IPM News and Events Roundup 12/10/2021

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.

 

2022 TX IPM School Trainings announced

AgriLife Extension is pleased to announce the 2022 school IPM coordinator training schedule.  Make your plans to attend one of these training's so that you can stay in compliance with TDA.  Remember new IPM Coordinators must attend a 6-hour school IPM Coordinator training class within 6 months of appointment.  And ALL school IPM coordinators need 6 hours of refresher training every three years.

School and Home IPM newsletter, Univ of AZ Nov 2021 -Not all Termites are Terrible

Termites are often regarded as major structural pests, often dreaded by home and  building owners because a few species attack wooden materials used to build homes and other structures. However, termites play a vital role in nature by recycling wood and other cellulose-based organic matter and returning it to the soil, enhancing soil structure with their tunneling activities. They also serve as a food source for a variety of predators in the landscape.

Law Aims to help NY’s agricultural community fight Lyme disease

The bill to educate farmers and farmworkers about Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses has been signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul. The bill (S.4089/A.6888), which passed unanimously in both houses of the State Legislature earlier this year, directs the Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets to implement a public awareness campaign focused on New York’s agricultural community with an emphasis on helping farmers and farmworkers learn how to prevent, identify, and treat a tick-borne illness.

Cornell Small Farms Program is looking for your input.

CSFs need your help in shaping the future of NYS food and farming. As part of our work on the VISION 2050 project, they are asking New York farmers to put forward their voices in developing this vision for NYS agriculture.  What do you want to see for the future of New York State’s food system by 2050? You are invited to participate in a statewide Farmer Survey to prioritize investments for the NYS food and farming system as we look towards building an equitable, resilient, profitable, and healthy future.

APHIS Information on Potato Wart  issue

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) commends the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) for voluntarily prohibiting export of seed and fresh potatoes from Canada’s Prince Edward Island (PEI) into the United States due to the confirmed presence of Synchytrium endobioticum in that country. Synchytrium endobioticum, a fungus, is the causal agent of potato wart.  Potato wart is one of the most serious diseases of potatoes in the world.  The disease poses no threat to human health, but it reduces yield and makes potatoes unmarketable.  It is not known to be present in the United States.

APHIS on Citrus Greening Quarantine in Alabama

Effective immediately, the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), in cooperation with the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI), is establishing quarantines for Huanglongbing (HLB; citrus greening), caused by Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, in all of Baldwin and Mobile Counties in Alabama. APHIS is taking this action because of HLB detections in plant tissue samples collected in multiple locations in Alabama.

Manage Weeds on your Farm: A Guide to Ecological Strategies, SARE, free download

Manage Weeds on Your Farm: A Guide to Ecological Strategies provides you with in-depth information about dozens of agricultural weeds found throughout the country and the best ways of managing them. In Part One, the book begins with a general discussion of weeds: their biology, behavior and the characteristics that influence how to best control their populations. It then describes the strengths and limitations of the most common cultural management practices, physical practices and cultivation tools. Part Two is a reference section that describes the identification, ecology and management of 63 of the most common and difficult-to-control weed species found in the United States.

Southern IPM Center announces 2022 Friends of IPM Awards in their December 2022 newsletter

Also read about preparing for Spotted Lanternfly, tar spot in corn, and more.

PestTalks by JC Chong, Clemson Univ blog

Check out the Exotic Bee ID tool, as well as others from APHIS ID Technology Program, ID tools also available for mollusks,  scale insect and slugs!

Welcome to Invasivorism, the boldest solution to ethical eating yet

The bold idea to eat them out of existence occurred to conservation biologist Joe Roman 20 years ago, when he developed the concept of invasivorism. Back then, it was considered more a topic for quirky cocktail conversation than a serious scientific discussion. Over time, however, Roman, based at the University of Vermont, has watched the stars align, with research and chefs like Paine advancing the practice, and individuals in general taking an interest in the ecological consequences of their gustatory habits.

Invasive Species:

Spotted Lanternfly risk in California: Acreage, value and distribution of various hosts

California has 22 cultivated and about 70 wild hosts of SLF and include several high value crops such as apples, cherries, grapes, and plums.  The tree-of-heaven, an invasive species, is a favorite host of SLF and is widely distributed in California.

Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership (CRISP) seeks input

Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership (CRISP) is working with partners to address invasive species issues in the greater Catskills region. New York City Department of Environmental Protection (NYC DEP) has an invasive species program to protect the upstate water supply from invasive species threats to water quality and infrastructure. CRISP and NYC DEP are working together on a group concept mapping project to guide strategic planning specifically for invasive species management for the next 5 years. To assist us in this effort, we are looking for input from a variety of stakeholders with expertise in a broad range of geographic and taxonomic areas. When responding, please keep in mind that we are expecting ideas related to invasive species applied management goals (as opposed to general education or research goals).  

Research:

 

Under-Vine Vegetation Mitigates the Impacts of Excessive Precipitation in Vineyards

In this review, they examined how either natural (i.e., resident) or seeded under-vine vegetation (UVV) can help mitigate many of the problems associated with excessive precipitation. Through providing vegetative coverage to reduce the force of raindrops, increasing soil organic matter and enhancing soil microbial diversity, UVV can reduce the soil degradation and off-site impacts caused by excessive precipitation events. Through competition for soil resources, UVV can reduce excessive vegetative growth of vines and decrease cluster rot incidence and severity, although grapevine response to UVV can be highly variable. We discussed recent advances in understanding below and aboveground vine response and acclimation to UVV and presented current evidence of factors influencing the impact of UVV on vine growth and productivity to assist practitioners in making informed decisions and maximize the ecosystem services provided by UVV. Article here.

Recent Immigrant Insect Fauna – Another look at a Classic Analysis

Asian-origin species are much more important than in 1978 and predominate today. Nevertheless, introductions from all parts of the world have continued. Although the diversity of alien species’ origins has increased through time, there has not been a corresponding change in the rate of introductions of species of phytosanitary importance. This finding is inconsistent with the original assumption of a positive nonlinear relationship with international trade imports. These findings will assist in identifying and prioritizing potential high-risk plant pests as well as enhancing biosecurity capacities.

Human skin triglycerides prevent bed bug arrestment

University of Kentucky entomology researchers have found that skin triglycerides, or lipids, keep bed bugs from staying very long on human hosts. Their finding could lead to new management strategies for this important human pest.  Article here.

Webinars, Conferences, Meetings and more:

 

Delusional Infestations or All Those little friends you never knew you had Dec 13, 12noon MT

This webinar will explore the reality of folks who think they have skin parasites, and the associated medical and social issues.

Empire State Barley and Malt Summit, Dec 16, virtual

The program will include keynote speakers Harmonie Bettenhausen (Director, Hartwick College Center for Craft Food and Beverage) speaking on ‘’Managing malt quality in a difficult year”, and Mark Sorrells (Professor, Cornell University) speaking on “The malting barley variety and seed pipeline: Excelsior Gold and beyond”.  We will hear updates on the use of local malts and grains by the state’s brewing and distilling industries. In addition, a panel of New York State grain growers and maltsters will discuss “Next opportunities from farms to malthouses”.

Southern IPM Hour: Reframing the Narrative Around Farming and Food, Jan 5, 1pm ET

The way we talk about food matters. Collaboration between physical scientists and communication scientists is vital. Take a closer look at the Farming and Food Narrative Project that has spent 5 years studying how to reframe the public narrative around food and farming.  This webinar also explains their study on "Mapping the Gaps” between the perspectives of experts and the public, examining points where understandings converge and diverge. Their analysis highlights the key challenges advocates face when communicating about farming and how to improve it in the United States.

Northeast Regionals Invasive Species & Climate Change Symposium, January 19-20, virtual

Two Half days of virtual discussions and networking around the challenges and solutions to incorporating climate change into invasive species management. Registration info.

Tree Tenders Training Series, Penn State, Jan-March, 2022, virtual, fee

The course is designed for lay people and experts alike. Become one of the Tree Tenders® restoring and tending your part of the forest. Each participant will receive a hardcopy of the Tree Tenders® Handbook, published by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society.

Global Retail Garden Conference, Feb 10-3, virtual

This will be a “free-for-attendee” event featuring fast-paced presentations in 90-minute segments. Since it’s all recorded, you can tune in “live” or at your convenience. Each of the daily conference sessions will consist of three 20-minute sessions followed by a variety of bonus and Q&A sessions and Discussion Rooms on topics related to the presentations.

Employment Opportunities:

 

Two Extension Field Specialist positions at the University of New Hampshire

Field Specialist in Vegetable and Fruit Production. The field specialist will provide formal and informal education for farms, businesses, and individuals. Expertise in vegetable production is a priority for this position. Contact Program Team Leader, Amy Papineau for more information, amy.papineau@unh.edu 603-862-1601

Field Specialist in Agricultural Business Management. The field specialist will provide formal and informal education for businesses, communities, and individuals. A master’s degree in agricultural economics, agricultural business management, farm business management, or a closely related field is preferred. Contact Program Team Leader, Amy Papineau for more information, amy.papineau@unh.edu 603-862-1601

Tenure Track Faculty Position in Risk Assessment & Environmental Protection,University of Maryland

Seeking candidates working in areas complementary to pesticide safety and risk assessment, including but not restricted to traditional, organic, and genetically engineered pest controls, their ecological and evolutionary impacts, regulatory issues, human health and socio-economic effects, or related topics. Applicants from a diversity of disciplines and backgrounds, and who work on intersecting fields are strongly encouraged to apply. Apply by Dec 15.]

Fire Management Specialist, Suffolk County Water Authority, Central Pine Barrens

The Suffolk County Water Authority is seeking a Fire Management Specialist to perform key roles in managing the comprehensive prescribed fire program operated by the Central Pine Barrens Joint Planning and Policy Commission for the Central Pine Barrens region. Responsibilities include leading the development and implementation of all aspects of the prescribed fire management program; the supervision and training of prescribed fire crews; conducting fuels, smoke and wildland fire management/mitigation; assisting with public education and outreach and the preparation of prescribed and wildland fire management plans for ecological and fuel management in collaboration with other agencies and stakeholders. The overarching programmatic goals for the prescribed fire program include fostering biological diversity, natural resource conservation and restoration and wildfire risk reduction within the Central Pine Barrens. This position is full time (37.5) hours a week and will be a designated term position that exists as long as the commission receives NYS funding to implement a prescribed fire program.

Funding Opportunities:

 

Three Fellowship funding opportunities from New York Sea Grant

John A Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship Program

NOAA Coastal Management and Digital Coast Fellowship Program

NMFS-Sea Grant Fellowship