IPM News and Events Roundup 01/19/2024
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.
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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.
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EPA News
The EPA extends the comment period on the EPA's Draft Endangered Species Act (ESA) Biological Evaluation for the Registration Review of 11 Rodenticides (Rodenticides BE) currently posted to the public docket at https://www.regulations.gov, docket number EPA-HQ-OPP-2023-0365. The comment period is extended for 15 days, from January 29, 2024 to February 13, 2024.
On November 29, 2023, EPA released the Draft Rodenticides BE for public review and comment. The original deadline for submitting comments on these documents was 60 days from the date of posting. EPA has received several requests from stakeholders, including the Rodenticide Task Force, American Farm Bureau Federation, Crop Life America and over twenty national or state crop or use specific organizations to extend the comment period by 60 days asserting the complexity of the BE, the number of species for which the Agency has made predictions of the potential likelihood of future jeopardy/adverse modification, the breadth of the associated mitigations, and that the comment period spans the holiday season.
After careful consideration of these requests, EPA has determined that an extension of 15 days (total of 75 days of public comment) is appropriate because the draft strategy included in the rodenticide BE is one of its first attempts to lay out how the Agency plans to address mitigation for a group of pesticides (rodenticides) going forward to address potential impacts to listed species earlier in the process in a different, more efficient manner.
EPA has determined that an extension for more than 15 days is not appropriate for the following reasons: (1) stakeholders were already aware that a 60-day comment period would begin in November based on the settlement agreement in Ctr. for Biological Diversity v. EPA, No 3:11-cv-0293 (N.D. Cal.); (2) the methodology EPA used to make effects determinations in the draft BE is consistent with the methodology that the Agency used for the pilot ESA species in the 2022 rodenticide proposed interim decisions (PIDs), for which EPA took public comment; (3) EPA built the draft mitigations upon the previous mitigation proposals from the 2022 PIDs and pilot program for which EPA took public comment; (4) the number of species evaluated in this BE is consistent with other biological evaluations for which EPA provided a 60-day comment period; and (5) EPA expects that stakeholders will have additional opportunities to comment during the comment period(s) on any draft biological opinion(s) for these rodenticides.
EPA appreciates the engagement of such a broad range of stakeholders in its ESA efforts. EPA is willing to meet with stakeholders and organizations to answer questions about the draft Rodenticide BE to better focus any comments that are submitted to the Agency during the public comment period.
Probiotics and in-hive fermentation as a source of beneficial microbes to support the gut microbial health of honey bees (academic.oup.com)
Managed populations of honey bees (Apis mellifera Linnaeus; Hymenoptera: Apidae) are regularly exposed to infectious diseases. Good hive management including the occasional application of antibiotics can help mitigate infectious outbreaks, but new beekeeping tools and techniques that bolster immunity and help control disease transmission are welcome. In this review, we focus on the applications of beneficial microbes for disease management as well as to support hive health and sustainability within the apicultural industry.
Synthetic auxin herbicides do not injure intermediate wheatgrass or affect grain yield (cambridge.org)
Intermediate wheatgrass (IWG) is a cool-season perennial grass developed as a dual-purpose grain and forage crop. One barrier to adopting this crop is a lack of information on the effects of herbicides on IWG for grain production. An experiment was conducted to evaluate herbicide effects on IWG grain yield, crop injury, and weed control over 2 yr. (2019 to 2021) at sites in Wisconsin, Minnesota, New York, and North Dakota. This evaluation included broadleaf herbicides registered for use on wheat: 2,4-D amine, clopyralid, MCPA, and a mixture of clopyralid + MCPA (all are categorized as Group 4 herbicides by the Weed Science Society of America).
Breeding allelopathy in cereal rye for weed suppression (cambridge.org)
Rapid increase in the hectarage and agricultural systems that use cover cropping for soil conservation and improvement, soil moisture retention, and weed management has highlighted the need to develop formal breeding programs for cover crop species. Cereal rye (Secale cereale L.) is preferred by many growers due to high biomass production and weed-suppression potential, which is believed to be partially due to allelopathy. Rye germplasm exhibits large variability in allelopathic activity, which could be used to breed rye with enhanced weed suppression. Here, we provide an overview of rye history and breeding and describe a strategy to develop rye lines with increased allelopathic activity. The discussion focuses on ways to deal with important challenges to achieving this goal, including obligate cross-pollination and its consequent high segregation levels and the need to quantify allelopathic activity under field conditions.
What’s in Your Bottled Water? Study Suggests There May Be Hundreds of Thousands of Tiny Plastic Bits (rutgers.edu | January 8, 2024)
A Rutgers Health researcher collaborates to develop a microscopic technique that zeroes in on the poorly explored world of nanoplastics, which can pass into one’s blood, cells and brain
A breakthrough microscopic technique that can detect minute particles of plastic in bottled water that can pass into human blood, cells and the placenta with unknown health effects has been developed by a team of researchers from Rutgers Health and Columbia universities.
Whirligig beetle uses lift-based thrust for fastest insect swimming (sciencedirect.com | January 2024)
Whirligig beetles (Gyrinidae) are the fastest-swimming insects. The one-centimeter long aquatic beetle can reach a peak acceleration of 100 m s–2 and a top velocity of 100 body lengths per second. Previous studies have suggested that drag-based thrust by their hind legs is responsible for their propulsion1,2,3,4. For the drag-based thrust to be effective, however, the leg stroke velocity must exceed the swimming velocity. Therefore, for fast-swimming whirligigs, it is unlikely that the drag-based thrust is the main source of acceleration5.
Insect Eavesdropper: Digital Monitoring of Crop Pests Via Vibrational Signals (entomologytoday.org | January 17, 2024)
Last November at Entomology 2023 saw the return of the Antlion Pit, an innovation competition for entomology-related products and services. Six teams were selected to compete out of nine applications, with the “Insect Eavesdropper” team earning 1st Place and a $5,000 prize to invest in advancing their product, a system using a contact microphone and a minicomputer to detect and identify the vibrational signals of insects feeding on plants.
What are the main benefits of IPM? (hortidaily.com)
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) combines different strategies to add value to your business, with biological solutions as a key success factor. Implementing an IPM strategy helps growers to create an environment that is favorable for plant development and unfavorable for pests and diseases. It places a strong emphasis on preventing pest issues before they become significant problems and results in a more efficient long-term approach to pest management.
A bug's life (greenhousemag.com | January 2024)
As senior IPM manager at Costa Farms’ North Carolina farm, Bug leads the charge with beneficial insects — or the good bugs — toward more sustainable pest management practices as part of the company’s evolving IPM program. To date, Opela and her team’s efforts have resulted in a 50% reduction in the use of pesticides at Costa’s North Carolina farm.
Study teases out strategies to prevent fatal deer disease re-entering NY (news.cornell.edu | January 16, 2024)
Deer hunters were more likely to be swayed by social media messages about the potential risks of chronic wasting disease if they came from a source they believed aligned with their own views and values, according to a new study.
Chronic wasting disease – a neurological disease that fatally infects white-tailed deer, elk and moose – has been eradicated from New York state, but reintroduction from other affected states remains a constant threat.
Giant bacterium powers itself with unique processes (news.cornell.edu | December 2024)
Not all bacteria are created equal.
Most are single-celled and tiny, a few ten-thousandths of a centimeter long. But bacteria of the Epulopiscium family are large enough to be seen with the naked eye and 1 million times the volume of their better-known cousins, E. coli.
In a study published Dec. 18 in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers from Cornell and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have for the first time described the full genome of one species of the family of giants, which they’ve named Epulopiscium viviparus.
Rice can help NYS farms profit from climate-change flooding (news.cornell.edu | December 2023)
Rice geneticist Susan McCouch caught a waterfall of rice pouring from the hopper of a harvester combine idling in a drained rice paddy about 10 miles from campus and grabbed a handful to take a closer look.
It was the first harvest of a new Cornell project to help New York state farmers learn how to grow rice. The potentially lucrative crop can be grown on land that is flood-prone, and in dry conditions, as a hedge against climate change.
Hemp Pests Documented in New Guide for Florida Growers (entomologytoday.org | January 18, 2024)
The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp cultivation in the U.S. within a regulatory framework implemented by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). In Florida, hemp can be cultivated indoors and outdoors for industrial and medical uses (see below). However, hemp is a new crop with potential challenges related to pests and their management that have not been addressed yet.
Call for papers in Frontiers in Insect Science!
Special Issue Title: Pest-Smart Strategies For Improved Eco-Efficiency In Agriculture, Forestry And Communities
This Research Topic in Frontiers on eco-efficiency and IPM is open for contributions. The research topic or special issue proposes the concept of Pest-Smart production strategies to communicate, identify, quantify, track and incentivize eco-efficient Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices. This is a great opportunity to communicate the role IPM plays in minimizing economic, human health, and environmental risks associated with pest management.
Manuscript Summary Submission Deadline 29 February 2024
Manuscript Submission Deadline 30 September 2024
More information: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/59157/pest-smart-strategies-for-improved-eco-efficiency-in-agriculture-forestry-and-communities
In 2024, NIFA will be issuing an updated version of the NIFA Federal Assistance Policy Guide. Last updated in 2021, the Policy Guide provides comprehensive guidance on NIFA’s application and review processes, award notification and administration procedures, award terms and conditions, uniform administrative requirements, allowable costs, reporting requirements, close-out procedures and audit requirements.
The 2024 update to the Policy Guide will include updates related to a variety of topics, including Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200); Build America, Buy America compliance; and reporting requirements and systems (i.e., NRS, REEport). NIFA is working to make the Policy Guide an even better resource for all of our stakeholders. Our primary goal with the next update is to make sure that this resource provides clear, accurate, up-to-date guidance on matters that are most important to you and the work you do.
Please Give Your Feedback
As a part of our effort to update the guide, we are inviting all of our stakeholders to submit ideas and suggestions. If you would like to give your feedback please:
- Review the Resources found below, which include the current Policy Guide.
- Submit your feedback to PolicyGuide@usda.gov.
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.
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.
Dear Berry and Cherry Grower,
The evaluation team at the University of Florida is conducting a national survey to better understand the impact of research conducted by land-grant university faculty to mitigate spotted wing drosophila (SWD) in your fields.
The project, funded by the USDA, requires an evaluation to determine if the work has met your needs as a grower. We have identified you as a berry and/or cherry grower and value your opinions regarding this important work.
The survey should take 15 minutes to complete. You will be asked questions about your farm operations, experience with SWD from 2008 to date, and any SWD management practices you have implemented on your farm.
Data collected will advance research efforts focused on developing more effective and efficient SWD management tools to meet your needs. There are no direct benefits or compensation for completing the survey; however, your participation will contribute to developing better management tools for SWD.
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!
February 2nd: NYS Plant Regulations | Choosing Native Plants
March 1st: Changes to Home Garden Insecticide in NY | Tick Blitz
April 5th: Weed ID | Rats in Vegetable Gardens
May 3rd: No-Mow May | What to do with Grass Clippings
June 7th: Tick & Mosquito Yard Treatments | Myth: Mosquito Repellent Plants
July 5th: Japanese Beetle Management | Aphid-Eating Insects
August 2nd: Spotted Lanternfly Update | Box Tree Moth Update
September 6th: Back to School: Bed Bugs | Head Lice
October 4th: Identifying Pests in Your Home
November 1st: 2024 Tick Blitz Results | No Spray Needed
December 6th: Feed the Birds | Repurposing a Holiday Tree
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
- 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.
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.
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
Cornell Cooperative Extension Agritourism Monthly Webinar Series
Via Zoom
Price: Free
2nd Tuesdays of the Month
12pm to 1pm
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.
On-line Greenhouse Scout School
Register Now for the Greenhouse Scout School Certificate Program and Webinar Series February 13-March 26, 2024
Cornell University, the University of Vermont and the University of Maine have joined forces to offer a 7-week series in scouting for disease, insect and weed pests of greenhouse ornamentals. 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. This program is offered in two formats – as a webinar series and as a certificate program. PAT credits are awarded!
Please view the following link for more information and to register. https://cals.cornell.edu/new-york-state-integrated-pest-management/outreach-education/events/greenhouse-scout-school
The Northeast Extension Fruit Consortium has six winter sessions scheduled across January, February and March
- Link: https://ag.umass.edu/fruit/news-events/northeast-extension-fruit-consortium
- Pre-registration is required. The session information:
January 25- Dr. Jon Cline, University of Guelph, will provide information on "New Options for Chemical Thinning"
January 31- Dr. Beatrice Amyotte, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, will share "Strawberry Breeding and Cultivar Update" information.
February 7- Dr. Macarena Faruch, University of Maryland, will discuss the "Use, Efficacy and Cost of Reflective Ground Cover in the Orchard." She will be joined by grower Kristen DeMarree who will share her field experience with reflective ground cover.
March 6- Dr. Jaime Piñero, University of Massachusetts Extension & Stockbridge School of Agriculture, will provide updates on "Mass Trapping for Japanese Bettle Management" .
March 13- Dr. Jessica McBride, University of Connecticut, will discuss "How to Effectively Engage With The Media". Andre Tougas, Tougas Family Farm and Chelcie Martin, Honey Pot Hill Orchard will share their experiences with the press from this year- what worked, what didn't and what they plan to do differently next time.
March 20- Dr. Kerik Cox, Ms. L?ga Astra Kalni?a will discuss “BioControl, Forecast Models and Apple Scab- Finding the Sweet Spot”.
When: February 27th, 2024 (11:00 AM – 2:55 PM, Eastern) & February 28th, 2024 (11:00 AM – 2:40 PM, Eastern)
Where: Virtually via Zoom (FREE!)
What to expect:
- Our NE RISCC signature blend of interactive sessions and networking covering terrestrial, freshwater, and marine habitats
- Keynote talk by Laura Meyerson (University of Rhode Island, Co-Editor-in-Chief for the journal Biological Invasions and Associate Editor for the journal Neobiota)
- Sessions on:
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- Challenges and opportunities at early stages of invasion
- Challenges and opportunities at late stages of invasion
- Communicating about climate change and invasive species
- Invasive species impacts on climate change mitigation & adaptation
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- Lightning talks
- Community Action Award—Nominate someone here!
- For more details, please see our schedule.
Register here.
Encountering Bed Bugs While Traveling
January 30, 2024 | 2:00 – 4:00 PM ET
As more people travel, there are increasing instances of bed bug encounters domestically and abroad. This webinar will provide participants with comprehensive information on bed bugs including identification, ways they spread, inspections (when and how), preventing exposures, and control measures. Our experts will provide practical information to help you reduce the likelihood of bringing bed bugs home and what to do if you find they’ve followed you home. Enlisting the help of a pest management professional to deal with home infestations will also be discussed.
The webinar registration link is: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3009192236941677661 and is also on the attached outline.
CEUs will only be available for the live webinar on the above date.
Recent Advances in Organic Pest Management of Spotted-wing Drosophila
Join Spotted-wing Drosophila organic pest management team members for a webinar on the recent advances in managing Spotted-wing Drosophila in organic fruit. This webinar will focus on recent efforts to release the classical biological control agent Ganaspis brasiliensis at organic sites nationwide with information from Dr. Jana Lee (USDA ARS), Dr. Kent Daane (UC Berkeley), Dr. Philip Fanning (UMaine) and more
Date & Time: February 7, 2024 02:00 PM Eastern Time
Register here: https://oregonstate.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_efBnBYi8QDSzu2NOGopQBg#/registration
Free biocontrol workshop at Sierra Biological
Sierra Biological is hosting an IPM Workshop at their facility in western NY on January 24. On the agenda are topics like nematodes, pest identification and new developments in biological controls. The event is sponsored by Sierra Biological, Beneficial Insectary, and IPM Labs
January 24, 2024, Continuing Education Classes
Sierra Biological Inc. 2833 Swett Rd. Lyndonville, NY 14098
NYSDEC Pesticide Applicator Credits to Be Offered
Attendees will be required to sign in prior to instruction beginning. Anyone who arrives late will be encouraged to stay for the instruction but will be informed that DEC Recertification credits will not be awarded. Only those who stay for the entire course will receive a Recertification Course Certificate upon completion of the course.
The event is free, but growers must register in advance by emailing.
Date & Time: January 31, 2024 01:00 PM in EST
Description
Full ARDP Title: Identifying overwintering and landscape features associated with stink bug risk and yield loss in corn PI: Dominic Reisig, North Carolina State University Brown stink bug, Euschistus servus, is the costliest and most problematic insect pest of corn in the southeastern US, and a major pest of soybean and cotton across the southern US. Some early season hosts, overwintering location, and the association of previous year's soybeans to brown stink bug prevalence in corn are known, but these factors have never been holistically studied to see if they are linked. This study better identifies corn fields at risk for brown stink bug.
Project Goals and accomplishments: 1. Measure stink bug populations in suitable host crops during the autumn where corn will be planted during the spring Soybean fields throughout North Carolina and South Carolina 2. Characterize overwintering habitats based on the categorization of host plants diversity and forest structure Overwintering habitats were characterized for fields 3. Measure brown stink bug colonization into spring corn adjacent to non-crop overwintering habitats and annual crops Stink bug colonization was measured from corn fields. 4. etc
The Southern IPM Hour presents research, issues, and programs in Integrated Pest Management from the Southern Region of the United States.
TBA: Speaker works on assessment of climate change impact, stakeholder views, and governance
Allison Chatrchyan, Soil & Crop Sciences
Soil & Crop Sciences Section
Thursday, January 25, 12:20 – 1:10 pm, 135 Emerson & by Zoom
Biodiversity, ecosystem services, and the conservation of wild bees
Dr. Rachael Winfree, Rutgers University
Department of Natural Resources & the Environment
Tuesday, January 23, 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm Fernow Hall G24 or Zoom
ASPB Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships Application
Applications accepted December 11, 2023 - February 12, 2024 (11:59 PM EST)
The American Society of Plant Biologists (ASPB) Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF) fund promising undergraduate students so they can conduct research in plant biology during the early part of their college careers. SURF recipients must present their research at ASPB’s annual Plant Biology meeting in the year following the fellowship award.
Award Details - Successful applicants receive a $6,000 summer stipend, membership in ASPB, and $700 (paid to the mentor or institution) for materials and supplies. Each fellowship also provides a stipend to support student travel to Plant Biology 2025, the ASPB annual meeting, to be held July 26-30, 2025, in Milwaukee. These travel funds are sent only to the SURF recipients who 1) register for the meeting (free to student), 2) submit proof of using social media or other outlets to engage the public or peers about the SURF project, and 3) author and submit an abstract (free to student) about their SURF project to present as a poster at the meeting, including at the Undergraduate Poster Session.
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.
Research Experiences for Undergraduates in Plant Science at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center
Fostering the next generation of plant scientists is critical to solving some of our planet’s biggest challenges. For ten weeks each summer, students in our Research Experience for Undergraduate (REU) summer internship program are immersed in a rich research environment that lays the foundation for a career in plant science.
Our REU program gives students experience with all aspects of modern scientific research, from design to experimentation to reporting. Faculty mentors and staff provide insight into the personal qualities that make a good researcher, the process and training involved in becoming a scientist, and the broader impact of scientific discovery. The program is made possible through generous support from the National Science Foundation (NSF).
Botany and Conservation Biology Research at the Missouri Botanical Garden
Application Deadline - February 28, 2024
Missouri Botanical Garden is pleased to announce the opening of the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program that will provide research opportunities for 10 students, for 10 weeks during the summer of 2024. Students will work on independent mentored projects in plant systematics, conservation biology, and ethnobotany. Participants will have access to the Garden’s herbarium of more than 7 million specimens, an excellent botanical library, rich garden collections, a laboratory facilities for plant anatomy, microscopy, digital imaging, SEM, and DNA analysis, and the Shaw Nature Reserve – a 2,400 acre ecological preserve featuring prairie, forest, glades, wetlands, and 14 miles of hiking trails.
Students must be returning to an undergraduate degree program in the fall following the REU program. If you will be graduating in May or June in the year of the program, you are not eligible. To be eligible you must also be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident.
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.
Applications close: Jan 31 2024 Eastern Standard Time
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.
- 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.
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 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) A link to the official opportunity here.
- 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
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.
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
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 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
Estimated Total Program Funding: $44,000,000
Apply For Grant Download RFA Technical Assistance Webinar
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 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: March 7, 2024
Estimated Total Program Funding: $7,500,000
Apply For Grant Download RFA Technical Assistance Webinar