IPM News and Events Roundup 05/10/2024
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
Dion is Retiring!
Join us in celebrating an IPM icon, Dion Lerman’s retirement from Pennsylvania State University on
May 24th at 2:00pm – 3:30pm Eastern on Zoom. Zoom link here.
Join Zoom Meeting: https://cornell.zoom.us/j/91577534885?pwd=MzA4V0FOZkc4dFFRYTdKOFpvTHlLQT09
Meeting ID: 915 7753 4885
Passcode: 876363
It's time to share your memories and stories! If you have a photo or a special anecdote you'd like to share, please email Susannah Krysko at sck27@cornell.edu. We would love to incorporate your contributions into this celebratory event.
Additionally, we have created a KudoBoard for you to express your well-wishes and appreciation to Dion for his many years of dedicated service in environmental health and IPM. You can find the KudoBoard at the following link:
https://www.kudoboard.com/boards/uRvmTnLg
You may know Dion Lerman as the environmental health programs specialist for the Pennsylvania Integrated Pest Management Program in Philadelphia, but you may not know he fit several careers in before he joined Pennsylvania State University IPM program in 2007. He combined his interests and careers in food safety, public health, and pest management to become an invaluable pillar in the IPM community and beyond. His outreach and educational efforts, especially among underserved audiences, have greatly improved pest management practices, health, and safety in countless schools, homes, and buildings, in Pennsylvania and nation-wide.
Let him know his worked touched your life here: https://www.kudoboard.com/boards/uRvmTnLg
Increasing Access to Practical Biocontrol Information through Digital Resources
October 2, 2024 at 11:00 a.m.
Register at cornell.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_MFNtyp2KQoaWGYrAbDfvPw
The webinar will be recorded for anyone unable to attend the live session.
Description
The New York State Integrated Pest Management Program Biocontrol website continues to grow with information for all of North America. In the past year, we have added profiles of individual biocontrol agents, and we are planning to incorporate resources developed through the Augmentative Biocontrol (ABC) Working Group. The focus for both is to provide practical information that addresses barriers to biocontrol adoption and helps growers and gardeners successfully implement biocontrol. During the toolbox talk we will provide a tour of biocontrol agent profiles and describe the ongoing process and progress to create resources on augmentative biocontrol.
Amara Dunn-Silver
Biocontrol Specialist – New York State Integrated Pest Management Program, part of the Cornell College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Amara supports the effective use of biological control solutions for pests in all agricultural commodities, as well as pests encountered by New Yorkers where they live, work, play, and learn.
Hillary Peterson
Integrated Pest Management Specialist – Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry
Hillary is responsible for IPM education and implementation across the state including pests affecting structures like schools, homes, and restaurants, agriculture, invasive species, and more.
EPA in the News
EPA Opens Required Public Comment Period for Proposed Dicamba Herbicide from Bayer CropScience
EPA has received an application from Bayer CropScience LP for a new product containing the currently registered active ingredient dicamba. The proposed product includes use of dicamba on dicamba-tolerant soybeans and cotton. Because the application involves a new use pattern for dicamba, the Agency is required to provide a 30-day public comment period on the registration applications consistent with FIFRA 3(c)(4). EPA is also seeking comment on the associated draft labeling that was submitted by Bayer, which is available in the docket.
To read more about the registration application proposed by Bayer and submit a comment, see docket EPA-HQ-OPP-2024-0154 on Regulations.gov. The public comment period will close 30 days after the publication date in the Federal Register. EPA will review public comments as part of the proposed application process and incorporate any feedback into the registration decision.
For further information, visit EPA’s page on Registration of Dicamba for Use on Dicamba-Tolerant Crops.
EPA Proposes to Register New Herbicide Active Ingredient Glufosinate-P
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released for public comment its proposed registration decision for pesticide products containing the new active ingredient glufosinate-P to control weeds in non-tolerant and glufosinate-resistant corn, sweet corn, soybean, cotton, and canola. In addition to its proposed registration decision, EPA has also released its draft biological evaluation for the pesticide under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
To read more about the proposed registration of glufosinate-P and to comment, see docket ID EPA-HQ-OPP-2020-0250 at www.regulations.gov. The public comment period will be open for 30 days, closing on June 8, 2024.
All the supporting documents related to glufosinate-P are available in EPA-HQ-OPP-2020-0250. Please note that draft labels for BASF products are available in EPA-HQ-OPP-2020-0250 and the draft labels for MCCLS products are available in EPA-HQ-OPP-2020-0533.
Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory Scientists Develop Tool to Rapidly Detect Devastating Swine Disease
Endemic animal health threats such as Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV) result in large losses of revenue to U.S. producers every year and pose ongoing challenges to the biosecurity and biocontainment practices of the swine industry. Mitigating these impacts through rapid detection, response and recovery requires a robust and coordinated diagnostic infrastructure with active monitoring and surveillance systems.
With a $1 million Agriculture and Food Research Initiative grant from USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), Iowa State University scientists and their collaborators at South Dakota State University, University of Minnesota, Kansas State University, Ohio Animal Disease and Diagnostic Laboratory, and Purdue University are leveraging the Swine Disease Reporting System (SDRS) to rapidly detect new strains of this PRRSV. They have launched a one-of-a-kind web-based tool called the SDRS BLAST Tool (BLAST stands for Basic Local Alignment Search Tool) that allows veterinarians, producers and other users to compare genetic sequences of PRRSV with those in the Swine Disease Reporting System. Read more about this important new tool.
Research in the News
Distinct communities under the snow: describing characteristics of subnivium arthropod communities (academic.oup.com)
Arthropods are active during the winter in temperate regions. Many use the seasonal snowpack as a buffer against harsh ambient conditions and are active in a refugium known as the subnivium. While the use of the subnivium by arthropods is well established, far less is known about subnivium community composition, abundance, biomass, and diversity and how these characteristics compare with the community in the summer. Understanding subnivium communities is especially important given the observed and anticipated changes in snowpack depth and duration due to the changing climate. We compared subnivium arthropod communities with those active during the summer using pitfall trapping in northern New Hampshire.
Serine proteinase inhibitors from Nicotiana benthamiana, a nonpreferred host plant, inhibit the growth of Myzus persicae (green peach aphid) (onlinelibrary.wiley.com)
The green peach aphid (Myzus persicae) is a severe agricultural crop pest that has developed resistance to most current control methods, requiring the urgent development of novel strategies. Plant proteinase inhibitors (PINs) are small proteins that protect plants against pathogens and/or herbivores, likely by preventing efficient protein digestion.
ISU researcher presents at White House AI event; team wins grant for AI ag tool (news.iastate.edu | May 6, 2024)
Iowa State University researchers developing large, vision-based artificial intelligence tools to identify and eventually recommend controls for agricultural pests are one of the first teams to win computing support from the new National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource Pilot.
The award will provide the Iowa State researchers with one million “node hours” of supercomputing time on the $60 million Frontera supercomputer at the Texas Advanced Computing Center at the University of Texas at Austin. Frontera’s power comes from more than 8,000 compute nodes, each containing 56 core processors. It’s the fastest supercomputer based on a U.S. university campus.
News
Inclusive Integrated Pest Management Projects Funded
The Regional IPM Centers are excited to announce that four innovative projects have been funded to bring new partners to integrated pest management (IPM).
“We hoped that this funding opportunity would expand the kinds of projects being funded through the Regional IPM Centers and bring in new IPM professionals serving diverse communities. There is transformative work being done, and we are excited to support it,” said Dr. Katie Hartmann, DEIA Director at the North Central IPM Center.
These are the first projects to be funded by the USDA NIFA program called, “Increasing DEIA Programming for Integrated Pest Management (IPM): A Model for USDA NIFA-funded Organizations.” This program aims to alter the culture within IPM for a more inclusive and equitable environment that is more reflective of the population and communities served by IPM professionals.
The first funded project is focused on protecting collard greens from pests, especially from harlequin bugs, which dine on collard greens from seedling through adult plant stages. Funds were awarded to North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University to create a trap that will reduce harlequin bug populations enough to protect collard crops and profits for growers who depend on collard production to support their families. See the three other funded projects by clicking headline link.
Funding is still available for additional projects! Equity and Accessibility mini-grants are worth up to $5,000 for each project with $25,000 available. The mini-grants must be completed within 12 months of the start date or no later than September 17, 2025. Application deadline: Friday, June 21, 2024
Please share these opportunities and consider applying. Details are available on the Regional IPM Centers website.
Contacts
Dr. Katie Hartmann, DEIA Director, 515-294-2317, kh4@iastate.edu
Download the Equity and Accessibility Mini-Grants RFA.
Details about the funding opportunity: https://www.ipmcenters.org/research/funding/deia/
Pest Talks (growertalks.com)
What the ... ?
Mollusk Resources
Mollusk IPM
Product Efficacy
UV light treats beet disease, combats fungicide resistance (news.cornell.edu | April 29, 2024)
Germicidal ultraviolet light is effective at killing a damaging fungus that infects table beets, adding an important organic tool to fight the growing problem of fungicide resistance, according to a new Cornell study.
The 2024 New York State Community Gardens Soil Testing Program has officially rolled out! This includes no cost soil testing, including nutrients and heavy metals, for community gardens! You can apply here: https://agriculture.ny.gov/rfa-0324-new-york-state-community-gardens-soil-testing-program. It should be a straightforward application, as they really want to make it possible for as many gardens as possible to receive a test. You just need to fill out the fillable pdf, include any attachments, and email it off to the email address provided. At the bottom of the webpage, there is also a recording of a webinar from the other day, where more details are explained.
The garden is responsible for taking the soil sample and shipping costs, but there is no charge for the testing, and once your application has been approved, I think there is a 6-ish week turnaround time for results from the Cornell Soil Health Lab.
This program is available to food-producing community gardens, including schools and other organizations. For-profit farms, strictly ornamental and flower gardens, and individual gardens (like backyard gardens) are not eligible.
Satellite images of plants’ fluorescence can predict crop yields (news.cornell.edu | May 1, 2024)
Cornell researchers and collaborators have developed a new framework that allows scientists to predict crop yield without the need for enormous amounts of high-quality data – which is often scarce in developing countries, especially those facing heightened food insecurity and climate risk.
In many parts of the world, crop yields are dropping, largely due to the effects of climate change. According to a recent Cornell study, over the last four decades, for every 1 degree Celsius of warming, net farm income decreased by 66%.?
Experts provide facts about avian influenza for dairy producers (news.cornell.edu | May 6, 2024)
While a strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus has been detected in dairy cattle in nine states – not including New York state – the commercial milk supply continues to be safe, according to a panel of Cornell, New York state and dairy industry experts.
e-Gro Electronic Grower Resources Online
- Coleus Downy Mildew is Out and About
- e-GRO Blog: Why Controlling Weeds Is So Difficult
- Managing Algae and Moss Inside Greenhouses
- Managing Magnesium Deficiency in Spring Bedding Plants
Call for Volunteers!
11th International IPM Symposium Needs You!
We’re looking for volunteers for these committees:
Awards
Students & Early Career Scientists
International
Posters
Silent Auction
Program
Details below!
Be a Part of the Change
Additional volunteers are needed for symposium committees! Responsibilities are outlined here. We will need to move fast to finalize program topics and field trips and begin calls for sessions and awards, so we plan to convene committees in March.
Your Commitment + Reward
The time commitment will be one to ten hours per month depending on the assignment. Past volunteers have found this experience to be professionally and personally rewarding with excellent opportunities for networking and thought leadership!
The Symposium website.
Thank you for your consideration! Please feel free to reach out to ipmsymposium@ipminstitute.org with any additional questions.
NYISAW Call For Events!
ONE WEEK LEFT To Submit Event For New York Invasive Species Awareness Week, June 3rd- 9th, 2023!
What do you need from me?
Send the following to gallo@hws.edu by Friday, May 17th. Email us with “NYISAW Event Submission” in the email subject line, and include the following information:
- Event title
- Event description
- Registration information
- Event time
- Event location, address, including town/city and zip code
- Event contact and email address
If you have marketing material such as a flyer already developed, send that along and we will put this on our website and calendar.
What kinds of events have been done before?
Examples of events:
- Plant pulls / native plantings
- Volunteer survey and data entry into the iMapInvasives
- Interpretive hikes or paddles
- Boat tours / floating classrooms
- Public presentations and exhibits
- Ask-an-Expert displays at farmer’s markets and visitor, welcome and nature centers
- Invasive species movie screenings
- Other kinds of awareness activities, such as signage on marquees or book displays
Please let us know if you have any questions. Here’s hoping to a great NYISAW!
Surveys
Newly featured this issue
As part of the New Entry Sustainable Farming Project, based in Massachusetts, the USDA Local Food Promotion Project, we are conducting a study of small-scale producers’ local food marketing and promotion activities. The study is interested in exploring farmers’ decisions related to selling to food hubs or other aggregation channels and producing value-added products. We are looking for New England / Northeast farmers operating 10 acres or less that are willing to fill out a two-part survey about their business in 2022 and 2023. By answering all of the survey questions and providing information for both 2022 and 2023, participants will receive a $50 Visa gift card.
If you are interested in participating, you can find our survey here: Link to Survey. For more information about the study visit our website at New Entry Food Hub Research Study. The study team can provide technical/translation assistance to complete the survey, if needed. You are also welcome to email Anna Ruiz, the Project Manager for this study, at anna.rz.tufts@gmail.com. If you have any questions, please let us know!
Previously featured
National Needs Assessment: DEIA programming in IPM
Katie Hartmann is the Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access (DEIA) for the North Central IPM Center at Iowa State University. She is conducting a national needs assessment of IPM professionals to understand their efforts regarding DEIA topics. The purpose of this study is to understand the IPM programs being facilitated in the country and IPM professionals’ level of comfort and/or needs in regard to incorporating DEIA into their work. So, if you are an IPM professional please consider taking part in her survey.
Webinars, Seminars, Meetings, and More
Coffee Talk: Guidelines for Climate-Smart Invasive Species Management
Thursday, May 16 from 12 - 1 pm
Dr. Eva Colberg (Cornell University & New York Invasive Species Research Institute) will present newly published "Guidelines for Climate-Smart Invasive Species Management" followed by a conversation about what climate-smart invasive management actions you're already doing, what you're interested in implementing, and areas for future research and support. These guidelines were created based on feedback from the NE RISCC, a series of research interviews, and a workshop at the NY Invasive Species Expo, and we'd like to continue that feedback process with this coffee talk.
Register here:
https://umass-amherst.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUvdeytrj0pG9ToTds5eYYY6xZdTYqUC_sm
SLELO PRISM invites you to join us for a 3-part learning series to be held this spring and summer (May – June 2024). This training is perfect for, waterfront property owners, lake associations, kayaking groups, seasonal staff, or anyone who wants to learn more about aquatic invasive species (AIS). Participants will be invited to ‘adopt-a-water’ to survey for priority AIS. Continuing Education Credits will be applied for.
- May 22 2024, 6:30-8 PM: Virtual Plant ID Training
- Learn how to identify invasive and native aquatic plants via webinar.
- Learn about community science identification tools including iMapInvasives and iNaturalist.
- June 5 2024, 6-8 PM: Aquatic Plant Workshop (Keewaydin State Park Marina House)
- This event in in observance of New York Invasive Species Awareness Week.
- View preserved and live native and aquatic plants in a classroom setting.
- Learn how to report observations to iMapInvasives, and use other community science tools.
- June 19th 2024, 6-8 PM: Pre-Solstice Paddle (Kring Point State Park)
- Join us for a fun evening on the water to test your new aquatic plant identification knowledge and learn how to survey for and report AIS of interest. *Some kayaks and canoes may be available for use*
- Learn how to conduct aquatic plant surveys on the water via rake toss.
- Use our underwater scopes to explore the world below the surface.
- Practice reporting observations to the iNaturalist and iMapInvasives mobile apps
Maricelis Acevedo, SIPS and the Department of Global Development
New York State Integrated Pest Management, IPM Academic Seminar Series
Wednesday, May 22, 11:15am – 12:15pm, Register here
Previously featured
Spotted lanternfly in Massachusetts: Quarterly Update, May 2024
The spring session of our quarterly spotted lanternfly webinar series coming up on May 15 at 10am. The May session will feature a presentation from Anne Johnson, a graduate student at Penn State University, about North American predators of spotted lanternfly. There will also be an update from the SLF Survey Crew.
As always, these webinars are free to attend, and provide continuing education credits for the following: 1 Mass. Pesticide License credit (all categories and license types), 1 MCA credit, 1 MCH credit, 1 MCLP credit, ½ MQTW credit, 1 Forester License credit, ¾ ISA credit, 1 Timber Harvester license credit.
Register today at https://bit.ly/SLFWebMAMay24
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.
- 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.
NEVBD is accepting applications to the 2024 Vector Biology Boot Camp! This no-cost program provides hands-on training in tick and mosquito biology, behavior, ecology, taxonomy, and more. Ideal program applicants include non-academic professionals with limited experience in key components of tick or mosquito surveillance and/or control, whose job duties specifically involve vector surveillance and/or control.
Applications are required. Lodging and meals provided. Attendees responsible for own travel; assistance may be available on an individual basis.
WHEN: Tuesday May 21 – Thursday May 23, 2024
WHERE: MaineHealth Vector Ecology Lab, 81 Research Drive, Scarborough, ME 04074
HOW TO APPLY: Submit an application by Friday March 1, 2024. There is no fee to apply or register.
You can access the application form here or visit our Vector Biology Boot Camp website at https://www.neregionalvectorcenter.com/vector-biology-boot-camp.
The National Plant Diagnostic Network (NPDN) is holding its 7th National Meeting in Portland, Maine, from September 9th to 13th. Diagnosticians, State Department of Agriculture staff, government officials, institutional researchers, and students are among the many who attend this meeting. Visit the registration page on the 2024 NPDN National Meeting Website to register today!
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!
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
2024 Webinar Series for Greenhouse, Nursery & Garden Center Professionals
Join UNH Cooperative Extension and other experts to sharpen and refresh plant production skills. These monthly webinars on a variety of topics are intended to provide practical training for greenhouse, nursery and garden center professionals, although all are welcome to attend. One New England pesticide applicator recertification credit has been applied for each event.
Register for one, multiple or all of the interactive, Online Classes
2024 Class Dates:
June 25 - Growing Media (types, components, attributes) - Jonathan Ebba
July 30 - Considerations for Growing with Wood Fiber - Jonathan Ebba & Mark Sanford
August 27 - Thielaviopsis Control - Dr. Bo Liu
September 24 - Injecting a Drench - Jonathan Ebba
October 29 - Renewable Energy Sources for Greenhouse Environmental Control - Dr. Md Sazan Rahman
November 26 - Mealybug - Dr. Amber Vinchesi-Vahl
December 17 - Fertilizer Selection Basics/Water Analysis - Jonathan Ebba
If you have questions or would like assistance registering for or accessing the webinars, including language access, please contact Jonathan at Jonathan.Ebba@unh.edu
Save the Date!
The 11th International IPM Symposium
March 3 – 5, 2025
San Diego, CA
This is an excellent opportunity for state IPM program directors and ARDP PDs to meet USDA NIFA presentation requirements.
The Symposium is a key conference that cuts across IPM issues and offers much in the way of highlighting current issues in IPM, presentations on current research and developments, and valuable networking for stakeholders.
Scholarship Opportunities
Maine Entomological Society Mazurkiewicz Scholarship Fund
The Maine Entomological Society (M.E.S.) offers scholarships each year for educational and research expenses in the study of Maine insects. Maine educators (teachers, Master Naturalists, amateur and professional entomologists) and students at all levels are eligible. Membership in M.E.S. is not required. All scholarship recipients will be given a one-year M.E.S. membership.
MES Website (maineentosociety.org). If you have questions or want to suggest candidates and/or projects, contact Anna Court at annaagnesleecourt@gmail.com.
Fellowship Opportunity
Previously featured
SARE Fellows Program Now Accepting Applications
Applications are now being accepted for the SARE Fellows program. SARE Fellows is a unique professional development opportunity for agricultural professionals to:
Build new relationships with colleagues across the nation.
Deepen their understanding of the concepts and intentions of sustainable agriculture.
Visit with innovative producers and partners nationwide who are striving to sustain agriculture for future generations.
Increase their awareness about educational opportunities and approaches in sustainable agriculture.
Applications must be submitted by May 31, 2024; 5pm Pacific Time.
County Agent III (Assistant Professor) Commercial Agricultural Production - Salem County
Rutgers University
The Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources within Rutgers NJAES Cooperative Extension at Rutgers University invites applications for a full-time, 12-month, tenure-track faculty position at the rank of County Agent III (equivalent to Assistant Professor) in commercial agricultural production. This position is located at the Salem County office of Rutgers Cooperative Extension in Woodstown, NJ, with an emphasis on agronomic crops.
Agent, Native Plants & Landscapes Specialist
University of Maryland Extension
University of Maryland Extension seeks a highly motivated and knowledgeable individual to conduct applied research, develop educational programs, and engage in community outreach initiatives aimed at teaching and promoting the ecological benefits and use of native plant species in diverse landscapes. The Specialist will also be part of the leadership team responsible for implementing the Maryland Native Plants Program (along with the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
The IR-4 Southern Region office at the University of Florida seeks a Regional Field Coordinator (Research Coordinator III).
This role involves developing, managing, and coordinating field research programs, including field trials in pesticide residue, product performance, bio-pesticides, integrated solutions, and environmental horticulture projects. The incumbent will assign field trials associated with IR-4-funded research to field researchers, distribute research protocols, track progress, and ensure quality data are submitted to IR-4 Headquarters.
The Regional Field Coordinator will engage stakeholders in IR-4’s regional work, including growers, commodity associations/grower groups, Cooperative Extension Agents & Specialists, Agriculture Experiment Station researchers, and others connected with pest management in specialty/minor uses. Other outreach and management responsibilities are involved as well.
This role fills the vacancy opened by Janine Spies' transition to Statewide Program Leader in Fruit IPM Coordinator at Rutgers University (congratulations, Janine!).
Visit our Careers page to find more information and link to UF's job posting. Join us in spreading the word (or submit your application!) so we can help grow this talented team.
Plant Pathologist/Entomologist
This position is located with the Agricultural Research Service, Field Location, Fruit and Nut Research in Byron, GA.
In this position, you will implement experiments and laboratory protocols in the entomology/plant pathology biopesticide program.
- Implement experiments focused on improving entomopathogen/microbial strains, production, formulation and application techniques.
- Develop new production systems in vivo and in vitro (fermentation).
- Investigate new formulations that enhance the survival and persistence of biopesticides agents.
- Interact with other members of the laboratory (students, postdoctoral scholars, technicians), other scientists including Horticulturists, and stakeholders.
This position is located in the United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Soil and Water Conservation Research Unit in Pendleton, OR.
In this position, you will implement approaches that reduce the impact of weeds and improve agroecosystem sustainability and productivity.
- Develop integrated weed management practices that increase yield, reduce crop losses, and are compatible with farming techniques promoting natural resource conservation.
- Improve control of herbicide resistant weeds such as downy brome (Bromus tectorum), Russian thistle (Salsola tragus), and other weeds that are impacting yields of wheat.
- Develop methods to assess and map weed infestations to enable variable rate applications of semi-selective herbicides.
- Determine how crop rotation impacts weed ecology and identify rotations that reduce losses from weeds in seed cropping systems.
- Use remote sensing to broaden the scope of measured variables and research objectives, and the scale of the data collection.
- Integrate aspects of weed science, ecology, and agronomy to identify patterns across scales to assess weed pressure and measure system and crop responses to integrated management practices.
Previously featured
2024 Field Technician for Mosquito Monitoring and Biocontrol Project
The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) is looking to fill a single position for a seasonal laboratory field assistant to work on two projects starting in late May (start date can be flexible before June) on a 40 hour per week basis, until completion of the projects in the winter (with opportunity for a student to telework part-time in the fall). The first project involves mosquito trapping and testing activities for the Maine statewide mosquito monitoring program as described in DACF’s “Plan for the Protection of the Public Health from Mosquito-borne Diseases.”
The second project is a classical biological control program, working on releasing caterpillars which have been imported to control black swallowwort.
The Grape Sensing, Pathology, and Extension Laboratory at Cornell AgriTech in Geneva, NY (there is no live link for this position, please email Dave Combs) is recruiting one more summer research assistant to help with ongoing vineyard work and research projects (including working with robots, drones, and other cool tech) from late May to late August.
Must be capable of lifting 20-30lbs, have driver’s license & reliable transportation to Geneva, and comfortable with early work days (field work starts around 8am). Previous interns have gone on to have great research careers, including one alum who was recently accepted to Yale for her PhD in molecular biology. This position is open until filled so please reach out soon if interested!
If interested, please email vineyard manager, Dave Combs (dbc10@cornell.edu) with a statement of interest in the position and a resume.
Research Support Specialist I - Hemlock Conservation Team Lead
Cornell University -
Responsibilities include: Serve as one of a two-person team. The “Hemlock Conservation Team”, based remotely from the Cornell Ithaca Campus working in the field to treat hemlock trees with systemic insecticides to control HWA. The “Team” will also scout priority areas for HWA early detection, maintain a database of treated trees, and assist the NYSHI lab with field research projects on HWA biological control and early detection of HWA using eDNA in New York State. Field work will be conducted year-round primarily in the southern Adirondacks, but may include other locations in New York State as needed.
Responsible for maintaining field equipment, including pesticide application equipment, as best as possible. Ordering field supplies and maintaining inventory. Provide basic data analysis using basic statistical methods and computer software (including Excel, R), provide maps using ArcGIS. Support ongoing and future research projects on hemlock woolly adelgid biological control and early detection of HWA using eDNA. Assist in the development of reports, papers and publications based on data collected. Provide training and assistance to volunteers and state agency personnel for HWA early detection and to assist with pesticide treatments.
This is a one-year appointment with possible extension depending on funding.
Technical Assistance Program Coordinator
University of Vermont - Northeast SARE
Responsible for developing and maintaining a network of technical assistant service providers to support potential applicants in their proposals for Northeast SARE Grant Programs. The TAP Coordinator has a specific focus on reducing application barriers of historically underserved or marginalized populations. The TAP coordinator supports Northeast SARE’s diversity, equity, inclusion and justice values and its strategic plan, including engagement with under-served communities. They collaborate to develop and improve policies and procedures in support of Northeast SARE grant program effectiveness and commitment to the organization’s outcome statement. The TAP coordinator leads Northeast’ SARE’s outreach efforts in recruiting potential applicants for SARE grant programs and diversifying applicant pools. The position has a specific focus on recruiting and nurturing applicants for the BIPOC Grants Program. The position works with external partners to develop training for technical assistant service providers and leads the Northeast SARE team on policies and procedures for best practices of converting interested parties into grant applicants; they foster the relationships between technical assistant providers and grantees. The position reports to the Northeast SARE Director.
Assistant or Associate Professor of Urban Plant Ecology
The successful candidate will be a tenure-line faculty member of the Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and will be based in Ithaca, NY in the School of Integrative Plant Science (SIPS).
Expectations include teaching an undergraduate course on sustainable landscape management, a seven week modular course on plant identification in natural environments, and co-teaching an undergraduate course on urban plant biodiversity that includes woody plant identification and establishment in urban landscapes.
The successful candidate will assume an active role in advancing the Green Cities initiative, an informal group of Cornell faculty, staff, and students who contribute to improving urban ecosystem services and quality of life.
The successful candidate will also be positioned to collaborate with numerous colleagues throughout several Cornell colleges and units.
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County
The Turf and Integrated Pest Management Specialist is responsible for providing leadership for the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County Pest Management for Suffolk County Properties Program and the Turf Fertilizer Management Program. The Specialist aids with the implementation of integrated pest management strategies for turf, landscape and structural pests in situations where pesticides have been reduced or eliminated, providing diagnoses, training, public outreach, and research and demonstration projects. The Specialist will also provide a comprehensive fertilizer educational program includes educational training to landscape professionals and county staff regarding use of nitrogen fertilizers. The Specialist also serves as a resource for all residential, commercial, and agricultural turf management. The target stakeholders and areas of work include Suffolk County staff and properties – golf courses, parks, landscapes, county facilities and buildings, highways, and right-of-ways – as well as residential, commercial, and agricultural sod.
UNH Extension Seeks Field Specialist, Food and Agriculture, in Hillsborough County
This position is located at Extension’s Hillsborough County Office in Goffstown, N.H. The field specialist will provide technical assistance and develop educational programming in fruit and vegetable production to both new and experienced growers. Expertise in fruit or vegetable production is a priority for this position. Additional expertise in soil nutrition, integrated pest management or agricultural engineering is desirable. The candidate will work individually and as part of a team to host educational events and produce educational resources.
Director - UMass Cranberry Station / Extension Associate/Full Professor
The University of Massachusetts is seeking an experienced scientist, innovative leader and Extension educator to serve in a full-time, 12-month appointment as Extension Associate or Full Professor and Director of the UMass Cranberry Station located in East Wareham, Massachusetts. The Director will provide: 1) vision, support, and coordination in planning, developing and implementing departmental programs in research and extension in accordance with the Land Grant Mission; 2) leadership in recruiting and fostering academic growth and professional development of faculty, staff, and students; 3) administration of human, physical and financial resources; and 4) promotion of external funding opportunities. The successful candidate will report to the Director of the Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment.
Questions about the position may be directed to averill@eco.umass.edu.
Invasive Species Strike Team Technician
The Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership (CRISP) is looking to hire 3 motivated & reliable Invasive Species Strike Team Technicians to join us in controlling invasive species throughout the Catskills this season:
One Aquatic Strike Team Technician & 2 Terrestrial Strike Team Technicians.
Funding Opportunities
Newly Featured this issue
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 diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) 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 diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
- Diversity: This encompasses ensuring that all individuals have equitable access to resources needed for personal growth and well-being, fostering thriving and inclusive communities.
- Equity: It involves advocating for justice, impartiality, and fairness in the procedures, processes, and allocation of resources within institutions or systems.
- Inclusion: This pertains to the extent to which diverse individuals can actively participate in decision-making processes within an organization or group.
- Accessibility: This covers the design, development, and maintenance of facilities, technology, programs, and services to ensure they can be fully and independently utilized by all, including people with disabilities. This includes providing accommodations and reducing barriers to create equitable opportunities.
A webinar to explain details of the Equity and Accessibility funding opportunities was held in late 2023; note that DEIA Fellowships are no longer available. 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.
Equity and Accessibility Grants
The Equity and Accessibility Grants program aims to support projects and initiatives that promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within IPM and the communities we serve. These grants will provide funding to individuals or teams for innovative DEIA-focused projects.
Funding Available: $100,000 with awards of up to $20,000 each. We anticipate awarding 1-2 grants in the Northeastern, Western, and Southern regions (funds have already been awarded in the North Central Region).
Period of Performance: End date no later than 9/17/25
Application deadline: Friday, June 21, 2024
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 DEIA ideas but require a smaller budget to execute their projects. These mini-grants are intended to support grassroots DEIA efforts.
Funding Available: $25,000 with awards of up to $5,000 each. We anticipate awarding one to two mini-grants in each US region.
Period of Performance: 12 months from start date, with end date no later than 9/17/25
Application deadline: Friday, June 21, 2024
Download the Equity and Accessibility Mini-Grants RFA.
Previously featured
The Southern region SARE program is soliciting a national Call for Proposals for the Food Loss and Waste Training and Technical Assistance Grants. The purpose of this one-time grant opportunity is to implement outreach, training, and technical assistance efforts to build capacity for food loss and waste initiatives.
The Call for Proposals is open to qualified applicants in the contiguous U.S., Alaska, Hawaii, and the U.S. territories of Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, Micronesia, and Northern Mariana Islands. Application deadline is June 28, 2024 at 5 p.m. EST. Projects will span three (3) years, beginning on Sept. 1, 2024. Roughly two (2) to four (4) projects, capped at $1 million per proposal with an expected grant size of $500,000, are anticipated to be funded per SARE region: Southern SARE, North Central SARE, Northeast SARE, and Western SARE, so that regional priorities to addressing food loss and waste can be augmented, while allowing for national coordination and impacts. A total of $8 million is being funded nationally for the CFP Food Loss and Waste Training and Technical Assistance Grants effort.
Visit SARE Supporting Strategies to Curb Food Loss and Reduce Food Waste with Grant Opportunity for more information.
Invasive Species Eradication Funding Opportunity
Invasive species pose a significant threat to the ecological, economic, and cultural integrity of America’s lands, waters, and the communities they support. Once established, they can outcompete or even lead to the extinction of native species, reducing biodiversity and increasing vulnerability to disease and other environmental stresses. They can also lead to costly damage to infrastructure, such as roads, canals, and levees.
The Department is working with partners to identify, enhance, and collaborate on invasive species eradication activities, build new tools, and support coordinated processes to proactively eradicate new invasive species before they spread and cause increased harm. This $3 million Funding Opportunity to Eradicate Invasive Species will be administered within the existing authorities of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Fish and Aquatic Conservation program and coordinated across the Department’s bureaus.
The Department encourages leveraging science and technology to increase the likelihood of invasive species eradication and long-term success. Proposals will be considered for on-the-ground projects that eradicate an invasive species and projects that advance research that increase the effectiveness and near-term availability of eradication tools.
Estimated total program funding: $ 2,960,000
Award ceiling: $1,000,000
Award floor: $50,000
Closing: May 27, 2024
Rapid Response Fund for Aquatic Invasive Species
Aquatic invasive species can lead to the extinction of native plants and animals, permanently alter habitats, and imperil public health. Aquaculture, tourism, recreation, shipping, and hydropower facilities may also be adversely impacted by biological invasion. Effective and coordinated approaches are necessary to manage aquatic invaders and protect our Nation’s waters. Although prevention is the most effective approach to eliminate or reduce the threat of aquatic invasive species, Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR) serves as a failsafe when prevention measures are ineffective or unavailable.
Recognizing the importance of timely action, the Department of the Interior is working with partners to identify, enhance, and collaborate on EDRR activities, including the establishment of a Rapid Response Fund for aquatic invasive species. This fund is intended make financial resources available to assess and support response actions for quick containment or eradication of newly detected species, thus avoiding costly long-term and wide-spread control efforts. This year, as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law authorization for ecosystem restoration, the Department invested $1 million to establish a pilot Rapid Response Fund for Aquatic Invasive Species with an additional $1 million envisioned each year 2024 through 2026 as part of advancing a National EDRR Framework. Investments in EDRR, including a Rapid Response Fund, help to meet conservation goals set through the America the Beautiful Initiative.
The Rapid Response Fund will be administered within the existing authorities of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Fish and Aquatic Conservation program and coordinated through the Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Task Force. Co-chaired by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the ANS Task Force consists of federal agency representatives and ex-officio representatives that work in conjunction with six regional panels and issue-specific subcommittees to coordinate efforts related to aquatic invasive species across the Nation. Accordingly, the ANS Task Force is well positioned to coordinate and successfully operate a response rapid fund. In July 2023, the ANS Task Force approved The Model Process: Rapid Response Fund for Aquatic Invasive Species that outlines a structure and process for operation of the fund.
Read the full Notice of Funding Opportunity.
Estimated total program funding: $ 960,000
Award ceiling: $960,000
Award floor: $50,000
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has posted an Invasive Species Eradication Funding Opportunity to request proposals that support the eradication of a newly introduced or established invasive species in terrestrial or aquatic habitats of the United States, including the U.S. territories (aquatic habitats include freshwater, wetland, riparian, estuarine, and marine environments). While preference will be given to proposals that result in eradication of invasive species, research proposals that advance the effectiveness and availability of eradication tools will be considered.
As part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law authorization for ecosystem restoration, the Department of the Interior (DOI) invested $3 million to establish an Invasive Species Eradication Funding Opportunity. It is administered within the existing authorities of DOI and administered by the USFWS in collaboration with DOI bureaus. The intent of this funding opportunity is to promote and invest in those projects with a high likelihood of achieving eradication success and that have existing partnerships and plans in place.
Please note that projects responding to founding populations of aquatic invasive species within the early detection and rapid response context should instead apply for funding through the Rapid Response Fund for Aquatic Invasive Species. Projects addressing established aquatic invasive species infestations with a high likelihood of eradication can apply for this Eradication Funding Opportunity.
General information about the funding for invasive species eradication can be found HERE.
DACF Maine Opens Applications for PFAS Fund
The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) announced today that the Fund to Address PFAS Contamination (PFAS Fund) is accepting applications for assistance from commercial farms impacted by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination.
The $60 million PFAS Fund was established by Governor Mills with bipartisan legislative support to provide impacted farmers with financial assistance, purchase contaminated farmland from willing sellers, accelerate research to help inform on-farm management decisions, and support health-related initiatives.
The impact of PFAS on some farms and farm families is not unique to Maine. The practice of applying wastewater residuals to farmland is an approved practice by EPA nationwide. However, because these so-called “forever chemicals” can be taken up into soil, water, livestock, products, and ultimately humans, a robust response from the Legislature and the State of Maine was necessary. The PFAS Fund is a novel effort to specifically address PFAS in agriculture.
The PFAS Fund will augment DACF’s existing PFAS Response Program, a first-in-the-nation effort to work directly with impacted farmers to navigate the uncertainties of PFAS contamination by providing technical and financial assistance. In many instances, PFAS-impacted farms can modify their operations to operate safely and remain viable; however, assistance is critical to their success.
Further information about DACF’s PFAS response and assistance programs can be found online at https://www.maine.gov/