IPM News and Events Roundup 11/08/2024
A weekly collection of IPM news, webinars, employment, funding opportunities, and more from the Northeastern IPM Center
If you have IPM-related research, events, or other IPM news you would like to have included, please email Jerrie Haines at jlh472@cornell.edu. If you would like to subscribe to the weekly Roundup, please email northeastipm@cornell.edu. Past Roundups are archived on our website.
Connect with the Northeastern IPM Center
Website | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | IPM Insights Newsletter | Impact Statements | Find a Colleague | Northeast Priorities | Annual Reports | IPM Wheels Poster | Recipients of 2024 Partnership Grants | "The IPM Toolbox" Webinar Series | Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice in IPM Past Recordings
Northeastern IPM Center News
Bee Breeding and IPM for Better Pollinator Health
November 20, 2024, at 11:00 a.m.
Register at cornell.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_YZTukWExRLq9o2-3qgTL2g
The webinar will be recorded for anyone unable to attend the live session.
Description
This presentation will focus on recently published and current research on the genetics and breeding of mite-resistant stocks in honey bees, and a recent study using a sustainable method to manage varroa mites in bee hives.
Dr. Hongmei Li-Byarlay
Associate Professor, Central State University
Dr. Hongmei Li-Byarlay is a Fellow of the Royal Entomological Society and president of the International Branch of the Entomological Society of America (ESA). Her doctoral degree is in entomology from Purdue University (West Lafayette, Indiana) and she studied the genetics and physiology of Drosophila melanogaster. Then she worked at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) and North Carolina State University to study functional genomics and social behavior of honey bees. In 2017, she started her research lab on bee genetics, genomics, pollinators, and ecology. She has mentored 40 undergrad students at CSU, and published 49 peer-reviewed papers and book chapters including P.N.A.S., BMC Genomics, Insect Molecular Biology, etc. She has presented 120 talks for research. She’s on the Editorial Board of Current Research in Insect Science, and topic editor for Nature Scientific Reports, Cell Heliyon, and the Journal of Insect Science.
2024 Northeast Integrated Pest Management Research Update Conference
December 10, 2024
This conference hosted by the Northeastern IPM Center (NEIPMC) will feature updates from active projects funded by the NEIPMC’s Partnership Grants Program. In addition, the online conference will have updates from IPM-related projects funded through the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (NESARE) Program and USDA-NIFA’s Applied Research and Development Program (ARDP) and Extension Implementation Program (EIP).
The rapid style conference will feature 5-minute pre-recorded presentations in which the speakers will discuss 1 or 2 highlights from their projects followed by a live Q and A. The purpose of the conference is to increase collaboration and awareness about current IPM-related research and extension in the Northeast in a fun way.
Anyone with an internet connection is invited to watch this exciting event hosted by the Northeastern IPM Center. Below is a list of projects that will be discussed during the 90-minute event. The conference will take place via Zoom and will be recorded for later viewing.
To participate in the conference, please register at this link:
cornell.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_qMpwTwZnTcmXdmZIwX6raA
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is sharing key updates regarding the detection of HPAI H5N1 in a backyard farm operation in Crook County, Ore., as well as additional information about the agency’s proactive efforts to protect livestock, farms and communities from avian influenza.
On Wed., Oct. 30, USDA APHIS announced that H5N1 avian influenza was detected in one of the pigs at this backyard farm, that two pigs tested negative, and tests were pending for two additional pigs.? The USDA National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) has completed testing on the two remaining pigs and has confirmed that one tested positive and met the clinical case definition for HPAI H5N1. Sequencing from this positive sample, while incomplete due to the low level of the virus, indicates infection from the D1.2 genotype of H5N1.
EPA Releases Updates to Suggested Pesticide Benefits Information Submittals
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released updates to suggestions EPA provides to registrants when they develop benefits information for new conventional pesticide registrations and new outdoor uses of conventional pesticides. These suggestions can help registrants ensure they are submitting useful and complete benefits-related information, helping save time in EPA’s review of new pesticide registrations and uses.
The updated suggestions are available on EPA’s website.
Research in the News
A human isolate of bovine H5N1 is transmissible and lethal in animal models (nature.com)
The outbreak of clade 2.3.4.4b highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses of the H5N1 subtype (HPAI H5N1) in dairy cows in the US has so far resulted in spillover infections of at least thirteen farm workers1-3, who presented with mild respiratory symptoms or conjunctivitis, and one individual with no known animal exposure who was hospitalized but recovered3,4. Here, we characterized A/Texas/37/2024 (huTX37-H5N1), a virus isolated from the eyes of an infected farm worker who developed conjunctivitis5. huTX37-H5N1 replicated efficiently in primary human alveolar epithelial cells, but less efficiently in corneal epithelial cells.
Confirmation of glyphosate-resistant Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) populations in New York and responses to alternative chemistries (cambridge.org)
Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri S. Watson, AMAPA) is one of the most troublesome weeds in North America due to its rapid growth rate, substantial seed production, competitiveness and the evolution of herbicide-resistant populations. Though frequently encountered in the South, Midwest, and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States, A. palmeri was recently identified in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] fields in Genesee, Orange, and Steuben counties, NY, where glyphosate was the primary herbicide for in-crop weed control. This research, conducted in 2023, aimed to (1) describe the dose response of three putative resistant NY A. palmeri populations to glyphosate, (2) determine their mechanisms of resistance, and (3) assess their sensitivity to other postemergence herbicides commonly used in NY crop production systems. Based on the effective dose necessary to reduce aboveground biomass by 50% (ED50), the NY populations were 42 to 67 times more resistant to glyphosate compared with a glyphosate-susceptible population.
Effect of Fall- and Spring-Planted Cover Crops and Residual Herbicide on Emergence Dynamics of Glyphosate-Resistant Kochia (Bassia scoparia) (cambridge.org)
Two separate field experiments were conducted during the 2021-22 and 2022-23 growing seasons at Kansas State University Agricultural Research Center near Hays, KS to understand the emergence dynamics of glyphosate-resistant (GR) kochia [Bassia scoparia (L.) A. J. Scott] as influenced by fall- and spring-planted cover crops (CC) and residual herbicide. Study sites were under winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)-sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]-fallow rotation with a natural seedbank of GR B. scoparia. In experiment 1, fall-planted CC mixture (triticale/winter peas/radish/rapeseed) was planted after wheat harvest and terminated at triticale [xTriticosecale Wittm. Ex A. Camus [Secale x Triticum] heading stage (next spring before sorghum planting). In experiment 2, spring-planted CC mixture (oats/barley/spring peas) was planted in sorghum stubbles and terminated at oats (Avena sativa L.) heading stage.
News
Researchers Ask for Input on Soil Disinfestation Practice (extension.psu.edu)
Calling All Organic and Conventional Fruit and Vegetable Growers: Share Your Insights on Anaerobic Soil Disinfestation
We invite you to participate in an important survey conducted by the University of Florida and Penn State. This survey seeks to gather insights on Anaerobic Soil Disinfestation (ASD) practices across the United States. Your input will be instrumental in enhancing ASD methods, addressing any barriers to their adoption, and understanding your views on this innovative approach to soil health.
Kind Earth Growers Brings Natives to the Mainstream (greenhousegrower.com)
When John Mark Courtney founded Kind Earth Growers in Ottsville, PA, in early 2017, it was as much the beginning of a passion project as it was the launch of a new business. During his time as a grower at an aquatics plant company (Aquascapes Unlimited), Courtney was increasingly aware of the potential of native plants. When the opportunity came to purchase the native assets of that company, he had to take it.
Tiny soil critters play by their own rules in urban parks (news.cornell.edu)
The assortment of species of tiny soil animals – small enough to stand on the head of a pin – differ from one urban park to another, unlike plants and larger animals where a few species are often found across many parks. This suggests that park managers should tailor management strategies to achieve better soil health, according to a published study of parks in Rochester, New York.
Permethrin-Treated Uniforms Show Protection Against Tick-Borne Disease in Service Members (entomologytoday.org)
Tick-borne diseases are a serious problem in the United States, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimating there may be over 400,000 cases of Lyme disease in the country annually. Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases are also a problem for members of the U.S. military; a 2018 study found that, between 2010 to 2016, over 5,000 confirmed or suspected cases of tick-borne diseases were reported in service members.
Meanwhile, several studies have shown that application of the chemical permethrin to clothing can be effective in reducing tick bites. For example, a 2011 study found that people wearing permethrin-treated clothing had a 34-times lower chance of being bitten by ticks than people not wearing treated clothing.
Call for papers
Call for Posters: Enter to win the 2025 Student IPM Inspiration Award
Students, this is your chance to showcase your work and creativity in the field of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The 2025 Student IPM Inspiration Award Competition is open for Project Poster and Infographic submissions.
If you’ve graduated within the past 12 months, now is your chance to enter the competition and gain recognition for your work. Posters and infographics will be presented on March 5, 2025, and awards will be given for 1st, 2nd, and Honorable Mention in each IPM field.
Not a student? The Poster Session is a prime opportunity to share your IPM work. Poster abstracts will be showcased at the IPM Symposium and published on the event website! Your work will gain international exposure to leading IPM scientists, students, industry leaders, and practitioners.
Submissions are due by November 8, 2024. For submission guidelines, example posters, and other helpful resources, click here.
Webinars, seminars, meetings, and more
Grape Integrated Pest Management Coordinator Interview
Johanna Elsensohn, USDA-APHIS
New York State Integrated Pest Management
Monday, November 11, 9:30 – 10:30 am, 210 Jordan Hall in AgriTech & Zoom
Grape Integrated Pest Management Coordinator Interview
Gabriel A. Torres-Londono, Helena Agri- Enterprises
New York State Integrated Pest Management
Thursday, November 14, 9:30 – 10:30 am, A134 Barton Lab in AgriTech & Zoom
New Pesticide Mitigations, Labels, and Bulletins (Oh My!)
On Wednesday, November 20, the North Central IPM Center will hold a webinar called, “New Pesticide Mitigations, Labels, and Bulletins (Oh My!)” featuring Dr. Gretchen Paluch, Pesticide Bureau Chief, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. The webinar will be held from 1:30 to 3:00 pm ET (12:30 to 2:00 pm CT) and will outline what options landowners and pesticide applicators have in order to continue using insecticides, fungicides and herbicides for pest management.
Previously featured
Introduction to the Business of Flower Farming
By the end of this course, you will identify essential questions to ask when making decisions regarding your cut flower operation and learn to:
- Understand the seasonal cycles of a flower farm
- Understand the basics of production techniques and growing season management of pests, weeds, and diseases
- Generate several ideas of what species you could grow, where you could sell them, and whether these ideas are viable
Webinars
The bulk of the course happens on your own time, with discussions, readings, and non-graded review quizzes in Teachable, our virtual classroom. To add to the experience, live webinars will be woven into the online interface of the course to allow you to meet on a weekly basis to learn from outside presenters and ask questions to address your farm issues in real time. If you miss one, they are always recorded and posted for later viewing.
Webinar Schedule
In 2024, this course will be offered live for 6-weeks on Mondays from 6:30 – 8:00 PM (Eastern) from November 4 – December 9. While we encourage live attendance, so you have the opportunity to engage with presenters and ask questions, all webinars are recorded and posted in the online classroom to watch anytime. Once enrolled in this course, you will retain access to all materials indefinitely and can return to participate in the live webinars in future offerings of the course if you wish. Join us!
INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT FOR ARBORISTS AND FORESTERS (90-minute webinar)
Trees are an integral part of our ecosystem, but they face many threats from invasive insects and diseases. Keeping trees healthy using integrated pest management (IPM) requires an understanding of the tree species and the pests that can cause harm. This?free?webinar?will provide information on identifying common symptoms of unhealthy trees and IPM-based tactics, including biopesticides, for controlling various tree pests. Experts will focus on IPM approaches to maintenance and pest management for trees in urban, suburban, and park settings.
Tue, Nov 19, 2024 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM EST
Biocontrol School – In-Person Event
Penn State Extension is hosting an in-person Biocontrol School for anyone interested in learning about biological control and sustainable pest management. The event will take place on December 5, 2024, starting at 8:30 a.m. Eastern, at the Farm and Home Center in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Speakers from Penn State Extension, BioWorks, Certis, IPM Labs, and Koppert will introduce attendees to various groups of biological control agents (beneficial insects, fungi, etc.). The workshop features a great lineup of experts who will provide valuable background information and practical advice on implementing biological control measures.
For details about the Biocontrol School, including registration, agenda, continuing education credits (CEUs), and more, please visit the event page.
Registration fee: $85 | Registration deadline: November 30
For more information and to register, visit: https://extension.psu.edu/biocontrol-school
The Entomology Seminar is generally held weekly on Thursdays from 11:05 AM to 12:05 PM. Please check the schedule because some meetings are held on different dates and times*
November 21st, 11:05 AM - 12:05 PM
2123 Comstock/Zoom & A137 Barton Lab (speaker will be in person)
Speaker: Marc Dionne, Imperial College, London
Costs and consequences of peptide-based immunity
Host: CIHMID, Brian Lazzaro
December 5th, 11:05 AM - 12:05 PM
2123 Comstock/Zoom & A137 Barton Lab (speaker will be in person)
Speaker: Brandy St. Laurent, Cornell University
Thermal suitability of Plasmodium falciparum infection in the urban malaria vector Anopheles stephensi under variable humidity
Host: Courtney Murdock
Join New York State Integrated Pest Management at Cornell University for our monthly seminar series designed to increase awareness of new research and techniques that advance Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and its adoption in all types of pest management settings.
Urban rodents and human health
Speaker
Caroline Bragdon, NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
Date: December 4, 2024
Time: 11:15 am - 12:15 pm
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!
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:
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
For more than four decades, the NOFA-NY Winter Conference has convened farmers, food system professionals, educators, advocates, homesteaders, and gardeners who are passionate about building a better food system. Mutual support and the generous exchange of knowledge is a hallmark of the NOFA-NY community as we remain true to our vision of a just and resilient farming system grounded in a diverse community now and for future generations.
Saturday, January 18, 2025 at SUNY Morrisville
2025 30-HOUR PESTICIDE CERTIFICATION COURSE
January 22, 2025; January 24, 2025; January 27, 2025; January 29, 2025; January 31, 2025
This program is designed and approved by the DEC to meet the requirements to become a Commercial Pesticide Technician in category 3a,3b,or 25 after passing the exam. We will cover many topics including how to read a pesticide label, personal protective equipment, integrated pest management, common pests and disease in turf and ornamentals as well as vertebrate pests.
Flyer and registration: 30_hour_course_final_with_25-9-18-24.pdf
CERTIFIED TREE STEWARD TRAINING 2025
April 22, 2025; April 23, 2025; April 25, 2025; April 28, 2025; April 30, 2025; May 2, 2025
The Tree Steward Program is a comprehensive workshop dealing with arboriculture. Through both classroom learning and outdoor exercises, the participants will learn all about tree biology, identification, pruning, planting, rigging and much more. Personal protection as well as tree protection will be emphasized.
Flyer and registration: 2025 Westchester County Tree Steward Training
Registration is now open for the 11th International IPM Symposium!
Register early to take advantage of the lowest rates! Super early bird pricing is available now through November 22nd. After that, prices will increase, so be sure to register soon to secure the best deal.
-
- Full Conference or Single-Day Attendance: Whether you plan to join us for the entire symposium or just a day, we have flexible registration options to suit your schedule.
-
- Attend over 100 presentations, panels, and workshops: Engage in conversation with top experts on cutting-edge IPM research and innovation covering hot topics including Agriculture, Public Health, Built Environments, Landscape, and Forest/Conservation.
-
- Field Trips: Sign up for one of our three excursions and explore the IPM practices of the Port of San Diego, the Midway Naval Museum, or UC San Diego.
-
- Professional Development Workshops: Expand your expertise with our Thursday afternoon IPM Evaluation Workshop or Rodent Short Course!
-
- Student Discounts: We are pleased to offer discounted registration rates and exclusive activities for students.
-
- Participate in the Poster Session: The Poster Session is one of the International IPM Symposium’s most popular sessions showcasing professional, academic and student talent from around the globe. Abstract submission for posters will begin shortly and will close November 8, 2024.
-
- Visit our website for more detailed information about our program, speakers, webinars, travel.
If you have any questions or you’d like to get involved, contact us at ipmsymposium@ipminstitute.org.
Assistant Director-Finance and Business Services
The Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture seeks to fill the Assistant Director of Finance & Administration position. The candidate will work in the Departmental Business Office team to oversee the day-to-day management of Sponsored Awards, in coordination with the Program Management Specialist.
The candidate will administer requests for new hires/positions for contractual positions funded on Sponsored Research projects and Lecturer contracts. The incumbent will also coordinate with the Business Office team to support departmental budget reports, ensuring the department’s financial integrity and maintaining long-term financial planning and projections.
This position will also be a backup reviewer/approver for travel requests and departmental inventory tracking. The Assistant Director will report directly to the Director of Financial Services and will work closely with the Department Chair, staff, and faculty (and necessary Departmental stakeholders), College-level administrative officers, and administrative personnel across campus to successfully execute the duties of this position.
JIFSAN, a joint program of the University of Maryland and the U.S. FDA, is seeking a full-time Post-Doctoral Associate position within the FDA Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN). The incumbent will participate in applied regulatory research studying the potential for marine and freshwater natural toxin contamination in FDA-regulated products. The primary focus will be on freshwater cyanotoxins in products that either include cyanobacteria or extracts of cyanobacteria (e.g., foods and dietary supplements), or are exposed to cyanobacteria or cyanotoxin-contaminated waters during their production (e.g., seafood and produce).
Successful candidates for this research position will be responsible for utilizing biological, chemical, and/or toxicological knowledge and experience to inform scientific and regulatory decisions regarding the safety of FDA-regulated products from contamination with marine and freshwater natural toxins. The primary focus of this research opportunity will be on products containing freshwater cyanobacteria or extracts of cyanobacteria directly or are exposed to cyanobacteria or cyanotoxin-contaminated waters during their production. Additional opportunities to participate in research related to marine natural toxins (i.e. saxitoxin, domoic acid, okadaic acid, etc.) will also be possible. Specific duties will include method development and validation, as well as potential
product screening in a range of FDA-regulated products. Candidates will have the opportunity to interact with a variety of state and Federal agencies within their area of study.
Bioresource Soil Science and Management
The School of Integrative Plant Science (SIPS) in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Cornell University welcomes applications for a 9-month, full-time tenure-track position in Bioresource Soil Science and Management at the assistant professor level. The primary production that sustains human life begins and ends with the soil. Yet, degradation of soil health caused by emerging contaminants and agricultural intensification threaten the sustainability of our production systems. Biomass residual resources, such as food waste, human and animal waste, and other plant and animal materials, are often decoupled from production sites, resulting in degradation of soil health and reliance on chemical fertilizers to maintain fertility. Moreover, this decoupling generates waste streams that promote eutrophication of inland and coastal waters. As we reduce fossil fuel usage and increase the circularity of materials flows, there is a demand for research and education related to the management of bioresources in agricultural systems. Relevant research topics include: the effect of organic residuals on soil health and fertility, assessing and mitigating risks caused by the presence of emerging contaminants in residuals applied to soil, developing strategies for improving organics recycling and reuse. This position will serve as a bridge between bioresource producers and consumers, while safeguarding our land, water, and air from the hazard of legacy contaminants and associated toxicological concerns.
Assistant Professor, Tenure Track
The School of Integrative Plant Science (SIPS) in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Cornell University is seeking a plant-microbe interactions scientist, whose research takes a systems approach to fill key knowledge gaps in plant-microbe interaction biology in the context of a changing climate. The successful candidate’s research will show strong promise of establishing predictive principles and foundational knowledge key to innovating for sustainable plant health. Example areas of inquiry include, but are not limited to: (a) the dynamic effects of changing abiotic stresses (heat, drought, flooding, cold, extreme weather events), agricultural and landscape management practices, and plant genetics on plant-associated microbial communities; (b) effects of the environment (micro- to macro-) on detection, signaling, and responses in plant-microbe and plant-microbe-microbe interactions; (c) structural and functional diversity at the molecular interface between plants and microbes across populations, genotypes, and environments over space and time, to understand specificity and evolution of pathogenic and beneficial associations; (d) impacts of microbes on plant physiology, biochemistry, development, and immunity and in turn on plant and soil microbiomes and how those impacts affect resilience of individual plants, populations, or ecosystems; and (e) mechanisms by which plant-associated microbial communities alter plant productivity, nutrition, metabolite production, and/or tolerance to biotic (pathogen, insect) and/or abiotic (climate, nutrient, pollution) stressors. The successful candidate will integrate cutting-edge approaches, such as metagenomics, multi-OMICs, single cell technologies, genome editing of plants and microbial communities, advanced imaging and other non-destructive sensing, systems modeling, machine learning, and others, at any spatial or temporal scale, ranging from molecules and cells to populations and ecosystems, nanoseconds to decades. They will collaborate broadly, across disciplines, to support translation of findings to pressing challenges in applied plant and agricultural sciences. In addition to their research program, the individual in this position will enhance course offerings by incorporating climate change into plant health- and plant microbiome-centered topics. In that role, the person will be expected both to develop new courses and to collaborate to enrich the content of existing courses.
Tenure-Track: Assistant Professor in Acarology
The Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University invites applications for an Assistant Professor of Entomology in Acarology. This is a nine-month, full-time, tenure-track appointment specialization in Acarology, located on the Texas A&M campus in College Station, TX. This position has duties in Research, Teaching, and Service with approximately a 60%, 30%, and 10% distribution of effort, respectively. However, the appointment may change in accordance with Departmental needs. The anticipated start date is August 1, 2025.
Previously featured
This position is located within the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Northeast Area (NEA), at the Food Systems Research Unit in Burlington, VT.
In this position, you will help to improve the environmental, economic, and social sustainability of Northeast food systems while enhancing human nutrition.
Cornell Botanic Gardens- Gardener S08-IPM Assistant- College of Agricultural & Life Sciences
This position is full time (39 hours) year-round. Under direct supervision of the Greenhouse Supervisor assist the IPM Coordinator by scouting, diagnosing, treating, and working with garden staff on plant health care issues using cultural, biological, mechanical, and chemical control strategies to reduce pests to tolerable levels across all areas of the greenhouses and outdoor gardens. This work requires a general understanding of horticultural practices, plant-pest interactions, diverse pest management techniques and pesticide application equipment. This individual will conduct soil samples, implement a variety of application and inoculation techniques, keep records of pest and disease emergence dates, and apply appropriate pest/disease controls throughout the botanic gardens and arboretum. Using Integrated Pest Management approaches, work with IPM Coordinator to make judgements on best strategies for pest/disease diagnosis, control, and plant health. Maintain scouting reports and treatment notes for outdoor and greenhouse collections into appropriate electronic software programs. Assist the IPM Coordinator by engaging with organizations such as but not limited to the Sentinel Plant Network and Northeastern IPM Center to develop proactive pest prevention care for collections. Maintain the functional plantings at designated areas including but not limited to the Harris Slope and DeCoursey stairs. Maintain demonstration plantings that promote sustainable practices regarding pest management, tree/lawn maintenance, and ecosystem health including but not limited to living mulch tree rings and pollinator strips. Attend conferences or classes to continually pursue professional development within the field. Participate in meetings regarding job priorities, projects, garden reviews, and occasionally hiring committees. Participate in outdoor demonstrations and classes for our priority audiences on scouting techniques and pest and disease identification, and other plant health care issues. This position requires flexibility and will be required to work some weekends and holidays to meet the needs of the department. Assist gardening staff with busy season planting and mulching workloads. Ensure that all protocols and procedures adhere to safety requirements, NY State and Federal environmental laws.
Instructional Assistant Professor/Lecturer
The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is creating an environment that affirms community across all dimensions. We particularly welcome applicants who can contribute to such an environment through their scholarship, teaching, mentoring, and professional service. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800-955-8771 (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF .
This is a 12-month, non-tenure-accruing, Instructional Assistant Professor/Lecturer track faculty position that will be 100% teaching housed in the Entomology and Nematology Department within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences at the University of Florida. A successful candidate with a Ph.D. degree would be eligible to use the ‘Instructional Assistant Professor’ working title.
Faculty Specialist (Risk Analysis Program Director)
The successful candidate will serve as the Risk Analysis Program Director for the Joint Institute for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (JIFSAN). This position is primarily responsible for overseeing and advancing the JIFSAN Risk Analysis Program, which offers a wide array of educational, outreach, and research opportunities tailored to food safety professionals, students, and faculty across diverse disciplines. The JIFSAN Risk Analysis Program integrates several interrelated initiatives, including the Summer Integrated Program in Food Safety Risk Analysis, Professional Development Training via Distance Learning, and Customized Training in Food Safety Risk Analysis. Key responsibilities for this role include providing strategic direction, managing day-to-day operations, and ensuring the successful implementation of all program activities. Additionally, the Director will be expected to teach at least one Food Safety Risk Analysis Professional Development course, contributing directly to the professional growth of participants in the field.
Assistant Professor - Agroecology
The Stockbridge School of Agriculture at the University of Massachusetts Amherst invites applications for a tenure-track position in Agroecology at the rank of Assistant Professor. This position is a full-time, 9-month appointment with a distribution of responsibilities including 40% research, 40% teaching, and 20% service. The successful candidate will be a full member of the University’s faculty and will contribute to advancing sustainable agricultural systems and addressing global food and environmental challenges through their research and teaching in agroecology.
We seek a dynamic candidate with strong commitment to research, teaching, and service in agroecology, working to achieve resilient, just, and sustainable food systems. The candidate will be expected to develop a vigorous, externally funded research program in areas including but not limited to sustainable farming practices, agronomy, agroecosystem management, soil health, chemical ecology, plant-microbe interactions, ecological pest management emphasizing biological controls, climate adaptation of agricultural systems, resilience in food systems, social equity in food production, and the interaction of economic, social and biological principles in agriculture.
For more details on qualifications and application instructions, click HERE.
Assistant Professor - Urban and Managed Landscapes
The Stockbridge School of Agriculture at the University of Massachusetts Amherst is seeking talented candidates for a 9-month, full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor position. This role will have a distribution of effort comprising 40% Research, 40% Teaching, and 20% Service, focusing on urban managed landscapes. Under exceptional circumstances, highly qualified candidates at other ranks may receive consideration. Massachusetts is the third most densely populated state in the US, and there is increasing demand for accessible greenspaces and recreational areas in urban areas. Turfgrasses are an important component of urban greenspaces, with the turf and related urban landscape industry representing a prominent economic engine for Massachusetts.
The faculty member is expected to develop an interdisciplinary, nationally recognized, integrated program focused on sustainable urban landscape management. Areas of emphasis may include emerging technologies that enable precise water and nutrient management, incorporating resilient turfgrass and ornamental plants in urban green spaces, turfgrass-soil interactions, and weed biology and management.
For more details on qualifications and application instructions, click HERE.
PhD Positions in Environmental Data Science and Invasion Ecology
The Integrative Ecology Lab at Temple University has multiple PhD student positions available for Fall 2025. These positions offer students an exciting chance to work at the epicenter of a recent high-impact invasion, utilizing a combination of field research, data science, and ecological modeling.
Positions: PhD Graduate Students
Department: Biology Department, Temple University
Start Date: Fall 2025
Location: Philadelphia, PA, USA
Funding: Fully funded, Competitive Salary and Benefits
Interviews: Virtual interviews are conducted on a rolling basis,
Application Deadline: October 15th (introductory email), December 15 (graduate school application)
Penn State Extension Associate Director of Programs (University Park, PA)
Penn State Extension is seeking an Associate Director of Programs to coordinate programming efforts and ensure Penn State Extension develops and delivers high-quality, relevant, and impactful extension educational programs, products, and services. This senior-level leadership position will provide daily oversight in the development and implementation of a customer-centric, innovative business strategy that meets the mission of the land-grant university and will be an integral part of Extension’s Senior Administrative Team. Review of applications will begin in late October.
Postdoctoral Research Associate - EAB
Dr. John J. Daigle, Professor in the School of Forest Resources at the University of Maine is seeking applicants for a postdoctoral position research scholar with a strong social science and forest management background. This is a full-time position that will provide an individual who has recently been awarded a doctorate to undertake the responsibilities of community engagement and research. The position will include outreach and communications for collaboration in sustaining brown ash as a component of forest environments.
Assistant Professor in Global Change Ecology
The Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation in the College of Natural Resources and Environment at Virginia Tech invites applicants for the position of assistant professor in global change ecology as part of a campus-wide hiring initiative focusing on the grand challenge of invasive species. We seek a candidate with interest and experience in invasion science through the lens of invasion ecology, ecosystem disturbance, and/or novelty in terrestrial ecosystems. This is a full-time, tenure-track, 9-month appointment with primary responsibilities in research and teaching. The Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation is committed to building an inclusive community through programs and activities that are integrated into our research, education, and outreach efforts. We welcome applications from persons identifying with groups underrepresented within the discipline, including but not limited to, Black, Indigenous, people of color, first-generation, and underrepresented genders.
As part of a campus-wide cluster hire on invasive species, the Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation in the College of Natural Resources and the Environment at Virginia Tech seeks applicants for a 9-month, tenure-track, research (60%), teaching (30%), and service (10%) position at the Assistant or Associate Professor rank. The successful candidate will study fish or wildlife populations using cutting-edge genetic/genomic tools to improve detection, identification, rapid response, management, and/or eradication of invasive species. Possible areas of research could include the use of environmental DNA, metabarcoding, genomics, proteomics, transcriptomics, gene editing, or related approaches for studying invasive species that affect fish or wildlife populations.
The successful candidate will teach undergraduate and graduate courses in their area of expertise in the department. Advising and mentoring both graduate and undergraduate students is required. Participation in departmental, college, and university affairs and collaboration with faculty both within the department and across the university is expected.
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) and the College of Science (COS) at Virginia Tech are inviting applications for a 9-month (academic year) tenure-track research and teaching position at the Associate or Full Professor level in applied economics with a focus on invasive and other harmful species. This broadly encompasses any species that pose threats to terrestrial and / or aquatic ecosystems, impact markets, economic decision-making and outcomes. The academic home for this position will be either the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics (in CALS), the Department of Economics (in COS), or a joint appointment in both. The position also carries expectations for funding summer activities through external grants, teaching, or other mechanisms. The successful candidate will have proficiency in theoretical, analytical, and quantitative tools and methods to tackle complex problems as part of a campus-wide invasive species cluster hire.
The Specialist will be part of College of Agriculture & Natural Resources (AGNR) and University of Maryland Extension (UME) and work closely with the Environment and Natural Resource team, to provide leadership for natural resource and environmental management related programs. It is the responsibility of the Specialist to be self-motivated and work intentionally and collaboratively with partners to increase the visibility and reach of Extension programs that are specifically designed to meet the needs of diverse audiences. The Specialist will use a variety of delivery and communication strategies appropriate for the intended target audience, including but not limited to conferences, workshops, classes, demonstration projects, websites, webinars, social media, publications, and mass media. The faculty member will be on track for tenure and promotion to a higher rank in accordance with UMD policy and UME tenure guidelines within the timeframe defined and will perform teaching, scholarship, and service requirements of a University of Maryland faculty member. In carrying out these duties, the individual reports to the Program Leader & Assistant Director, Environmental, Natural Resources, and Sea Grant Program.
The Specialist will report to the Assistant Director and Program Leader of the Environmental and Natural Resource Program.
Statewide Coordinator (Nutrient Management Advisor)
University of Maryland Extension (UME) Agriculture and Food Systems (AgFS) Program seeks candidates for a 12-month Agricultural Nutrient Management Program (ANMP) Nutrient Management Advisor. ANMP Nutrient Management Advisors develop nutrient management plans for agricultural producers to balance nutrient inputs with crop requirements, thus optimizing production potential, improving farm profitability, reducing excess nutrient inputs into the Chesapeake Bay and enabling producers to comply with the State of Maryland’s Water Quality Improvement Act of 1998.
SARE Seeks Web Services Developer
Through the activities described below, the Web Services Developer will help develop, manage and maintain the IT systems for national SARE programs.
The Web Services Developer will assist the national SARE program to maintain web-based IT systems that support online content management and the creation of modern educational resources for SARE grantees, grant managers, communication specialists and outside stakeholders by enhancing the functionality and usability of online content and maintaining system security. The position will be employed through UMD’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, at College Park, Md. They will report to the SARE Associate Director and work under the guidance of SARE’s IT Director to collaboratively support all NRCCO colleagues and SARE’s national partners. The Web Services Developer will also be responsible for providing IT support to SARE’s Food Loss and Waste National Grant and Training and Technical Assistance (FLW) program. This is a new, temporary program that requires similar IT support and focus to all SARE grant and outreach programs, but with specific needs required by the USDA NIFA to uphold its FLW program priorities.
Overall, the Web Services Developer will improve SARE’s ability to advance our digital outreach capacity, efficiency and effectiveness to SARE regional partners, national stakeholders and the public.
Extension Entomologists (2 positions)
The Department of Biology at Utah State University (USU) seeks applicants for two tenure track faculty positions (Assistant Professor rank) in entomology. One position will focus on insect pests in horticultural crops of Utah (fruit, vegetables and nursery) and the other in agronomic crops (alfalfa, small grains, corn) and turf. The successful candidates will be expected to establish Extension and research programs related to insect pests in horticultural and agronomic crop production systems in UT reflecting USU’s land grant mission. The positions will have a role assignment of 50% Extension, 45% Research, and 5% Service. There is no teaching expectation for these positions, and they are not eligible for remote work. The successful candidates have the option to secure an additional one-month salary from external funding such as grant awards. Review of applicants will begin October 1, 2024, and will continue until the positions are filled, with a tentative start of August 1, 2025.
Agent, Regional Watershed Restoration Specialist
University of Maryland
The University of Maryland College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR) is a leading Land-Grant institution providing teaching, research, and Extension programs through University of Maryland Extension (UME) to a diverse clientele in the State of Maryland and beyond. UME seeks to fill a 12-month, tenure-track faculty position in watershed-based education with a particular focus on green infrastructure and nature-based solutions at individual and community landscape levels. The Regional Watershed Specialist for the Capital Cluster will work in the Anne Arundel, Charles, and Prince George’s counties of Maryland as well as statewide to provide non-formal education and technical assistance to stakeholders, including local and county governments, watershed groups, communities, and individuals. Education programming will focus on practices that improve water quality and quantity at the local level that lead to quantifiable reductions in non-point sources of pollution as well as improvement of water quantity/quality issues in the face of changing climate, increasing catastrophic weather events and intensities in a rapidly urbanizing region and state. The educator will be a member of the University of Maryland Extension’s Watershed Protection and Restoration Program (WPRP), consisting of faculty members with similar education responsibilities in other regions of the state. The educator will work closely with the Maryland Sea Grant Program (MDSG) to assist with implementing strategic Sea Grant initiatives that emphasize environmental justice and climate resiliency.
Funding Opportunities
Title: Finger Lakes Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISM)
Agency: Environmental Conservation, NYS Department of
Division: Division of Fiscal Management
Contract Number: C013469
CR Number: 2115606
Contract Term: January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2028
Date of Issue: 11/08/2024
Due Date/Time: 12/03/2024 11:00 AM
County(ies): Broome, Cayuga, Chemung, Chenango, Cortland, Livingston, Madison,
Monroe, Onondaga, Ontario, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Tioga, Tompkins,
Wayne, Yates
Classification(s): Environmental - Consulting & Other Services
Opportunity Type: General
Description: The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is seeking
proposals for the administration of the Finger Lakes Partnership for Regional
Invasive Species Management (PRISM).
This RFP is for administration of the Finger Lakes Partnership for Regional
Invasive Species Management (PRISM) which is one of eight (8) PRISMs across
New York State. The geographic area within the PRISM boundaries includes
Broome, Cayuga, Chemung, Chenango, Tompkins, Tioga, Steuben, Wayne,
Yates, Cortland, Livingston, Madison, Monroe, Onondaga, Ontario, Schuyler and
Seneca Counties, although work across PRISM boundaries may be required
from time to time. The mission of the Finger Lakes PRISM is as follows: “The
Finger Lakes PRISM mission is to reduce the introduction, spread, and impact of
invasive species within the Finger Lakes PRISM region through coordinated
education, detection, prevention, and control measures. ”
Pursuant to the State Finance Law Sections 139-j and 139-k, this RFP includes
and imposes certain restrictions on communications between a Governmental
Entity and a Proposer during the procurement process. Further information
about these requirements, including a copy of the new lobbying law, can be
found at: http://www.ogs.ny.gov/acpl/.
All correspondence and/or questions relating to this RFP should be directed to
the Department’s designated contact person.
Please note, telegraphic or other electronically transferred bids are not
acceptable.
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Set Aside: No
Total MWBE Participation Goals: 0%
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Contracting Goal: 0%
Disadvantaged Owned Sub-Contracting Goal: 0%
Business entities awarded an identical or substantially similar
procurement contract within the past five years: Hobart and William Smith Colleges
Primary contact: Environmental Conservation, NYS Department of
Division of Lands & Forests
Dave Adams
Biologist 2 (Ecology)
625 Broadway, 5th Floor
Albany, NY 12233-4253
United States
Ph: 518-402-9149
Submit to
contact:
Environmental Conservation, NYS Department of
Division of Fiscal Management
Justin Lennox
Associate Accountant
625 Broadway
10th Floor
Albany, NY 12233-5027
United States
Ph: 518-402-0633
Previously featured
The 2025 Northeastern IPM Center's IPM Partnership Grants RFA was revised on October 3, 2024.
The revised RFA is soliciting proposals only for 6-month projects starting 3/1/25 and ending by 8/31/25. The deadline for proposal submissions is November 14, 2024.
The Northeastern Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Center has opened its annual request for applications (RFA) for projects seeking funding through the IPM Partnership Grants Program in 2025, with an application deadline of November 14, 2024.
IPM Partnership Grants Program
The IPM Partnership Grants Program supports three project types: IPM Applied Research, IPM Working Groups, and IPM Communications.
Up to $160,000 in total will be available for 2025, generally with a maximum of $40,000 per award, although projects that meet the criteria for a diversity-focused competitive preference priority may apply for up to an additional $10,000.
Funded projects are expected to contribute significantly to the adoption and/or development of IPM in one or more of the Center’s Signature Programs while addressing one or more of the Center’s cross-cutting issues (https://www.northeastipm.org/about-us/signature-programs/).
There is a 6-month time limit on funded projects.
Informational webinar
Visit https://neipmc.org/go/partnership for more information.
Learn more or apply
• IPM Partnership Grants Program: https://neipmc.org/go/partnership
• Northeastern IPM Center Signature Programs and cross-cutting issues: https://www.northeastipm.org/about-us/signature-programs/
The recording and slides from October 9th’s informational webinar can be found at the following link:
https://neipmc.org/go/rfawebinar2024
The Center’s grants programs are supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA-NIFA).
2025 Funds Available from the North Central IPM Center
You are invited to apply for funding from the North Central Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Center. Funding is available for Community Initiative projects, Critical Issue research projects, and Working Group projects focused on integrated pest management. Funding for selected projects will be awarded in March of 2025.
Funding of these projects supports the North Central IPM Center’s mission to improve the health, environment and economic conditions in the North Central region while using IPM to address pest-related challenges. This mission directly accomplishes the goals of the National IPM Roadmap.
Funding Categories
- Community
- Working Groups
- Critical Issues
The Community Initiative request for applications (RFA) is new this year to help underserved communities. Activities may include developing and delivering educational outreach programs to youth or adults; increasing access to effective IPM practices and resources; or conducting research that addresses specific IPM challenges faced by a community in the North Central region.
The Critical Issue and Working Group projects share the same RFA. Critical Issue projects can fulfill research or resource needs focused on disease, weed, or insect issues impacting crops, human health, or safety. Working Group projects should focus on increasing collaboration in the North Central region to address an IPM challenge.
Funding Amounts
The Center has approximately $360,000 to award and expects to fund about 13 projects. Each project may receive up to $30,000 for a 12-month period.
Deadline
Friday, November 22, 2024, at 6 pm ET (5 pm CT).
Getting Started
Applicants are encouraged to use Center priorities for inspiration during planning efforts. A Q&A webinar will be held on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at 10:00 ET (9:00 AM CT). Be sure to register in advance. Questions may also be sent to northcentral@ncipmc.org.
The Southern Integrated Pest Management Center is pleased to announce the release of the 2025 Southern IPM Grants Request for Applications (RFA). Deadline for proposals is Friday, November 22, 2024 at 5 PM Eastern Time.
Our annual competitive grants program, Southern IPM Grants, regionally address Global Food Security challenges including invasive species, endangered species, pest resistance, and impacts resulting from regulatory actions. We use a competitive process each year to solicit and select projects for funding.
We recommend reading through the entire RFA before beginning your planning and to give yourself ample time to enter your information into our online grant management system. Any changes to the RFA from last year are in red font. Notable changes for the 2025 RFA include new application requirement questions, edited and new proposal evaluation measures, and small changes to forms (cover and assurances, budget narrative, and budget justification).
Funding Categories
- Seed Projects
- Capstone Projects
- Working Groups (New or Continuing)
Funding Amounts
Targeted total funding for all Seed, Capstone, and Working Group projects is $250,000. Most projects are limited to $30,000 although in special circumstances IPM Working Group proposals may qualify for up to $40,000 per proposal.
Timeline
The review panel for Southern IPM Grants sits in mid-January to make decisions regarding the funding of proposals. Applicants will be notified in a timely manner so projects can begin on March 1.
Specialty Crop Research Initiative
The purpose of the Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI) program is to address the critical needs of the specialty crop industry by awarding grants to support research and extension that address key challenges of national, regional, and multi-state importance in sustaining all components of food and agriculture, including conventional and organic food production systems. Projects must address at least one of five focus areas:
Research in plant breeding, genetics, genomics, and other methods to improve crop characteristics
Efforts to identify and address threats from pests and diseases, including threats to specialty crop pollinators
Efforts to improve production efficiency, handling and processing, productivity, and profitability over the long term (including specialty crop policy and marketing)
New innovations and technology, including improved mechanization and technologies that delay or inhibit ripening
Methods to prevent, detect, monitor, control, and respond to potential food safety hazards in the production efficiency, handling and processing of specialty crops
Closing date: November 8, 2024