IPM News and Events Roundup 01/17/2025
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.
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Northeastern IPM Center News
Corn Earworm Integrated Pest Management Updates for Sweet Corn
February 11, 2025, 2:00 p.m. Eastern
Register at: cornell.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_xclHNRj1S3qMKao7bMi-KA
Description
Corn earworm currently is one of the most challenging ear feeding insect pests to manage in sweet corn and a regional team has formed to help develop IPM solutions (more information at CEWIPM.org). This webinar will include two update talks. The first will discuss effectively using baited traps for monitoring adult moths and the second will discuss the benefits of using these traps for managing corn earworm in a Virginia case study.
Presentations
Effective monitoring strategies for corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea) management in sweet corn
John Mahas, Christophe Duplais, David Owens, Kelly Hamby, Galen Dively, Anders Huseth, Thomas Kuhar, Helene Doughtry, Brian Currin, and Brian Nault
Evaluating an IPM approach in sweet corn in Virginia
Tom Kuhar and Brian Currin
Presenters
John Mahas
John Mahas is a postdoctoral research associate in Dr. Brian Nault’s vegetable entomology lab at Cornell AgriTech. He earned his B.S. in Biology from the College of Coastal Georgia and his M.S. and Ph.D. in Entomology from Auburn University. His research focuses on developing sustainable crop pest management strategies, with expertise in vector-borne plant pathogens, GIS applications, and crop pest ecology. At Cornell, his work centers on improving management practices for corn earworm in sweet corn through improving pest monitoring, ecological studies, and evaluating management tools.
Tom Kuhar
Tom Kuhar is a Professor in the Department of Entomology at Virginia Tech where his research focuses on the integrated pest management of pests of vegetable crops including sweet corn. He has trained over 40 graduate students and has published ~ 160 peer-reviewed papers and 6 book chapters on insect pest management in agricultural crops. A native of Baltimore, MD, he received his B.S. degree in biology from Towson University, Towson, MD, in 1992 and his Master’s (1996) and Ph.D. (2000) degrees in entomology from Virginia Tech.
Brian Currin
Brian Currin is a graduate student at Virginia Tech working on sweet corn IPM. He received his BS in Biology from Radford University.
Project Director
Kelly Hamby
Kelly Hamby is an Associate Professor and Extension Specialist in the Department of Entomology at the University of Maryland. Her research and extension program addresses invasive and emerging insect pest issues, evaluating and optimizing pest management programs, and development of sustainable alternative management tactics, primarily in Mid Atlantic small fruit, sweet corn, and grain crop systems. She received her B.S. in Environmental Toxicology, M.S. in Entomology, and Ph.D. in Entomology at the University of California Davis.
Building the Backbone of IPM: PMSPs, Crop Profiles, and the National IPM Database
February 13, 2025 – 11:00 a.m. (eastern)
Register at cornell.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_-vprPJ4VSiaNMBy4DPlOXQ#/registration
Description
Effective integrated pest management (IPM) starts with comprehensive, well-structured data. In this presentation, Lacey Belanger will detail the creation and coordination of Pest Management Strategic Plans (PMSPs) and Crop Profiles, alongside the development of the National IPM Database. Guest speakers will share their real-world experience of developing PMSPs and the advantages that have come from them. Attendees will learn about the critical role these resources play in informing pest management decisions, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Join us to see how these documents enhance IPM efforts nationwide and ensure the tools needed for success are at your fingertips.
Lacey Belanger
Research Assistant, Southern IPM Center
Lacey works with stakeholders to create new and updated Crop Profiles and Pest Management Strategic Plans for the National IPM Database. She holds a B.A. in Biological Sciences with a concentration in business communications from North Carolina State University.
Lorena Lopez
Dr. Lorena Lopez recently completed a strawberry PMSP in the southern region. She specializes in integrated pest management for small fruits and tobacco, and focuses on developing sustainable pest control strategies. Dr. Lorena Lopez’s program centers on the sustainable management of pests affecting small fruits and tobacco through IPM practices. Her extension work involves translating complex scientific findings into practical applications for growers and extension agents, focusing on reducing pesticide reliance and enhancing crop health and productivity.
Hannah Penn
Research Entomologist, USDA-ARS Sugarcane Research
Dr. Penn recently completed a sugarcane PMSP in the south.
Risk Forecasting and Evaluation Using the NEWA Platform
February 18, 2025 – 11:00 a.m. (eastern)
Register at cornell.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_G3y1vDpjS7W7nAw74QUw-Q#/registration
Description
The NEWA platform provides practical tools for weather-based risk forecasting, helping users make informed decisions about pest and crop management. This talk will cover how NEWA combines high-resolution weather data, predictive models, and user-friendly tools to assess risks like freeze events, disease outbreaks, and crop loss. We’ll discuss how these features support monitoring and forecasting of microclimate-driven risks to aid in planning and management.
Dan Olmstead
Dan Olmstead is the project lead of the Network for Environment and Weather Applications (NEWA; newa.cornell.edu) at New York State Integrated Pest Management. With an MSc in entomology from Cornell University and expertise in decision support systems, digital outreach, and environmental data science, Dan focuses on connecting growers, researchers, and stakeholders with actionable microclimate data. By leveraging over 1,000 public and private weather stations, NEWA delivers accessible tools that enable informed pest and weather risk management across New York State and beyond.
Glen Koehler
Associate Scientist, IPM, University of Maine Cooperative Extension
Glen’s areas of responsibility include integrated pest management of tree fruits (primarily apple) and weather-based predictive crop, pest timing and severity models. He contributes to the Northeastern IPM Center and the Maine Climate Council Scientific and Technical Subcommittee.
EPA / FDA / USDA / NIFA News
EPA Announces Proposed Registration of New Pesticide Florylpicoxamid
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its proposed registration decision for three products containing the new active ingredient florylpicoxamid, a broad-spectrum fungicide that can be used on food crops and golf courses. Florylpicoxamid targets several fungi that cause damage and financial loss, including: Cercospora leaf spot of sugar beet, anthracnose diseases, Septoria leaf blight of barley and wheat and dollar spot on turf.
Florylpicoxamid is expected to be a useful addition to Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs, as it can be used in rotation with other fungicides to reduce potential resistance in crops and turf. IPM provides an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest control by focusing on prevention and using pesticides only as needed.
To read more about the proposed registration of florylpicoxamid and to comment, see docket ID EPA-HQ-OPP-2020-0449 at www.regulations.gov. The public comment period will be open for 30 days, closing on February 16, 2025.
EPA Shares Fish and Wildlife Service’s Final Endangered Species Act Biological Opinion for Methomyl
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is sharing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (FWS’s) final biological opinion (BiOp) for the pesticide methomyl. The final biological opinion released today only covers species under FWS’s purview.
Under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), EPA must ensure that its actions, including many pesticide registration actions, do not jeopardize listed species or adversely modify their designated critical habitats. If EPA determines in a biological evaluation that use of a pesticide product may affect these listed species or critical habitats, EPA must initiate consultation with FWS and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), or both (the Services). In response, the Service(s) may develop a biological opinion that determines whether the pesticide will result in jeopardy or adverse modification.
The final biological opinion can be found on EPA’s website and is also linked from docket EPA-HQ-OPP-2024-0290 on www.regulations.gov.
Public Urged To Tell EPA That It Is Time To Stop Killing Biodiversity with the Weed Killer Atrazine
Beyond Pesticides, January 13, 2025—The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is officially taking comments until February 18, 2025, on whether to issue new restrictions on the herbicide atrazine’s use. Beyond Pesticides is telling the agency that it is time to recognize the biodiversity destruction that atrazine is causing and the viability of alternative organic management practices. >> EPA must apply the standard of the Dacthal decision to atrazine and issue an emergency suspension and prohibit the use of existing stocks.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) signed a Joint Statement of Cooperation to better align EPA’s strategies for protecting endangered species from exposure to pesticides with FWS’s consultation processes. This coordination will help EPA meet its obligations under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and allows both agencies to increase the efficiency of consultations which are required when pesticide actions may affect endangered species. Improving consultation efficiency increases flexibility for the agricultural community and keeps pest management tools in farmers’ hands, while protecting endangered species.
EPA Releases Draft Risk Assessment to Advance Scientific Understanding of PFOA and PFOS in Biosolids
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released a draft risk assessment, or scientific evaluation of the potential human health risks associated with the presence of toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) chemicals in biosolids, also known as sewage sludge.
The findings for the draft risk assessment show that there may be human health risks associated with exposure to the “forever chemicals” PFOA or PFOS with all three methods of using or disposing of sewage sludge – land application of biosolids, surface disposal in landfills, or incineration. Once finalized, the assessment will help EPA and its partners understand the public health impact of forever chemicals in biosolids and inform any potential future actions to help reduce the risk of exposure.
EPA’s draft risk assessment document, Draft Sewage Sludge Risk Assessment for Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) and Perfluorooctane Sulfonic Acid (PFOS), will be available for public comment for 60 days following announcement in the Federal Register. Learn more about the draft risk assessment and how to comment on it. Also read about other recent EPA actions to help address PFAS in Biosolids.
EPA Registers New Pesticide Active Ingredient Veratrine
Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered products containing the new active ingredient veratrine, an insecticide for direct application to walls and other vertical man-made structures, such as transportation equipment for non-food commodities. Veratrine acts against pests by targeting insect nervous systems in a manner similar to other registered insecticides (e.g., pyrethroids).
To read more about the registration of veratrine, see docket ID EPA-HQ-OPP-2022-0772 at?www.regulations.gov.
Dogs sniff out devastating spotted lanternflies for early detection (news.cornell.edu)
Growers and conservationists have a new weapon to detect invasive spotted lanternflies early and limit their spread: dogs trained to sniff out egg masses that overwinter in vineyards and forests.
A study, published Dec. 26 in the journal Ecosphere, found that trained dogs – a Labrador retriever and a Belgian Malinois – were better than humans at detecting egg masses in forested areas near vineyards, while people spotted them better than the dogs in vineyards.
Crush Kochia by Combining Cover Crops with Residual Herbicides
Invasive kochia has become a common enemy on farms in the western half of the U.S. Its herbicide resistance, coupled with its ability to germinate in early spring, survive extreme temperatures, and endure drought and salinity, has made it a pesky weed to eliminate.
In their recent study, Ph.D. student Sachin Danda (Kansas State) and Dr. Vipan Kumar (Cornell University, formerly Kansas State) examined how cover crops and residual herbicides affect kochia’s emergence and seedbank. Their findings indicate that, when combined with residual herbicides, fall- or spring-planted cover crops can reduce around 90% of glyphosate-resistant kochia emergence in a field.
For their study, two field experiments were conducted during 2021-22 and 2022-23 growing seasons at the Kansas State Agricultural Research Center in the Central Great Plains region. These fields were in a rotation of winter wheat, grain sorghum, and fallow, and had a kochia weed seedbank. The residual herbicides used were acetochlor/atrazine (fall-planted cover crops) and flumioxazin/pyroxasulfone (spring-planted cover crops).
FARM2FACTS (farm2facts.org)
Collect, Analyze and Report on data in 3 simple steps
Empower your market or market organization by working with Farm2Facts (F2F), a farmers-market data collection toolkit backed by the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Whether you know it or not, you’re already collecting data through your usual market activities; let us assist with aggregating, interpreting, and reporting that data. F2F will help you hone your decision-making, communicate with stakeholders, and secure funding. We have a one-on-one relationship with every customer, and we develop our software based on your feedback.
Designed by a team with over 30 years of experience with farmers markets. Tested in seven states. F2F works.
Call for Abstracts & Exhibits
SLELO PRISM is inviting abstracts for presentations and requests for exhibits to be held at our Eastern Lake Ontario Invasive Species Symposium on June 12th, 2025, at SUNY Oswego’s Sheldon Ballroom in Oswego, NY.
The Symposium provides an opportunity to share your expertise, connect with field professionals, and expand your knowledge of invasive species management. This is a free event that is well attended attracting invasive species management and conservation professionals from state and non-state agencies as well as the public.
This year’s theme is Adaptive Approaches for Terrestrial and Aquatic Invasive Species Management, with a focus on Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), Climate Change, and Restoring Biodiversity. Submission categories include a 20-minute presentation, a lightning round presentation, an exhibit, or poster.
The deadline for submission is 11:59 PM on Sunday, February 23rd, 2025. Early submissions are highly encouraged, as reviews will be conducted on a rolling basis.
National Invasive Species Awareness Week
Enhancing North American Biosecurity to Protect Against Invasive Species
NISAW is led by The North American Invasive Species Management Association (NAISMA) which supports local, state, tribal, federal, regional, and national organizations.
Educational Invasive Species Webinars
NAISMA hosts educational webinars on priority invasive species issues the week of NISAW. Speakers and topics will include:
- US Geological Survey
- US Army Corps of Engineers
- Environmental Protection Agency
- OH-SMART/One Health
- VIDA Intergovernmental Response Framework
- USDA APHIS
Congressional Briefings
Individual Meetings
Local Events and Awareness Weeks or Months
Outreach and Communications
Social Media
NISAW Toolkit
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) news and updates
Newly featured this issue
Bird Flu Flares Up Again: An Infectious Disease Expert Weighs In (morningagclips.com)
After a relatively quiet fall, there’s been another spike in cases of bird flu in Michigan.
When state officials announced on Dec. 16, 2024, that bird flu had been found in another poultry facility in Ottawa County, it was the first time the H5N1 virus had been detected in Michigan poultry in over six months. Since then, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has confirmed seven more outbreaks – in five commercial and two backyard flocks – in the state, the most recent in Oakland County.
Previously featured
Keeping Our Farms Safe
Protecting Against H5N1
H5N1 Resource Website for Extension
The purpose of this website is to provide Cooperative Extension professionals with resources made available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other partners regarding H5N1 and human health.
- H5N1 Current Information
- Cooperative Extension Resources
- Media and Print Resources
- Supporting Websites for General Information
- UDSA Action and Regulations
- Worker Protection
- On-Farm Biosecurity Recommendations and Training
- Food Safety
Webinars, seminars, meetings, and more
Corn Earworm Integrated Pest Management Updates for Sweet Corn
February 11, 2025, 2:00 p.m. Eastern
Register at: cornell.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_xclHNRj1S3qMKao7bMi-KA
Description
Corn earworm currently is one of the most challenging ear feeding insect pests to manage in sweet corn and a regional team has formed to help develop IPM solutions (more information at CEWIPM.org). This webinar will include two update talks. The first will discuss effectively using baited traps for monitoring adult moths and the second will discuss the benefits of using these traps for managing corn earworm in a Virginia case study.
First H5N1 Monthly Update Session is Next Week!
Reminder that any Extension professional who is interested in learning about the latest recommendations and resources for H5N1 can attend the monthly update session hosted by the EXCITE team!
At next week's session we will hear from experts on:
- H5N1 Animal Health Update presented by Jason Hartschuh, OSU Extension Field Specialist in Dairy Management and Precision Livestock.
- Insights into Dairy Labor Health Research Related to H5N1,Dr. David Douphrate, Associate Professor, Texas A&M University School of Public Health Department
- Information on H5N1 Mandatory Milk Testing, Dr. Rosemary Sifford, USDA Deputy Administrator Veterinary Services, and Chief Veterinary Office
The first session is January 21st, 11 AM ET. Register for the session here: https://extension.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwkfyvrT4iH9Lq0i7q4_N7VKLzhM79CjIW
The highly anticipated 2025 Vegetable Expo is set to take place on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at Jordan Hall in Geneva, NY. This full-day event will feature a dynamic lineup of industry experts, researchers, and farmers sharing the latest innovations and strategies in vegetable production, sustainability, and pest management. Registration is now open for you to secure your spot here: https://nysvga.org/expo/information/.
NYSIPM Academic Seminar Series
Sign up to attend these virtual seminars via the link above.
2/19/25. 11:15am–12:15pm EST
In Pursuit of Prevention: NYSDOH Tick and Tick-borne Disease Surveillance and Research Updates from the Lab and Field
Melissa Prusinski, New York State Department of Health
3/19/25. 11:15am–12:15pm EST
Vacant Land as an Environmental Resource for Conservation and Community Building
Mary M. Gardiner, The Ohio State University and
4/9/25. 11:15am–12:15pm EST
The Threat Posed by ‘Inert’ Ingredients to Bees.
Edward Straw, Trinity College Dublin
There are Greenhouse and Growers Schools this month in a variety of locations. Several locations are sharing an online morning program with different afternoon programs. Contact the appropriate county office for registration and more information.
CCE Onondaga County – Tuesday, January 21
CCE Albany County – Thursday, January 23
CCE Orange County – Thursday, January 23
https://cceorangecounty.org/events/2025/01/23/2025-greenhouse-nursery-landscape-school
CCE Erie County – Thursday January 23
https://erie.cce.cornell.edu/events/2025/01/08/nys-2025-greenhouse-and-growers-school
Previously featured
Protecting Hemlocks from Hemlock Woolly Adelgid
Hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) is an invasive forest pest that has decimated forests in the southeastern United States and has been threatening forests in the southeastern region of the Adirondacks for several years. “Protecting Hemlocks from Hemlock Woolly Adelgid” is a webinar for anyone who is interested in learning about the important ecological role hemlocks play and what efforts are underway to protect them from HWA. Two experts. Caroline Marschner, Outreach Coordinator for the New York State Hemlock Initiative, and Jason Denham, Supervising Forester with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, will provide an overview of hemlocks, basic information on chemical and biocontrol management, how hemlock sites are selected for management in the Lake George region, and how HWA treatment is performed. Ari Giller-Leinwohl, the Terrestrial Invasive Species Manager for the Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program, will then teach attendees how to identify hemlocks and HWA, and how to adopt a trail to monitor through APIPP’s volunteer Forest Pest Hunters program. In 2024, Forest Pest Hunter volunteers adopted 42 trails and spent a collective 350 hours conducting HWA surveys, with 834 non-detections and 106 detections. Those efforts are essential to managing HWA in the Adirondacks, and we need your help/. Sign up today to help protect Adirondack forests from invasive pests!
Wednesday, Jan. 22
10:00-11:30am
Register here
2025 30-HOUR PESTICIDE CERTIFICATION COURSE
January 22, 2025; January 24, 2025; January 27, 2025; January 29, 2025; January 31, 2025
This program is designed and approved by the DEC to meet the requirements to become a Commercial Pesticide Technician in category 3a,3b,or 25 after passing the exam. We will cover many topics including how to read a pesticide label, personal protective equipment, integrated pest management, common pests and disease in turf and ornamentals as well as vertebrate pests.
Flyer and registration: 30_hour_course_final_with_25-9-18-24.pdf
2025 CCE Winter Cut Flower Webinar Series
Tuesdays, 1/21, 1/28, 2/4/2025
All sessions are provided via Zoom. Advanced registration is required to obtain the Zoom links.
Webinars will be recorded, and all the recordings will be sent to registrants for future review.
Session 3: 1/21/2025
1:00 PM The art of drying and pressing flowers with Old Tavern Farm
1:30 PM New varieties for 2025 that will help you stand out in the market
2:00 PM Improving postharvest longevity of dahlia and zinnia cut flowers
Session 4: 1/28/2025
9:00 AM The challenges of lisianthus commercial cultivation in Taiwan
10:00 AM Wildcrafting and Ethical Use of Invasive Plants, Vines, and Shrubs
11:00 AM Growing cut flowers in containers
Session 5: 2/4/2025
1:00 PM Cut out cut flower diseases!*
2:00 PM Bad bugs bothering blooms*
* NYSDEC pesticide application credits will be provided.
Cost: $20 per session and $60 for all five sessions
Registration link: https://pub.cce.cornell.edu/event_registration/main/events_landing.cfm?event=2025CutFlowerWebinarSeries_201
If you need assistance with registration, please call 518-765-3518 or email cce-caahp@cornell.edu.
Tristate Greenhouse IPM Online Workshop 2025
Description: Annual greenhouse and high tunnel pest management workshop for growers across ME, NH, and VT.
Course Dates: This is a two-part workshop: Thursday, January 23, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM EST and Thursday, January 30, 2025, 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.
Rice Growing Workshop Series: January 24 - March 7, 2025
Learn about rice farming opportunities for New York and the northeastern U.S. Join us for a 3-session online workshop series (via Zoom):
- A Feathered Fortress: The Duck-Rice Aigamo System for Flood-Resilient Agriculture
Friday, January 24 / 2:30-4:30pm EST - Sourcing Rice Farming Equipment for American Small Farms
Friday, February 7 / 2:30-4:30pm EST - Growing Rice as a Vegetable: Drip-Irrigation Methods versus Flooded Fields
Friday, March 7 / 2:30-4:30pm EST
Integrated Pest Management Webinar Series
The EPA Center for Integrated Pest Management hosts free webinars featuring experts relaying educational and practical strategies for establishing and improving IPM programs in your facilities and environments. Dates and topics below.
- January 28: Reducing Pests in Schools with IPM with Dawn Gouge and Marcia Anderson"
- February 11: IPM for Four Key Greenhouse Pests
- February 26: Myths about Urban Trees and Soils
- March 19: Ticks - New Threats, Precautions and IPM Solutions
- April 22: Promoting Pollinators through Plant Selection
- May 13: Protecting the Public from Illegal and Unregistered Pesticides
The Eastern New York Spotted Lanternfly Workshop
The Eastern New York Spotted Lanternfly Workshop will be hosted at Benmarl Winery in Marlboro NY on February 4th and 5th 2025.
Feb 4th will feature updates and overviews of the work done by state regulators and researchers. We invite anyone involved in SLF management, whether through municipal agencies, extension outreach, or research, to join the conversation and share experiences and questions.
Feb 5th is oriented towards the growers, wineries, and the grape industry. Presentations will cover basic biology of this pest and practical guidance for vineyards, along with other topics. Attendees will be eligible for pesticide recertification credits.
Register for one day or both at https://enych.cce.cornell.edu/event_preregistration_new.php?id=2018
Greenhouse Scout School Certificate Program and Webinars
Cornell University is partnering with the University of Vermont and the University of Maine to offer a 6-week webinar series in scouting for disease, insect and weed pests of greenhouse ornamentals, although the principles will apply to other crops. Learn how to identify the major pests of greenhouse floriculture crops, make scouting faster and easier, communicate with growers and owners, and find resources to help.
Sessions will be led by Stephanie Burnett, Margery Daughtrey, Betsy Lamb, Elise Lobdell, John Sanderson and Cheryl Sullivan.
February 13, 2025 - March 27, 2025
IR-4 2025 Industry Technology Session
The 2025 Industry Technology Session (ITS) will be held virtually (via Zoom) on Thursday, February 20. We anticipate a schedule of 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET, but exact timing is subject to change. This annual event invites companies to present updates on products already in IR-4 research, as well as new technologies designed to meet the pest management needs of specialty crop producers. We have shifted the ITS to occur earlier in the year (February rather than July) to better accommodate stakeholders’ busy summer schedules and allow more time before the Project Clearance Request submission deadline of July 1, 2025.
CERTIFIED TREE STEWARD TRAINING 2025
April 22, 2025; April 23, 2025; April 25, 2025; April 28, 2025; April 30, 2025; May 2, 2025
The Tree Steward Program is a comprehensive workshop dealing with arboriculture. Through both classroom learning and outdoor exercises, the participants will learn all about tree biology, identification, pruning, planting, rigging and much more. Personal protection as well as tree protection will be emphasized.
Flyer and registration: 2025 Westchester County Tree Steward Training
Registration is now open for the 11th International IPM Symposium!
Register Now, be sure to register soon to secure the best deal.
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- Full Conference or Single-Day Attendance: Whether you plan to join us for the entire symposium or just a day, we have flexible registration options to suit your schedule.
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- Attend over 100 presentations, panels, and workshops: Engage in conversation with top experts on cutting-edge IPM research and innovation covering hot topics including Agriculture, Public Health, Built Environments, Landscape, and Forest/Conservation.
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- Field Trips: Sign up for one of our three excursions and explore the IPM practices of the Port of San Diego, the Midway Naval Museum, or UC San Diego.
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- Professional Development Workshops: Expand your expertise with our Thursday afternoon IPM Evaluation Workshop or Rodent Short Course!
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- Student Discounts: We are pleased to offer discounted registration rates and exclusive activities for students.
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- Visit our website for more detailed information about our program, speakers, webinars, travel.
If you have any questions or you’d like to get involved, contact us at ipmsymposium@ipminstitute.org.
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 2025 What’s Bugging You First Friday schedule is available on the program’s website, and you can register for multiple events using our registration form.
February 7: Proper storage of pesticides & household chemicals | Misuse of moth balls
March 7: Considerations for hiring a pest pro | Choosing a tick repellent
April 4: Pest rats explained | Myth: cats for rat control
May 2: Spongy moth caterpillar management | Feeding Friendly Insects: Plan to prep your soil
June 6: Spotted lanternfly update | Recognizing wild parsnip
July 4: Grow green lawns with overseeding | Beech leaf disease
August 1: Making a mosquito bucket trap | Feeding Friendly Insects: Pick plants
September 5: Top 5 rodent exclusion tips | Feeding Friendly Insects: Get ready to plant
October 3: Winterize your home orchard | Feeding Friendly Insects: Fall is for planting
November 1: Understanding indoor cockroaches | Invasive tawney field cockroach
December 5: IPM for clothes moths and pantry moths
Employment Opportunities
WNY PRISM is Hiring! All 2025 Summer Positions are Open!
Join the WNY PRISM team and spend the summer gaining valuable experience in invasive species management! Multiple positions are open with varying responsibilities, timeframes and necessary qualifications, so take a look and see what interests you!
For more information, including full job descriptions and to apply, visit https://www.rfhiring.com/jobs.asp.
Previously featured
WNY PRISM is seeking a Field Crew Leader to assist with the successful implementation of WNY PRISM field activities and to provide supervision for seasonal staff. WNY PRISM works on high priority invasive species management projects involving prevention, early detection and rapid response, management, and habitat restoration for both terrestrial and aquatic species. Projects involve multiple partners and represent the diversity of environmental interests and unique habitats across the region. The WNY PRISM Field Crew Leader will work with the Terrestrial Program Manager, and additional Program Managers, to coordinate and implement invasive species management projects involving invasive species surveys, site monitoring, invasive species removal and habitat/native plant restoration projects throughout the 8-county WNY PRISM region.
The Field Crew Leader will be primarily responsible for ensuring the successful implementation and tracking of WNY PRISM field activities including invasive species surveys, removal projects, and habitat restoration efforts. To achieve this, they will supervise and work with the WNY PRISM Crew, a three-person seasonal stewardship team that works May – September.
This is a full-time, temporary position with an expected timeframe of March 31 – October 10, 2025 (40 hours/week, $23.00/hour), with the possibility of extension contingent upon funding. Occasional weekend and evening hours will be required, and some projects may require 10-hour days – will not go over 40 hours/week. Some overnight travel, as well as use of personal vehicles, will also be required.
Environmental Horticulture (Ornamentals) Program Manager
IR-4 Project Headquarters at NC State University seeks an Environmental Horticulture (Ornamentals) Program Manager to join our team. This is a vital role to our organization, and we have renewed our efforts to find the best candidate with an updated job posting.
The IR-4 Project Environmental Horticulture (Ornamentals) Program Manager position will be tasked to coordinate research and pesticide (bio-based and chemical) registration activities on non-food, ornamental plant species within the IR-4 Project. Specifically, this position will direct:
- The establishment of research priorities via a biennial stakeholder priority setting workshop.
- Oversee the establishment of the annual research program including development of research protocols, working with Regional Field Coordinators to identify research cooperators.
- Interface with representatives from registrants, trade associations, and regulatory agencies.
- Critically review results of field trials, assess if there is adequate data to support regulatory actions and/or use recommendations.
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.
Visit our Careers page to read the full job posting and apply through NC State!
Small Fruit Extension Educator III
UMass Extension is recruiting a Small Fruit Specialist to join our Fruit Team. Currently, our Fruit Team consists of a faculty entomologist, a faculty fruit and vegetable specialist, an Extension Educator specializing in tree fruit horticulture, and an Extension Educator with tree fruit pathology and IPM expertise. We are searching for someone to specialize in small fruit (strawberry, blueberry, brambles, grapes, and others) to complete our team. Please note that cranberries are not included here as they are covered by our specialists at the Cranberry Research Station in Wareham.
The Small Fruit Specialist will develop Extension educational programming and publications and conduct applied research to meet the needs of small fruit growers statewide. They will work to enhance the economic, human, and environmental health of the small fruit industry in Massachusetts. They will provide unbiased, research-based information, publications, and education programs in the areas of small fruit production, cropping systems and diversification, crop health, and Integrated Pest Management. Our primary goal is to facilitate the improvement of small fruit production in Massachusetts and provide new opportunities to growers to expand competitive, quality offerings to their markets, e.g., supermarkets, farm markets, roadside stands, and u-pick operations.
The ideal candidate should be team oriented and independently motivated. They should also be able to converse and build relationships with fruit growers. The position will be based on the UMass Amherst campus; however, the candidate must be willing to travel state-wide and open to collaborating with colleagues throughout the Northeast and possibly beyond.
We look forward to having a Small Fruit Specialist join our fruit team! The job description and application instructions can be found at https://careers.umass.edu/amherst/en-us/job/525901/small-fruit-extension-educator-iii Priority application deadline is January 31, 2025. Questions may be directed to jon.clements@umass.edu.
Aquatic Restoration and Resiliency Coordinator
Do you have experience managing invasive species and conducting restoration? Do you enjoy working outdoors, collaborating with partners, and implementing conservation projects? Join our team!
The St. Lawrence and Eastern Lake Ontario Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (SLELO PRISM), in collaboration with The Nature Conservancy, is hiring an Aquatic Restoration and Resiliency Coordinator (ARRC).
Job Overview: The ARRC will develop, coordinate, and advance conservation initiatives and implement aquatic invasive species prevention and management programs that support the objectives of SLELO PRISM and The Nature Conservancy.
The College of Science at Virginia Tech seeks applicants for a 9-month research and teaching tenure-track position at any rank in the area of environmental data science as part of a campus-wide Invasive Species cluster hire located at the Blacksburg, VA campus. The position will concentrate on understanding the complex factors that shape invasive species spread, occurrence, and persistence to inform early detection, rapid response, and long-term management of invasive species. The focus of the position is to develop an innovative research program in retrospective and predictive modeling of invasive species at any organismal scale that reconstructs or predicts invasive species risk, spread, and impacts.
Assistant Professor-Tenure System
The Department of Horticulture in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Michigan State University invites applications for a full-time 12-month tenure-system Assistant Professor position (with a 50% Research, 40% Extension, and 10% Teaching assignment) to lead an internationally recognized, innovative and competitively funded research and extension program in weed science and ecology to support Michigan’s fruit and vegetable industries. The position start date is anticipated to be August 16, 2025.
Bioresource Soil Science and Management
The School of Integrative Plant Science (SIPS) in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Cornell University welcomes applications for a 9-month, full-time tenure-track position in Bioresource Soil Science and Management at the assistant professor level. The primary production that sustains human life begins and ends with the soil. Yet, degradation of soil health caused by emerging contaminants and agricultural intensification threaten the sustainability of our production systems. Biomass residual resources, such as food waste, human and animal waste, and other plant and animal materials, are often decoupled from production sites, resulting in degradation of soil health and reliance on chemical fertilizers to maintain fertility. Moreover, this decoupling generates waste streams that promote eutrophication of inland and coastal waters. As we reduce fossil fuel usage and increase the circularity of materials flows, there is a demand for research and education related to the management of bioresources in agricultural systems. Relevant research topics include: the effect of organic residuals on soil health and fertility, assessing and mitigating risks caused by the presence of emerging contaminants in residuals applied to soil, developing strategies for improving organics recycling and reuse. This position will serve as a bridge between bioresource producers and consumers, while safeguarding our land, water, and air from the hazard of legacy contaminants and associated toxicological concerns.
Funding Opportunities
Previously featured this issue
Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative
The Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative (OREI) seeks to solve critical organic agriculture issues, priorities, or problems through the integration of research, education, and extension activities. The purpose of this program is to fund projects that will enhance the ability of producers and processors who have already adopted organic standards to grow and market high quality organic agricultural products. Priority concerns include biological, physical, and social sciences, including economics. The OREI is particularly interested in projects that emphasize research, education and outreach that assist farmers and ranchers with whole farm planning by delivering practical research-based information. Projects should plan to deliver applied production information to producers. Fieldwork must be done on certified organic land or on land in transition to organic certification, as appropriate to project goals and objectives. Refer to the USDA National Organic Program for organic production standards.
The technical assistance webinar related to this FY 2025 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.
Funding: $44 million
Closing Date: February 13, 2025
Crop Protection and Pest Management
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 2025 funding opportunity will be scheduled soon. Please visit again for more information.
Apply For Grant
Funding: $2,450,000
Closing Date: March 6, 2025
Integrated Research, Education, and Extension Competitive Grants Program – Organic Transitions
The overall goal of the Organic Transitions Program (ORG) is to support the development and implementation of research, extension and higher education programs to improve the competitiveness of organic livestock and crop producers, as well as those who are adopting organic practices. NIFA administers the ORG program by determining priorities in U.S. agriculture through Agency stakeholder input processes in consultation with the NAREEEAB. ORG will continue to prioritize environmental services provided by organic farming systems in the area of soil conservation, pollinator health, and climate change mitigation, including greenhouse gases (GHG), as well as the development of educational tools for Cooperative Extension personnel and other agricultural professionals who advise producers on organic practices, and development of cultural practices and other allowable alternatives to substances recommended for removal from the National Organic Program’s National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances. It is expected that all projects will integrate research, education and extension activities, as appropriate to project goals, although some projects may be weighted more heavily than others in one or more of these areas. However, all proposals should have activities and impact in research and at least one of the other areas: education and extension.
The technical assistance webinar related to this FY 2025 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.
Funding: $7,500,000
Closing Date: March 6, 2025
Rapid Response to Extreme Weather Events Across Food and Agricultural Systems (A1712)
This program area priority is designed to rapidly deploy strategies and fill knowledge and information gaps to protect the nation’s food and agricultural supply chains, from production through consumption, during and after extreme weather and disasters.
All applications must directly address 1) effects associated with an extreme weather event or disaster and 2) one or more of the following emphasis areas:
- Agroecosystem Resilience
- Food Safety, Nutrition Security, and Agricultural Commodity Security
- Health, Well-Being, and Safety
This priority area seeks applications that focus on critical and urgent solutions in rapid response to extreme weather and disaster impacts on the nation’s food and agricultural systems and that clearly describe short-term deliverables (within 3 months of award receipt), including a plan for their adoption/use.
This priority area encourages projects to have well-developed extension and/or outreach activities. In project narratives and other application materials, applicants must be able to provide a clear, strategic approach to reaching end users.
Grant Types
- Standard and FASE (Strengthening Standard): Applications must be submitted within 45 days of an extreme weather event and disaster. Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a continuous basis.
Project types:
- Extension
- Integrated (extension and research)
The grant duration 12 months for Standard and FASE (Strengthening Standard) projects. The maximum award amount, including indirect costs, is $300,000.
Grant Funding Available to Eligible NY Landowners for Establishing Large Forests
There is $4.5 million in grant funding now available to eligible New York landowners through the Establishing Large Forests (ELF) Grant Program. Private landowners (or their representatives) with five or more acres of unforested land in New York State may apply for a minimum of $30,000 up to a maximum of $750,000 to reimburse costs for establishing new forests. Eligible projects need to have a planting component and may also include any associated site work to boost the project’s success, such as preparing sites, removing competing or invasive plants, and protecting new plantings from deer browse with fencing. Applicants must work with a forester or a qualified natural resource professional to develop their project and must agree to maintain the new forest for at least 15 years. ELF builds on New York State’s Regenerate NY Grant Program and supports the state’s progress towards its goal of planting 25 million trees by 2033.
WNY PRISM Crew Assistance Program
WNY PRISM’s Crew Assistance Program was established to help improve invasive species management across the region by assisting partners with priority projects involving invasive species surveys, removal, and habitat restoration. It offers valuable opportunities for partners to work alongside WNY PRISM’s experienced staff and trained seasonal crew to learn about invasive species management and gain experience implementing management strategies and using removal methods and equipment. Since 2016, WNY PRISM has worked with 36 different partners to complete 111 projects.
WNY PRISM is currently accepting proposals for the 2025 Crew Assistance Program! To learn more about the Crew Assistance Program including proposal requirements, eligibility, priorities and review criteria, please view the full WNY PRISM Crew Assistance Program 2025 Request for Proposals (RFP). Be sure to read through the entire RFP as it provides necessary information and instructions to support your proposal. We ask that partners reach out with any questions before the finalized project proposal is submitted. Applications that do not include all the required proposal components may not be considered. For more information, see the WNY PRISM Crew Assistance Program Frequently Asked Questions. You can also read about some of our past projects below! Questions may be submitted to Brittany Hernon, Terrestrial Program Manager at hernonba@buffalostate.edu. Proposals must be received by 5:00 PM on Friday, January 31, 2025.
Nationwide Equity and Accessibility Funding Opportunities
Nationwide Equity and Accessibility
The four Regional Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Centers champion the development and adoption of integrated pest management, the science of managing pests, while protecting people, the environment and economy. To help increase equity and accessibility within the IPM community, the Regional IPM Centers are providing two funding opportunities: Equity and Accessibility Grants and Equity and Accessibility Mini-Grants.
These Equity and Accessibility funding opportunities will be awarded to projects that allow recipients to make progress towards IPM goals, while prioritizing equity and access to IPM tools and resources.
Examples of equity and accessibility projects that have been funded are available. If you have any questions or would like to discuss your ideas for this grant prior to applying, please contact Dr. Katie Hartmann: hartm783@crk.umn.edu.
Equity and Accessibility Grants
The Equity and Accessibility Grant program actively supports equity and accessibility initiatives by offering assistance to organizations and communities led by individuals from diverse backgrounds, including, but not limited to: Black, Indigenous, people of color, LGBTQ+, immigrants, migrants, neurodiverse individuals, Veterans, beginning and women farmers, and members of the disability community, as well as faculty, staff, and students. This grant program also welcomes proposals related to training, education, and collaborations promoting equity and inclusion. Proposals should:
- · Focus on IPM
- · Deliver benefits to communities and stakeholders
- · Enhance the cultural competency of staff
- · Identify gaps in IPM resources and propose ways to improve access
- · Conduct needs assessments for the communities being served.
Funding Available: $80,000 with awards of up to $20,000 each
Period of Performance: End date no later than 9/17/25
Application deadline: Open until funds are depleted
Download the Equity and Accessibility Grant RFA
Equity and Accessibility Mini-Grants
The Equity and Accessibility Mini-Grants program is a smaller-scale funding opportunity for individuals or groups who have innovative ideas but require a smaller budget to execute their projects.
Funding Available: Awards of up to $5,000 each
Period of Performance: End date no later than 9/17/25
Application deadline: Open until funds are depleted
Download the Equity and Accessibility Mini-Grants RFA