15% of Philadelphians, and even higher proportions in some collar-counties (e.g., Latinx make up over 23% of Berks residents). This is an important and growing constituency for IPM outreach and adoption, and will be a major focus for this position. Spanish speaking, reading, and writing fluency is required. Additionally, one must be a trusted worker who is respected by the people they serve and able to apply their own unique understanding of the experience, socio-economic needs, language, and/or culture of the communities served.

Environmental Horticulture Program Manager

The IR-4 Project seeks an Environmental Horticulture Program Manager to join its Headquarters team based on North Carolina State University’s Centennial Campus.

Reporting to the Executive Director, this role will coordinate research and pesticide (bio-based and chemical) registration activities on non-food, ornamental plant species. This position is aligned with the IR-4 Project mission to facilitate regulatory approval of sustainable pest management technology for specialty crops, including ornamental crops and other environmental horticulture uses. This is a full-time (40 hours per week), EHRA non-faculty position.

Visit our Careers page to learn more about the role and apply.

UNH Extension Seeks a Plant Pathology Program Manager | Extension

This position is located at the University of New Hampshire campus in Durham, NH. The Plant Pathology Program Manager will work under the general direction of the Plant Diagnostic Lab director and Extension’s Food and Agriculture Program Team leader. The program manager will be primarily responsible for handling plant health samples within the Plant Diagnostic Lab and working with the Production Agriculture Integrated Pest Management Team in providing outreach to commercial growers in New Hampshire. Lab work includes the intake of plant samples, conduct disease diagnosis under the supervision of the director, log results in lab databases, and communicate results and resources of the plant pathology program to clientele. Working as a member of the Integrated Pest Management Team, the program manager will work closely with field and state specialists in New Hampshire and the Northeast. For more information, please contact Program Team Leader Kelly McAdam, kelly.mcadam@unh.edu.

Fire Management Specialist

Certified as an NWCG certified Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 2 (RXB2) and/or Task Force Leader (TFLD) equivalent with ability to maintain this certification during the duration of employment with the ability to pass moderate (carrying of 25lbs/2 miles in 30 minutes) level work capacity test at a minimum, with the ability to pass arduous (carrying of 45lbs/3 miles in 45 minutes) level work capacity test preferred.
Advanced training in NWCG “S” courses and “RX” courses especially RX-301 – Prescribed Fire Implementation; RX 341- Prescribed Fire Plan Preparation; S212 - Wildland Saws; UTV operation qualified and First Aid and CPR at wilderness first responder qualification level preferred.
B.S. in ecology, conservation biology, forestry or related natural science major.
7 years of relevant experience with core components including prescribed fire programs.

Biologist / Physical Scientist (Assistant Administrator)

The U.S. Geological Survey Climate Adaptation Science Centers (CASCs) are hiring Assistant Regional Administrators for the MW and NE regions. The position is a GS-14 pay scale and grade, location negotiable after selection. We are seeking a diverse pool of qualified applicants. Please circulate this outreach notice to as many potential candidates as possible!

APPLY HERE via USAJOBS. This announcement will close on 12/29/2023.

As an assistant regional administrator (ARA) the incumbent assists with the development, negotiation, and implementation of all aspects of regional strategic operations and investigations. Convenes and participate in cooperative partnerships in the region, working closely with university partners, senior executives from state and other federal agencies, and tribal leadership in guiding and managing a collaborative climate adaptation program. Assist in leading the formulation, revision, and implementation of the regional Strategic Plan and all major strategy documents and other guidance materials, and much more.

Orchard Manager

The American Chestnut Foundation (TACF) seeks to hire a full-time Orchard Manager at its flagship

Meadowview Research Farms in Southwest Virginia. The Orchard Manager will work both

individually and as part of a team on essential land management tree breeding and seed harvest tasks

year-round. Reporting to the Director of Land Management, the ideal Orchard Manager will bring

skills, knowledge and willingness to learn in areas such as vegetation management, safe operation of

heavy agricultural equipment, handling and organization of biological samples, and natural resource

conservation. Knowledge and experience pertaining to plant biology and breeding is a plus. As a staff

member of Meadowview Research Farms, the Orchard Manager will interface professionally with

members of the public, connecting specific tree breeding and land management projects with TACF’s

overall mission.

Position: Orchard Manager

Position Type: Full-time permanent position with a robust benefits package

Position Location: Meadowview Research Farms, Meadowview, VA

Reporting to: Director of Land Management

Salary Recruitment Range (DOE): $21.19-$23.08 per hour - TACF is a living wage employer.

Many fantastic job opportunities with open calls for applications related to aquatic work happening in and around SLELO PRISM

Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator : The New York State Water Resources Institute (NYSWRI) at Cornell University has as its mission to improve the management of water resources in New York State and the nation. This position will act as an Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator based within DEC Region 5 to proactively advance the management of AIS within this region. Major efforts include: prevention, early detection, facilitating responses, coordinating control and management projects at large-scales, coordinating and collaborating on research projects, and remaining current on invasive species detection and management techniques. This is a full time position located in Ray Brook or Warrensburg, New York. A link to the official opportunity is here. Applications are currently being accepted until January 14^th, 2023. (details attached) A link to the official opportunity is here.
Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator : The New York State Water Resources Institute (NYSWRI) at Cornell University has as its mission to improve the management of water resources in New York State and the nation. This position will act as an Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator based within DEC Region 7 to proactively advance the management of AIS within this region. A link to the official opportunity is here.
Aquatic Invasive Species Research and Outreach Specialist (Research Support Specialist II)- Ithaca NY: This position represents a partnership between NYSWRI and the Invasive Species Coordination Section (ISCS) of the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Division of Lands and Forests. The ISCS is responsible for coordinating New York State’s comprehensive approach to all taxa of invasive species and for supporting programs via partnerships with state and federal agencies, academia, conservation organizations, private organizations, and the public. Major efforts include: prevention, early detection, facilitating responses, coordinating control and management projects at large-scales, coordinating and collaborating on research projects, remaining current on invasive species detection and management techniques, exploring active restoration actions. (details attached)
SUNY Oswego and USGS GLSC : In collaboration with the United States Geological Survey Great Lakes Science Center, SUNY Oswego is hiring three aquatic biologists who will help support ongoing native fish restoration efforts. The three hires are focused on expanding collaborations with our regional partners, the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe (SRMT) and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), to research topics associated with native fish (e.g., Atlantic salmon and coregonines) restoration efforts. If you know of any potential candidates, please share this information with them. The full job descriptions, which include the links to apply, can be viewed via the linked job titles below:

NY iMapInvasives: Two full-time positions open with the Invasive Species/ iMap team at the New York Natural Heritage Program (based out of Albany). Please share with others who may be interested!
- iMapInvasives Project Specialist: https://esf.interviewexchange.com/jobofferdetails.jsp?JOBID=170867
- iMapInvasives Advanced Data Manager: https://esf.interviewexchange.com/jobofferdetails.jsp?JOBID=170895

Funding Opportunities

Regional IPM Centers Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) RFA's

New IPM Funding for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility Available

The Regional IPM Centers today are releasing three new diversity-focused funding opportunities with a total of about $200,000 available nationally. Specifically, the Centers are offering Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility grants, fellowships and mini-grants.

The goal of the Regional IPM Centers' DEIA grants and fellowships are to make diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility both essential and commonplace within the IPM community.

Here are the details:

DEIA Grants: $120,000 available with awards up to $20,000 each. Applications will be considered as received, through January 31,2024 or until funds are exhausted.
DEIA Fellowships: Up to eight fellowships of up to $6,000 each will be awarded. Individuals eligible to apply should belong to the faculty, staff or student body of an 1890, 1994, HBCU or HSI institution and should be actively involved in integrated pest management or plant health activities. Applications will be considered as received until funds are exhausted.
DEIA Mini-Grants: Up to $30,000 available with awards of up to $5,000 each. Applications will be considered as received until funds are exhausted.

For all three programs, the proposed work or grant activities must be completed by September 17, 2024.

There was a Zoom meeting held on November 7, 2023 to answer questions and
provide more information. Recorded link: https://youtu.be/sdVAKzO2YJs

If you have any questions or would like to discuss your ideas for this grant prior to applying, please
contact DEIA Director, Dr. Katie Hartmann: kh4@iastate.edu.

Learn more and apply

Specialty Crop Multi-State Program

Program Purpose

The SCMP supports collaborative multi-state partnerships to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops through competitively funded projects The focus is to address regional or national level specialty crop issues, including food safety, plant pests and disease, research, crop-specific projects addressing common issues, and marketing and promotion. Projects must enhance the competitiveness of U.S. or U.S. territory-grown specialty crops in either domestic or foreign markets.

Project Area Types

Multi-state partners must develop projects that bring together teams for solutions to practical problems that cross State boundaries and address the needs of specialty crop growers in the areas of food safety, plant pests and disease, research, crop-specific projects addressing common issues, and marketing and promotion.

All project area types are 3-year projects with funding ranging between $250,000 and $1,000,000. Available Funding Approximately $10 million will be available to fund SCMP projects in FY 2023.

Eligibility

Entities residing in a participating state must apply through their State Department of Agriculture. Entities residing in a participating state are ineligible to apply directly to AMS.

Entities in a non-participating state may apply to AMS directly or choose to contact an adjacent participating state to apply on behalf of the entity.

Non-profits entities must apply directly to AMS.

All applicants must be domestic entities owned, operated, and located within the 50 States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the United States Virgin Islands, or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

Applications for Multi-State Partners to Participating States are due December 22, 2023, and for Participating States to AMS on January, 31, 2024.

Crop Protection and Pest Management

Crop Protection and Pest Management Competitive Grants Program

The purpose of the Crop Protection and Pest Management program is to address high priority issues related to pests and their management using IPM approaches at the state, regional and national levels. The CPPM program supports projects that will ensure food security and respond effectively to other major societal pest management challenges with comprehensive IPM approaches that are economically viable, ecologically prudent, and safe for human health. The CPPM program addresses IPM challenges for emerging issues and existing priority pest concerns that can be addressed more effectively with new and emerging technologies. The outcomes of the CPPM program are effective, affordable, and environmentally sound IPM practices and strategies needed to maintain agricultural productivity and healthy communities. ?

The technical assistance webinar related to this FY 2024 funding opportunity is now scheduled. Please see details about the webinar, including the registration link, date, and time, via the technical assistance webinar button below. The recording and supporting documents will also be posted to this page after the event.

Closing Date for applications: February 15, 2024

Methyl Bromide Transition Program

The Methyl Bromide Transition Program (MBT) addresses the immediate needs and the costs of transition that have resulted from the phase-out of the pesticide methyl bromide. Methyl bromide has been a pest and disease control tactic critical to pest management systems for decades for soilborne and postharvest pests. The program focuses on integrated commercial-scale research on methyl bromide alternatives and associated extension activity that will foster the adoption of these solutions. Projects should cover a broad range of new methodologies, technologies, systems, and strategies for controlling economically important pests for which methyl bromide has been the only effective pest control option. Research projects must address commodities with critical issues and include a focused economic analysis of the cost of implementing the transition on a commercial scale.

Closing date for applications: February 13, 2024

Methyl Bromide Transition Program

We are pleased to announce the CRISP 2024 Request for Proposals to fund priority invasive species projects in the Catskills region! Priorities for funding include:

Stop emerging invasive species through Early Detection and Rapid Response Surveys for Tier 1 or Tier 2 Species beyond what is documented in iMapInvasives and EDDMapS and rapid response for Tier 2 Species found through surveys
Raise public awareness of Tier 1 and Tier 2 Species to address introduction pathways and slow the spread of forest pests, pathogens, or species approaching or spreading within the region. A list of CRISP Invasive Species Tiers is available here: https://www.catskillinvasives.com/crisp-tiers
Improve the scientific understanding of the extent, ecological impact, and effective controls of invasive species in the CRISP region.

We have revised the RFP Scorecard and included 10 points for those organizations that have signed the CRISP Cooperation Agreement

Selected projects will be funded up to $25,000 and must be completed in 2024. The deadline for applications is COB on February 9th. Additional information is available here: https://www.catskillinvasives.com/funding