IPM News and Events Roundup 11/5/2021
A weekly collection of IPM news, webinars, employment and funding opportunities and more from the NE IPM Center. If you have IPM-related research, events or other IPM news you would like to have included, please email me at nec2@cornell.edu. If you would like to subscribe to the weekly Roundup, please email northeastipm@cornell.edu. Past Roundups are archived here.
How did this tomato virus become a global crop pandemic?
In the last years, a new viral tomato disease has emerged, threatening tomato production worldwide. This is caused by the Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV), a member of a devastating group of plant viruses called tobamoviruses. ToBRFV overcomes all known tobamovirus resistance in tomato, including the one conferred by Tm-22, a resistance gene responsible for the stable resistance to these viruses for more than 60 years. In a study recently published in the Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions (MPMI), journal, Dr. Ziv Spiegelman and Dr. Hagit Hak explored the molecular mechanism by which this emerging virus was able to successfully break this resistance and become a devastating global crop pandemic.
Embracing the Future: Promoting adaptation and resilience to invasive species and climate change
The accumulating effects of climate change, invasive species, or interacting effects of multiple disturbances can push an ecosystem past a tipping point and into a new ecological state. These alternative states are characterized by a different suite of species or functions, which are difficult or impossible to recover from (e.g. a shift from a closed-canopy to an open-canopy forested wetland). Actions to increase resilience help an ecosystem to maintain or return to its fundamental structure or function after a disturbance.
Neopestalotiopsis disease in strawberry a growing concern
If you grow strawberry or are somehow related to the strawberry industry, you must have heard about a new emerging disease, Pestalotia leaf spot and fruit rot, caused by the fungus Neopestalotiopsis sp. The taxonomy of this pathogen is confusing because it has gone through multiple reclassifications over the years, and it requires genetic (DNA) characterization. Researchers in Florida and Israel first reported a strawberry fruit rot caused by Pestalotia longisetula, subsequently reclassified as Pestalotiopsis longisetula. According to recent studies, isolates previously reported as Pestalotiopsis longisetula should be identified as Neopestalotiopsis rosae.
November Western IPM Newsletter is out!
Stories include museum IPM, harvest weed-seed control, and information about their upcoming grants webinar.
Northeast Vector-Borne Disease Lab newsletter is here.
As usual, chock full of items of interest: Heartland virus transmission in Suffolk County NY via lone star tick; Insects Journal accepting tick manuscripts; employment opps and more.
Wait! Bison grazing is bad for grassland birds?
Last week, while working remotely, Chris saw a story pop up on the home page of Google.com. It was an article on Sciencex.com, a site where researchers can write popular media articles about their own research. The title of the article was very provocative: “No home where the buffalo roam? Birds decline after bison return to conservation grasslands.” The article, which you can read here, was written by two of the authors of a peer-reviewed journal publication on the same research project. Because he was short on time, he skimmed through the article and was immediately bothered by the way the authors seemed to be interpreting and extrapolating their results and made a note to read the full journal article later. When he had the time to focus, Chris re-read the article on ScienceX, as well as the original journal article, which you can find here. He had a number of concerns about how they portrayed their results.
Chicory, also commonly called blue daisy, coffeeweed, and corn flower, is a forb in the Asteraceae family. It is native to Europe and has been reported in nearly all states and provinces of North America. Chicory is a species that receives mixed reviews from humans—some people consider it weedy while others celebrate its showy, blue flowers and edible and medicinal qualities. It can be weedy where disturbance is frequent, like roadsides, field edges, and waste areas, but it typically does not invade natural areas. Regardless of your perception of chicory, its flowers are arguably beautiful, and it has an interesting and storied history.
Robot Pollinator created as a backup for declining insect populations
The shortage of natural pollinators, such as bees, is threatening global food production around the world, making it difficult to feed an ever-growing human population. Researchers at West Virginia University have come up with a plan B to this decline in pollinators by creating a robotic pollinator.
Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings
OSHA is initiating rulemaking to protect indoor and outdoor workers from hazardous heat and is interested in obtaining additional information about the extent and nature of hazardous heat in the workplace and the nature and effectiveness of interventions and controls used to prevent heat-related injury and illness. This ANPRM provides an overview of the problem of heat stress in the workplace and of measures that have been taken to prevent it. This ANPRM also seeks information on issues that OSHA can consider in developing the standard, including the scope of the standard and the types of controls that might be required. Comments can be submitted through Dec 27, 2021.
International IPM Symposium poster abstracts due November 12th
Use this opportunity to share your IPM work
Ancestor’s microbiome may help corn resist insect pests
If teosinte’s microbiome holds answers for insect resistance in corn, seeking those answers in teosinte’s internal microbiome has several advantages to looking toward root surfaces or the soil. Teosinte’s internal microbiome must be compatible with the plant’s innate immune system. Hence, this microbial community is less likely to contain pathogens and more likely to contain species that would thrive in corn and benefit the crop.
USDA-ARS Announces PoPS: The data-Driven decision Making tool
The team has been working alongside researchers at North Carolina State University to develop the Pest or Pathogen Spread (PoPS) forecast, a probabilistic simulation of invasive pest and pathogen spread. PoPS is an online computer model that simulates pest spread and pest management activities on a web map. “The cool thing about PoPS is that you can also simulate control strategies,” said Devon Gaydos, the project’s lead PAAT analyst. “With PoPS, decision makers can iteratively explore what-if scenarios. What if we use a different treatment? What if we treat different locations? What if our budget changes? PoPS can help answer these questions in a risk-free, simulation environment.”
Launching the Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate
On November 2, at the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), the United States and United Arab Emirates officially launched the Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate (AIM for Climate) alongside 31 countries and over 48 non-government partners. In remarks at the World Leaders Summit, President Biden announced that the United States intends to mobilize $1 billion in investment in climate-smart agriculture and food systems innovation over five years (2021-2025).
Invasive Species:
Spotted Lanternfly News:
PA Dept of Ag announces Compliance and Enforcement check on Southern and Central Counties
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture announced today the Spotted Lanternfly Compliance and Enforcement Team will be conducting spotted lanternfly permit and inspection record checks for businesses in Cumberland and York counties beginning on October 25.
Uninvited: The Spread of Invasive Species, video
The New York Department of Environmental Conservation has teamed up with the visionaries at West Field Production Co. to bring you “Uninvited: The Spread of Invasive Species”. It tells the story of invasive species in NY and how DEC and our partners are tackling them.
Palm-sized, invasive spiders are spinning golden webs across Georgia in ‘extreme numbers’
Note: While I hate these extreme headlines, (this is one of the milder ones I came across), this is what is out there.
The Joro spider, a palm-sized arachnid with yellow stripes, is native to Asia, but has been out en masse this year in northern Georgia, less than a decade after they were first discovered there.
This, from University of Georgia, from a year ago is less extreme. (another note: these are likely to spread north as they survive in most of Japan…)
Research:
Tick-borne disease control and prevention have largely been ineffective compared to the control of other vector-borne diseases. Although control strategies exist, they are costly or ineffective at large spatial scales. The authors of a recent study present a geographic information system (GIS) method for mapping predicted tick exposure risk at a 200 x 200 m resolution, appropriate for public health intervention. The GIS approach to map predicted density of nymphal ticks (DON) over a small area with fine resolution, which could be used to target public health campaigns and land management practices to reduce human exposure to ticks.
A Nursery System nitrogen balance for production of a containerized woody ornamental plant
In this research article, a method is described that improves the understanding of container-applied N fate. An experiment was conducted to measure N inputs and outputs from a woody ornamental plant (Lagerstroemia indica Whitt II) production system fertilized with controlled-release and surface-applied fertilizer. A number of nursery design and N application factors were analyzed. In the end, the team determined that unaccounted N was 27.7% of input N.
The team of researchers from Purdue’s College of Agriculture studied fields at five different locations in Indiana and the Midwest over a period of four years to compare conventional pest management with an integrated pest management, or IPM, approach. The IPM approach relied on scouting the fields and applying pesticides only when pest levels reached previously established thresholds for damage that would lead to economic losses. Article here.
Webinars, Conferences, Meetings and more:
Northeast Sustainable Ag Working Group “It Takes a Region” conference 2021, Nov 8-11, virtual, fee
NESAWG's annual It Takes a Region Conference brings together farm and food systems practitioners across the 12-state Northeast region to learn, debate, collaborate, and innovate solutions to critical food systems issues. Each year, we look at the trajectory of the food and farm movement and the role our network can play in shaping its future. We offer in-depth working sessions that tackle important questions about our regional food system and how to strengthen it, drawing from the collective expertise and wisdom of conference attendees.
Go Fishing! Endangered Maryland Fisheries, Nov 9 7:30pm
Maryland fish habitats are endangered by human activity. Rich Raesly, a professor at Frostburg State University Biology Department, will discuss endangered fish such as Brook trout, Maryland Darter, and Banded Sunfish. We will also discuss how you can take action to protect the natural places critical to the survival of Maryland fish.
Guide to indoor storage of Honey Bees Conference, Nov 11, 12 virtual, 8:30am PT
A special Conference for Beekeepers interested in Indoor Storage Hosted by Project Apis, Washington State University, and the Almond Board of California
2021 USDA-ARS Areawide Pest Management Project Update Meeting, Nov 16, 1pmET, virtual
The 2021 Areawide Pest Management Project Update Meeting will provide useful information for those who are working on pests or who want to know more about their management. Please plan to attend and share this announcement with others. The project directors who are leading these are all from ARS and will be giving an update on these projects. The meeting is open to anyone with an internet connection. No registration is required, and the meeting can be accessed by clicking on the following link: https://tinyurl.com/9s79fdv2.
How Farming Systems Impact Bio-nutrients, Nov 17, 1pm ET
How plants are grown can have an immense effect on nutritional content. This webinar will discuss what we know – and don’t know – when it comes to crop nutrition and highlight new technology and campaigns to better understand how to maximize the nutrition of our food.
Maine Potato Breeding Program and Physical Weed Control in Organic Grains, University of Maine double header. Nov 17, 7pmET
A one-hour Zoom meeting will be held to offer updates specific to the agricultural industry. There will be two presentations: “Maine Potato Breeding Program” will be presented by UMaine Professor Greg Porter, followed by “Physical Weed Control in Organic Grains – Recent Advances” with UMaine Professor Eric Gallandt.
Five On-line Sessions on various aspects of Greenhouse Management, Nov 18-Jan 27, 2022,1pm ET fee
Join Capital Area Agriculture & Horticulture Program and Cornell Cooperative Extension Albany County for five online sessions on various aspects of Greenhouse Management
Fall Wrap up – Woody Ornamentals and Turf Topics, UMass Extension. Nov 17 & 18, 8:30-12noon both days, fee
Woody Ornamentals topics in the half-day session on Nov. 17 includes: 2021 Review: Insect Pests of Trees and Shrubs; Review of Insect Pests and Diseases from the UMass Plant Diagnostic Lab in 2021; and Strategies for Troublesome Landscape Weeds. Turf topics in the half-day session on Nov. 18 includes: Turf Surface-Feeding Insect Spotlight, Plus a Jumping Worm Bonus; How Does Weather Impact Your Weed Management?; and Pro Tip… It’s All About the Roots!
The Fight to Save Our Hemlocks with Don Gabel, Nov 18, 6pm ET, fee (use promo code TREETALKS10 at checkout for a 10% discount)
Sometimes referred to as "the redwood of the East," hemlocks are keystone species that stabilize riparian ecosystems and provide shelter, food, and habitat for many native plants and animals. Their existence is being threatened by an infestation of the hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA), a non-native insect pest. Join NYBG Plant Health Director Don Gabel to hear about ongoing local efforts to mitigate the loss of these trees.
Black Farmer Justice: Past, Present, and Future December 8, 1pmET
Black farmers have a rich history and promising future in the United States, even though the Black history of agriculture is often reduced to slavery and cotton plantations. In Farming While Black (2018), Leah Penniman argues that justice for Black people, farmers and otherwise, requires learning about Black histories of agriculture, creating new experiences in the natural world, and getting in touch with our food systems. With a panel of Black scholars, farmers, and activists, in this webinar we explore what justice for Black farmers is today, what it has been in the past, and what it can be in the future.
New York State IPM Program Fall Webinar Series, Dec 9. 11:30am ET
Spotted Lanternfly Field Observations and Biocontrol Studies: learning about and leveraging entomopathogenic fungi and surveys for SLF egg masses in vineyards
Learn how Forests can Reduce Greenhouse Gases (GHG)! Dec 16, 10am ET
Land management offers the potential for climate change mitigation through sequestration of carbon, especially in the forest sector. This webinar will explain and evaluate key aspects of this potential with a focus on New York State. The webinar will cover such topics as: carbon stocks in trees and soils, silvicultural options in a changing climate, natural disturbances and risks, wood products and substitution for fossil fuels.
190th Annual Forum of the New York State Agricultural Society, January 6, 2022. In-person, Syracuse NY
Sound environmental stewardship is critical for the long-term viability of New York’s agri-food system and natural resource industry. Management outcomes directly impact local communities and the industry’s long-term viability as competitive food and fiber providers globally. As new technology and research comes online, stakeholders will take on a larger role as carbon harvesters. Join advocates, decision-makers, and aspiring leaders in-person January 6, 2022, at the Syracuse OnCenter.
Jumping Worm Conference, January 26 & 27, 9am-12noon both days, virtual
Are you a land manager and have been receiving requests for more information about so-called "jumping/snake worms"? Are you a homeowner who is looking to learn more, ask questions, or perhaps you just found jumping worms on your property in 2021? No matter who you are, if you are curious or concerned about jumping/snake worms, this conference is for you! Join UMass Extension as we welcome scientists who specialize in jumping/snake worm research to discuss the latest understanding of these earthworms. How to identify jumping/snake worms, what their potential impacts are, and the latest research into how we might manage them to be discussed. These LIVE virtual presentations will also give you the chance to get your questions answered following each speaker's presentation. So, bring your questions!
USDA-ARS Overseas Biological Control Laboratories Biennial Stakeholder Virtual Workshop, February 15, 2022
The goal of this Customer-Stakeholder Meeting is to highlight the opportunities that exist for our USDA-ARS partnered OBCLs to contribute to collaborative projects and to elicit your input as to how we can work better towards meeting stakeholders’ needs. We have invited a diversity of customers and stakeholders, representing a broad set of commodities, disciplines, and institutional organizations, to attend this one-day, face-to-face workshop. This workshop will consist of morning presentations and afternoon break-out sessions for discussions focusing on biological control, ecological studies, taxonomy, and other related topics regarding invasive weeds and insects. For the draft agenda, please email Tim Widmer.
Employment Opportunities:
Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator (2 positions), New York Department of Conservation/Cornell University
The AIS Coordinator will work throughout NYSDEC Region 7 (Syracuse) or Region 9 (Buffalo), be housed at DEC offices within the Region, and work alongside DEC staff. ISCS will work closely with NYSWRI to provide guidance, oversight, and support for the AIS Coordinators along with a weekly work plan.
Funding Opportunities:
NE SARE Farmer Grant Proposals due November 16
Northeast SARE's Farmer Grant Program is currently accepting proposals for the 2022 grant cycle. Proposals are due online by 5 p.m. on November 16, 2021 for projects starting next spring. Funded projects, which are now capped at $30,000, will be announced in late Feb. 2022. Currently, there are six active AWPM projects addressing insects, diseases, and weeds in crop and non-crop settings across the United States
USDA-NIFA’s Community Food Projects grant
NIFA’s Community Food Projects Competitive Grants Program (CFPCGP) is soliciting applications to fund two types of grants. The types are entitled (1) Community Food Projects (CFP) and (2) Planning Projects (PP). The purpose of the CFP is to support the development of projects with a one-time infusion of federal dollars to make such projects self-sustaining. CFPs are designed to create community-based food projects with objectives, activities and outcomes that are in alignment with Community Food Projects Competitive Grants Program (CFPCGP) primary goals. The purpose of a Planning Project (PP) is to complete a plan toward the improvement of community food security in keeping with the primary goals of the CFPCGP. Projects and plans are to focus on a defined community and describe in detail the activities and outcomes of the plan or project. Proposals due Dec 20.