IPM News and Events Roundup 12/13/2024
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
EPA / FDA / USDA / NIFA News
EPA Issues a Final Cancellation and Termination of Uses Order for Several Chlorpyrifos Products?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is issuing a final order terminating all food uses, except for 11 crops in specified states, for six Drexel and three Loveland chlorpyrifos products. The Drexel products include Drexel Chlorpyrifos 15G (Reg. No. 19713-505), Drexel Chlorpyrifos 4E-AG (Reg. No. 19713-520), Drexel Chlorpyrifos 15GR (Reg. No. 19713-521), Drexel Chlorpyrifos Technical (Reg. No. 19713-573), Drexel Chlorpyrifos 4E-AG2 (Reg. No. 19713-599), and Drexel Lambdafos Insecticide (Reg. No. 19713-671). The Loveland products include Warhawk (Reg. No. 34704-857), Warhawk Clearform (Reg. No. 34704-1077), and Match-Up Insecticide (Reg. No. 34704-1086). EPA is also cancelling three Drexel chlorpyrifos products: Drexel Chlorpyrifos Concentrate (Reg. No. 19713-518), Drexel CHLOR-PY-REX Chlorpyrifos Insecticide (Reg. No. 19713-527), and Drexel Chlorpyrifos 99% Technical (Reg. No. 19713-575).
Hispanic Serving Institutions National Program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement (OPPE) is accepting applications for the 2025 USDA E. Kika De La Garza Fellowship Program. These fellowships introduce faculty and staff from Hispanic-Serving Institutions and Hispanic-Serving School Districts to the vast array of USDA resources available to them. The fellowships take place during the summer of 2025, and applications are due by March 6, 2025.
“This fellowship was designed to introduce faculty and staff from Hispanic-Serving Institutions to the many USDA programs and resources available to them and their students,” said Dr. Lisa Ramirez, director of USDA’s Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement. “More than 400 fellows have participated in the E. Kika De La Garza Fellowship Program, bringing back the knowledge they’ve acquired to share with their institutions and communities.”
EPA Proposes Streamlined Registration Review Process for Several Low Risk Biopesticides
Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced streamlined proposed registration review decisions for several biopesticides used in a variety of agricultural, commercial, and residential applications. These biopesticides present very low toxicity, exposure, and risks to human health and the environment, and there have been no human health or environmental incidents reported or new information that would necessitate additional assessment or reconsideration of EPA’s prior decision. The Agency is proposing that no further registration review is necessary for these biopesticides at this time. This streamlined approach allows EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs to be more flexible and efficient with its limited resources.
Research in the News
Evaluation of foliar fungicides for Cercospora leaf spot management in table beet in New York (sciencedirect.com)
Highlights
- Propiconazole, pydiflumetofen + fludioxonil and copper hydroxide were highly effective against Cercospora leaf spot.
- Trifloxystrobin + fluopyram, pyrimethanil + fluopyram and pyraclostrobin + fluxapyroxad provided moderate control.
- Control of Cercospora leaf spot had no effect on root shape, size, color, and sugar content.
Weed Communities of Snap Bean Fields in the United States (cambridge.org)
Weeds are one of the greatest challenges to snap bean production. Anecdotal observation posits certain species frequently escape the weed management system by the time of crop harvest, hereafter called residual weeds. The objectives of this work were to 1) quantify the residual weed community in snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) grown for processing across the major growing regions in the U.S., and 2) investigate linkages between the density of residual weeds and their contributions to weed canopy cover. In surveys of 358 fields across the Northwest (NW), Midwest (MW), and Northeast (NE), residual weeds were observed in 95% of the fields.
Highlights
- Preharvest 1-MCP and AVG had little effect on harvest maturity.
- Preharvest 1-MCP and AVG affected ripening in storage.
- Preharvest 1-MCP decreased watercore incidence at harvest.
- Preharvest AVG enhanced watercore dissipation.
- Higher storage temperatures enhanced watercore dissipation.
Changing climate patterns will likely affect insect pressure on many agricultural crops. Mild winters may decrease the number of insects that experience reduced fecundity or that are killed during hard freezes. This may result in larger populations in subsequent years and allow for range expansion. Direct effects from pests are compounded by indirect effects, such as crop damage resulting from insect-vectored diseases. Corn flea beetle (Chaetocnema pulicaria) infestations have both direct and indirect effects on crops. This beetle is a pest on all types of corn in the United States, including sweet corn and grain corn (sometimes referred to as dent corn). It is responsible for damage to plant foliage and also serves as the primary overwintering vector for Pantoea stewartii bacterium, which causes Stewart’s Wilt, a disease that can severely impact the health and productivity of corn.
News
EPA's New Plan to Mitigate Pesticide Runoff and Drift: What You Need to Know (extension.psu.edu)
Changes to herbicide labels are coming in the next few years, which will be based on the Environmental Protection Agency's recently released "Herbicide Strategy." The primary aim of the Herbicide Strategy is to identify mitigation practices that will reduce the exposure of threatened or endangered plant and animal species to herbicide spray drift and surface runoff. This was necessary to better comply with the Endangered Species Act (ESA), which is a long-standing federal law that impacts pesticide registration and use.
Corn stunt and corn leafhopper found in New York (cals.cornell.edu)
The presence of the corn stunt spiroplasma (Spiroplasma kunkelii) and its insect vector, corn leafhopper (Dalbulus maidis), has been confirmed in New York.
Invasive Range Expanders Listing Tool (eddmaps.org)
Terrestrial invasive plants are expected to shift their ranges in response to changing climate. This tool provides lists of terrestrial invasive plants expected to expand their ranges into the chosen county or state with climate change by 2040-2060. Climate change expansions are based on 13 future climate models and users must select the level of consensus (1-13 models) required to add a species to the state or county list. In addition, users can filter the list to species currently observed within a chosen geographic proximity to the focal county or state. Lists for range expansion with climate change include species that have not been observed within the focal state or county, do not have current suitable climate there, but are predicted to have suitable climate by 2040-2060 according to the selected number of climate models.The lists generated are for informational purposes and contain only species that are already present in the contiguous United States.
Plastic-Eating Fungi (growertalks.com)
Could fungi be the solution to the mounting pile of plastic we consume? There’s a new startup company in Austin, Texas, called HIRO Technologies (pronounced “hero”) that has developed plastic-eating fungi that they can deliver in a package. They launched a Kickstarter campaign yesterday, hoping to fund more research projects to get their products out into the world. Right now, the company is planning to debut their MycoDigestible diapers in early 2025.
Pest Talks (growertalks.com)
Envu Gets Five Products
Preventive Programs
Bios in Propagation
Weeds in Propagation
Salary & Benefits Results
New book explains mysteries behind bee behavior (news.cornell.edu)
Biologist Thomas Seeley has been delving into the mysteries of honey bee behavior ever since he discovered a bee tree as a boy, inspired by reading “Winnie the Pooh” 62 years ago.
In his new book, “Piping Hot Bees & Boisterous Buzz-Runners: 20 Mysteries of Honey Bee Behavior Solved,” he shares some of the findings of his many investigations.
2025-2035 agInnovation Research Roadmap (DRAFT) (aginnovation.info)
Our nation faces a critical imperative: increasing investment in agricultural research.
?To realize our ambitious 10-year goals, an additional $1.9 billion per year in federal agricultural research funding is needed over the next decade, equivalent to only 1% of the total federal research and development investment.
?Grounded in the foundations of national security and an aim
to cultivate the next generation of experts, the agInnovation 2025-2035 Research Roadmap (draft version - click to view) outlines bold and measurable objectives achievable through strategic investment.
The Weed Atlas (ars.usda.gov)
Weeds and invasive plants know no borders and have impacted ecosystems that span from crops to forests to rangelands to aquatic systems in all geographies. Losses continue to mount in terms of yields and productivity, species diversity, and ecosystem functionality with short and long-term repercussions on the sustainability of plant and animal communities and the livelihoods of growers, producers, and land and business owners. New and emerging invasive plants along with many of the most intractable weeds have undermined even the best control efforts, which serves as a reminder of the constant need for improvement. One of the main reasons for the success of weeds and invasive plants is their ability to adapt to changing conditions and research suggests that this will continue well into the future.
Sixth National Climate Assessment (globalchange.gov)
The development of NCA6 is overseen by a Federal Steering Committee appointed by the Subcommittee on Global Change Research (SGCR) and comprising representatives from USGCRP agencies. NOAA, as the administrative agency for NCA6, is responsible for establishing procedures for the report, releasing Federal Register Notices, and certifying the report meets Information Quality Act and Evidence Act standards.
The process is designed to be transparent and inclusive, offering multiple opportunities for public participation. As in previous assessments, NCA6 will undergo an extensive, multi-phase process of internal and external review from federal agency experts, the general public, and a panel of experts to be established by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.
Home page and directory of selected Degree-Day, establishment Risk, and Pest event maps (DDRP) (uspest.org)
Summary An improved understanding of where an invasive species could potentially establish as well as when developmental stages are expected to occur have the potential to support and dramatically improve strategic and tactical pest surveillance and management decisions. We have developed a new spatial modeling platform that integrates mapping of phenology and climatic suitability in real-time to provide timely and comprehensive guidance on where and when invasive insect species could potentially invade the conterminous United States. The Degree-Days, Risk, and Phenological event mapping (DDRP) platform serves as an open-source and relatively easy-to-parameterize decision support tool that can predict the potential distribution, number of generations, life stages present, and dates of phenological events of a target species. DDRP is written entirely in R, making it flexible and extensible, and capitalizes on multiple R packages to generate gridded and graphical outputs. Currently we are using DDRP to model 15 high-priority invasive insect species (see below), but its process-based modeling approach may be adapted for a broad spectrum of organisms with temperature-dependent development. The DDRP platform will enhance efforts to prevent, monitor, and manage new and emerging invasive pests in the United States.
Survey
The NYS Capital Region PRISM would like to share the great work our partners have been executing in invasive species prevention and management. Please consider taking the time (5-10 minutes for minimal answers, 20-30 for in-depth) to complete the following survey to report the invasive species work actions (e.g., detection, management, prevention, etc.) accomplished by your organization in 2024. Your reporting of data relating to invasive species work actions helps to highlight the importance of such management efforts in the Capital Region.
Webinars, seminars, meetings, and more
NE RISCC Listening Session: Identifying climate-adapted native plant communities
The spatial distribution of species is expected to shift under climate change as species struggle to adapt to rapidly changing conditions. Plant species are particularly at risk because they disperse slowly across the landscape. In this session, researchers from the University of Massachusetts Amherst will introduce new modeling methodologies to predict the composition of plant communities under future climates accounting for the abundance of invasive species. Following a brief presentation, participants will be asked to share their perspectives on the project, how they foresee using the results, and how they think the project could be improved. Feedback will be integrated into the ongoing production of lists of climate-adapted native species to inform conservation management. Land managers, policy makers, researchers, and post-secondary students are welcome to join this free event.
Dec 18, 2024 11:00 AM EST
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 2025 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 2025!
January 3: Winter lighting for houseplants | 2024 Year in Review
Houseplants keep our homes green in winter but need some special care. This session will discuss lighting and other considerations for indoor plants during winter months.
February 7: Proper storage of pesticides & household chemicals | Misuse of moth balls
In honor of National Pesticide Safety Education Month, we're talking about proper storage of pesticides and household chemicals and misuse of moth balls.
March 7: Considerations for hiring a pest pro | Choosing a tick repellent
Some pest problems require professional help. Tune in to learn what you need to know before hiring a pro. Stick around for insights about selecting a tick repellent that works for you.
April 4: Pest rats explained | Myth: cats for rat control
Join us on World Rat Day to learn all about the brown rat and what makes it a pest. We'll then address the myth of cats for rat control.
May 2: Spongy moth caterpillar management | Feeding Friendly Insects: Plan to prep your soil
In NY, spongy moth caterpillars start showing up in May. You'll learn why there are more caterpillars in some years than in others, and why you should manage them when they are still small. Also, make a plan to spend the summer preparing to plant wildflowers that feed friendly insects.
June 6: Spotted lanternfly update | Recognizing wild parsnip
NY Invasive Species Awareness week happens in June, so we're focusing on two invasive species - spotted lanternfly and wild parsnip - and how IPM should be part of your response to them. Get an update on where we are in the SLF life cycle and action steps for this time of year. Learn how to recognize and why you should avoid wild parsnip.
July 4: Grow green lawns with overseeding | Beech leaf disease
Learn how to grow a dense, healthy lawn with fall overseeding. Stick around for insights about the relatively new beech leaf disease and what to do if you think you've seen it.
August 1: Making a mosquito bucket trap | Feeding Friendly Insects: Pick plants
Do mosquito bucket traps work? This presentation will review results of a 2024 NYSIPM project to provide guidance on using this technique for backyard mosquito management. Stick around for part two of Feeding Friend Insects, covering plant selection.
September 5: Top 5 rodent exclusion tips | Feeding Friendly Insects: Get ready to plant
Excluding rodents from your home can feel like a big job. Here are 5 actions to prioritize this fall. And it's almost time for fall planting! Learn how to make final preparations to plant wildflowers that feed friendly insects.
October 3: Winterize your home orchard | Feeding Friendly Insects: Fall is for planting
In this event we're focusing on fall tasks that are good IPM practices. Cleaning up your home orchard can mean fewer pests to attack your tree fruit in the spring. Fall is also the right time to plant seeds or seedlings of perennial wildflowers that feed friendly insects.
November 1: Understanding indoor cockroaches | Invasive tawney field cockroach
Several cockroach species are found in homes, and each one tells a story of why it's there. Learn to distinguish different indoor cockroaches and stick around to hear about the newest cockroach invader in the Northeast.
December 5: IPM for clothes moths and pantry moths
This month we'll focus in on two moths that can be pests in your home - clothes moths and pantry moths. Learn how to use IPM tools to deal with them
2025 CCE Winter Cut Flower Webinar Series
Tuesdays, 1/7, 1/14, 1/21, 1/28, 2/4, 2025
All sessions are provided via Zoom. Advanced registration is required to obtain the Zoom links.
Webinars will be recorded, and all the recordings will be sent to registrants for future review.
Session 1: 1/7/2025
1:00 PM Botrytis management of cut flowers
Speaker: Dr. James Faust, Professor of Floriculture Physiology, Plant and Environmental Sciences Department, Clemson University
2:00 PM Tips on propagating plants that are grown for cut flowers
Speaker: Dr. Mark Bridgen, School of Integrative Plant Science, Horticulture Section, Plant Breeding and Genetics Section, Cornell University
Session 2: 1/14/2025
1:00 PM Growing early season flowers in high tunnels
Speaker: Jennifer Marks, Owner, Farmer and Florist of Trademarks Flower Farm, Clifton Springs, NY
2:00 PM Cover crops for sustainable flower production
Speaker: Dr. Joseph Amsili, Extension Associate, Soil Health Program, School of Integrative Plant Science Soil, Crop Science Section, Cornell University
3:00 PM Cover crop trials on flower farms
Speaker: Dr. Jingjing Yin, Regional Commercial Horticulture Educator, Capital Area Agriculture and Horticulture Program, Cornell Cooperative Extension
Session 3: 1/21/2025
1:00 PM The art of drying and pressing flowers with Old Tavern Farm
Speaker: Lena Bruursema, Head Flower Farmer of Old Tavern Farm, Saratoga Springs, NY
1:30 PM New varieties for 2025 that will help you stand out in the market
Speaker: Dave Dowling, Cut Flower Specialist, Ball ColorLink
2:00 PM Improving postharvest longevity of dahlia and zinnia cut flowers
Speaker: Dr. Ana Maria Borda, Postdoctoral Research Scientist, Plant and Environmental Science Department, Clemson University
Session 4: 1/28/2025
9:00 AM The challenges of lisianthus commercial cultivation in Taiwan
Speaker: Dr. Yen-Hua Chen, Associate Researcher, Floriculture Research Lab, Crop Science Division, Taichung District Agricultural Research and Extension Station, Ministry of Agriculture, Taiwan
10:00 AM Wildcrafting and Ethical Use of Invasive Plants, Vines, and Shrubs
Speaker: Rebekah Rice, Owner and Farmer of Nine Mile Farm, Delmar, NY
11:00 AM Growing cut flowers in containers
Speaker: Mark Yadon, Vice President and Head Grower of Mischler’s Florist and Greenhouses, Williamsville, NY
Session 5: 2/4/2025
1:00 PM Cut out cut flower diseases!*
Speaker: Dr. Margery Daughtrey, Plant Pathologist, School of Integrative Plant Science, Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology Section, Cornell University
2:00 PM Bad bugs bothering blooms*
Speaker: Daniel Gilrein, Entomologist and Associate Agricultural Program Director, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County
* NYSDEC pesticide application credits will be provided.
Cost: $20 per session and $60 for all five sessions
There is a partial scholarship available for Cornell Cooperative Extension and other state Extension Educators - contact Dara Boudreaux, 518-765-3518 or tff24@cornell.edu for assistance.
Registration link: https://pub.cce.cornell.edu/event_registration/main/events_landing.cfm?event=2025CutFlowerWebinarSeries_201
If you need assistance with registration, please call 518-765-3518 or email cce-caahp@cornell.edu.
Greenhouse Scout School Certificate Program and Webinars
Cornell University is partnering with the University of Vermont and the University of Maine to offer a 6-week webinar series in scouting for disease, insect and weed pests of greenhouse ornamentals, although the principles will apply to other crops. Learn how to identify the major pests of greenhouse floriculture crops, make scouting faster and easier, communicate with growers and owners, and find resources to help.
Sessions will be led by Stephanie Burnett, Margery Daughtrey, Betsy Lamb, Elise Lobdell, John Sanderson and Cheryl Sullivan.
February 13, 2025 - March 27, 2025
Previously featured
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:
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
Dr. Michelle Franklin,
Research Scientist, Berry Entomology
Dr. Paul Abrams,
Research Scientist, Biological Control of Insect Pests
‘Biovigilance’ is a framework that can help to guide research supporting the development of IPM programs through various stages. Ongoing research on surveillance and control of two invasive insect pest species in British Columbia, Canada (the strawberry blossom weevil and Japanese Beetle) will be presented as case studies. These examples illustrate how research on IPM of invasive insect species can integrate diverse interdisciplinary research approaches and pest management tools and modalities to leverage understanding of insect biology and ecology in order to develop IPM programs for invasive pests.
December 17, 2024 | 1:00 p.m. CST
Do the Right Sting: Stinging Insect Identification, Management, and Safety
Stinging insects play critical ecological roles, preying on pest insects, serving as key pollinators and cycling nutrients. However, we tend to notice them more when they are being a nuisance, or for some individuals, posing life-threatening health risks. It’s for the latter reasons that pest management professionals who control stinging insects are important public health protectors. Join Mark VanderWerp, manager of education & training, Rose Pest Solutions, on Dec. 18 for the webinar “Do the Right Sting: Stinging Insect Identification, Management, and Safety.” VanderWerp will review identification tips and the lifecycles of commonly encountered stinging insects; effective management strategies; staying safe on the job; working in public spaces; and case studies.
Date: December 18, 2024
Time: 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
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
IR-4 2025 Industry Technology Session
The 2025 Industry Technology Session (ITS) will be held virtually (via Zoom) on Thursday, February 20. We anticipate a schedule of 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET, but exact timing is subject to change. This annual event invites companies to present updates on products already in IR-4 research, as well as new technologies designed to meet the pest management needs of specialty crop producers. We have shifted the ITS to occur earlier in the year (February rather than July) to better accommodate stakeholders’ busy summer schedules and allow more time before the Project Clearance Request submission deadline of July 1, 2025.
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 Now, be sure to register soon to secure the best deal.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- Professional Development Workshops: Expand your expertise with our Thursday afternoon IPM Evaluation Workshop or Rodent Short Course!
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- Student Discounts: We are pleased to offer discounted registration rates and exclusive activities for students.
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- 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.
Employment Opportunities
WNY PRISM is seeking a Field Crew Leader to assist with the successful implementation of WNY PRISM field activities and to provide supervision for seasonal staff. WNY PRISM works on high priority invasive species management projects involving prevention, early detection and rapid response, management, and habitat restoration for both terrestrial and aquatic species. Projects involve multiple partners and represent the diversity of environmental interests and unique habitats across the region. The WNY PRISM Field Crew Leader will work with the Terrestrial Program Manager, and additional Program Managers, to coordinate and implement invasive species management projects involving invasive species surveys, site monitoring, invasive species removal and habitat/native plant restoration projects throughout the 8-county WNY PRISM region.
The Field Crew Leader will be primarily responsible for ensuring the successful implementation and tracking of WNY PRISM field activities including invasive species surveys, removal projects, and habitat restoration efforts. To achieve this, they will supervise and work with the WNY PRISM Crew, a three-person seasonal stewardship team that works May – September.
This is a full-time, temporary position with an expected timeframe of March 31 – October 10, 2025 (40 hours/week, $23.00/hour), with the possibility of extension contingent upon funding. Occasional weekend and evening hours will be required, and some projects may require 10-hour days – will not go over 40 hours/week. Some overnight travel, as well as use of personal vehicles, will also be required.
Previously featured
CCE of Saratoga County Aquatic Invasive Species Program Manager – Ballston Spa, NY
The Capital Region Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (CR-PRISM) hosted by the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Saratoga County is seeking a motivated and qualified Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Program Manager. The Aquatic Invasive Species Program Manager deploys conservation-based practices to protect our water resources, slow the spread of invasive species, and deliver strategic initiatives. The Program Manager deploys a watercraft inspection steward prevention program and provides early detection and response strategies to control aquatic invasive species. All applications must be received online by 11:59 pm on December 18, 2024.
The College of Science at Virginia Tech seeks applicants for a 9-month research and teaching tenure-track position at any rank in the area of environmental data science as part of a campus-wide Invasive Species cluster hire located at the Blacksburg, VA campus. The position will concentrate on understanding the complex factors that shape invasive species spread, occurrence, and persistence to inform early detection, rapid response, and long-term management of invasive species. The focus of the position is to develop an innovative research program in retrospective and predictive modeling of invasive species at any organismal scale that reconstructs or predicts invasive species risk, spread, and impacts.
Assistant Professor-Tenure System
The Department of Horticulture in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Michigan State University invites applications for a full-time 12-month tenure-system Assistant Professor position (with a 50% Research, 40% Extension, and 10% Teaching assignment) to lead an internationally recognized, innovative and competitively funded research and extension program in weed science and ecology to support Michigan’s fruit and vegetable industries. The position start date is anticipated to be August 16, 2025.
Senior Program Coordinator - Veg IPM
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a Senior Program Coordinator – Veg IPM for the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Rutgers NJAES Cooperative Extension (RCE) within the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences. This position will be housed at an NJAES Research Farm facility, campus, or county office (TBD).
Within the senior program coordinator duties, the candidate will be responsible for making pest management recommendations to growers and making diagnostic field visits, often on a last-minute and ‘on-demand’ basis, which often matches the demands of weather, pest development, and other biological conditions, as well as any developing market factors. The training of seasonal employees may also be partly determined by unplanned biological, weather, and market factors; thus necessitating weekend and evening work hours, and will also include the preparation for, attendance at, and presentations at evening grower meetings and state and regional conferences. The preparation and coordination of IPM information for online and printed newsletter publications is also a required duty of this position.
Assistant Professor Field Crops Entomology
Location: Ithaca, NY, USA. The academic home for this position is the Department of Entomology in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, housed on the Ithaca campus of Cornell University.
The Department of Entomology at Cornell University is seeking applications for a 9-month, full-time, tenure-track position in the area of Field Crops Entomology. The successful candidate will develop an internationally recognized research and extension program focused on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) of grain and forage crops, including corn (>1 million acres in New York State), alfalfa hay (500,000 acres), soybeans (350,000 acres), wheat (150,000 acres), and other small grains. We seek a highly collaborative scientist who will build trust and communicate effectively with field crop farmers and other stakeholders, and will interact extensively with colleagues at Cornell to achieve its Land Grant mission. In this position, research and extension will focus on novel practices that use biological, chemical, physical, and/or cultural control methods to manage pressing insect pest issues currently affecting field crop growers. Research should combine insights from field trials with other approaches, potentially ranging from lab-based analyses to modeling to landscape-scale observational studies, to devise pest management strategies that enhance productivity while minimizing environmental impacts.
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.
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.
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.
Funding Opportunities
New Marketing Assistance Now Available for Specialty Crop Producers
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) $2 billion Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops (MASC) program, aimed at helping specialty crop producers expand markets and manage higher costs, is now accepting applications from Dec. 10, 2024 through Jan. 8, 2025. Funded by the Commodity Credit Corporation, MASC was announced in November alongside the $140 million Commodity Storage Assistance Program for facilities impacted by 2024 natural disasters.
“Specialty crop growers have typically faced higher marketing and handling costs relative to non-specialty crop producers due to the perishability of fruits, vegetables, floriculture, nursery crops and herbs,” said FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux. “Through this marketing assistance program, we can expand U.S. specialty crop consumption and markets by providing specialty crop producers the financial support needed to help them engage in activities that broaden and enhance strategies and opportunities for marketing their commodities.” ????
MASC helps specialty crop producers meet higher marketing costs related to:?
- Perishability of specialty crops like fruits, vegetables, floriculture, nursey crops and herbs;?
- Specialized handling and transport equipment with temperature and humidity control;?
- Packaging to prevent damage;??
- Moving perishables to market quickly; and?
- Higher labor costs.?
Applying for MASC?
Eligible established specialty crop producers can apply for MASC benefits by completing the FSA-1140, Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops (MASC) Program Application, and submitting the form to any FSA county office by Jan. 8, 2025. When applying, eligible specialty crop producers must certify their specialty crop sales for calendar year 2023 or 2024.??
We are pleased to announce the CRISP 2025 Request for Proposals to fund priority invasive species projects in the Catskills region! We will offer funding for those projects that best meet the following CRISP priorities that were identified in the CRISP Strategic Planning:
- Early Detection/Rapid Response for Tier 1 or Tier 2 Species
- Raise public awareness of Tier 1 and/or Tier 2 Species
- Improve the scientific understanding of the extent, ecological impact and effective controls of invasive species in the CRISP region.
Selected projects will be funded up to $18,900 and must be completed in 2025. The deadline for applications is 5:00PM on January 15th, 2025.
Additional information is available here
Previously featured this issue
WNY PRISM Crew Assistance Program
WNY PRISM’s Crew Assistance Program was established to help improve invasive species management across the region by assisting partners with priority projects involving invasive species surveys, removal, and habitat restoration. It offers valuable opportunities for partners to work alongside WNY PRISM’s experienced staff and trained seasonal crew to learn about invasive species management and gain experience implementing management strategies and using removal methods and equipment. Since 2016, WNY PRISM has worked with 36 different partners to complete 111 projects.
WNY PRISM is currently accepting proposals for the 2025 Crew Assistance Program! To learn more about the Crew Assistance Program including proposal requirements, eligibility, priorities and review criteria, please view the full WNY PRISM Crew Assistance Program 2025 Request for Proposals (RFP). Be sure to read through the entire RFP as it provides necessary information and instructions to support your proposal. We ask that partners reach out with any questions before the finalized project proposal is submitted. Applications that do not include all the required proposal components may not be considered. For more information, see the WNY PRISM Crew Assistance Program Frequently Asked Questions. You can also read about some of our past projects below! Questions may be submitted to Brittany Hernon, Terrestrial Program Manager at hernonba@buffalostate.edu. Proposals must be received by 5:00 PM on Friday, January 31, 2025.
The Capital Region PRISM is seeking Request for Proposals (RFP's) for the 2025 calendar year. The PRISM has a dedicated amount of funding for partner organizations throughout the Capital Region for invasive species related projects. Awarded projects must be located or serving areas within the ?boundary of the CR-PRISM. The CR-PRISM is hosted by the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Saratoga County and funded through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) via the Environmental Protection Fund. As part of the agreement with the NYS DEC, we are pleased to announce another round of funds to be released for contract on behalf of the CR-PRISM. The CR-PRISM Steering Committee has requested that the proposals align with the CR-PRISMs Five Year Strategic Plan 2023-2027 Goals, Objectives, and Priority Actions. For more information visit our website.
- Application Posting: December 2nd, 2024, at 9:00am
- Application Deadline Closes: January 15th, 2025, at 9:00am
- Tentative Award Notification: March 7th, 2025
Nationwide Equity and Accessibility Funding Opportunities
Nationwide Equity and Accessibility
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 equity and accessibility 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 equity and access to IPM tools and resources.
Examples of equity and accessibility projects that have been funded are available. If you have any questions or would like to discuss your ideas for this grant prior to applying, please contact Dr. Katie Hartmann: hartm783@crk.umn.edu.
Equity and Accessibility Grants
The Equity and Accessibility Grant program actively supports equity and accessibility initiatives by offering assistance to organizations and communities led by individuals from diverse backgrounds, including, but not limited to: Black, Indigenous, people of color, LGBTQ+, immigrants, migrants, neurodiverse individuals, Veterans, beginning and women farmers, and members of the disability community, as well as faculty, staff, and students. This grant program also welcomes proposals related to training, education, and collaborations promoting equity and inclusion. Proposals should:
- · Focus on IPM
- · Deliver benefits to communities and stakeholders
- · Enhance the cultural competency of staff
- · Identify gaps in IPM resources and propose ways to improve access
- · Conduct needs assessments for the communities being served.
Funding Available: $80,000 with awards of up to $20,000 each
Period of Performance: End date no later than 9/17/25
Application deadline: Open until funds are depleted
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 ideas but require a smaller budget to execute their projects.
Funding Available: Awards of up to $5,000 each
Period of Performance: End date no later than 9/17/25
Application deadline: Open until funds are depleted
Download the Equity and Accessibility Mini-Grants RFA