IPM News and Events Roundup 8/6/21
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.
EPA has released the Interim Registration Decision for Paraquat Dichloride
The Decision updates the risk estimates for paraquat mixers and loaders; incorporated new data generated by the Agricultural Handler Exposure Task Force (AHETF) regarding levels of exposure to occupational handlers using closed loading systems. The new data resulted in increased dermal and inhalation margins of exposure for mixing/loading scenarios and these updates have resulted in changes to the risk assessment conclusions as well as to the mitigation specified in this Interim Decision.
Southern IPM Newsletter for July
Meet the Center’s new Evaluation Specialist, and say good luck to Dr. Henry Fadamiro as he takes a new position. Read the new blackberry PMSP and more.
Southern IPM Center calls for 2022 Friends of IPM Award nominations in several categories. Submissions due Oct 1.
Take a look at this week’s USDA-NIFA Update to learn about some new NIFA staff, research updates and more.
New York Monthly Harvest Newsletter for August is available by subscription or on line
What you need to know about Disinfectant Wipes
As many school students resume in-person classes, some school districts are requesting students bring disinfectant wipes into school from home. Disposable, disinfectant wipes may seem a simple and convenient solution to in-class cleaning and disinfection needs, but there are several factors school communities must consider.
2021 Cucurbit downey mildew warning issued;
Cucurbit Downey Mildew is present in western NY and is expected it to be found soon in Chautauqua County and Pennsylvania.
Monitoring Assistance requested by NYS IPM Staff.
Occurrence of two important diseases is being monitored to be able to inform farmers, so they know when preventive fungicide applications are warranted, and to increase knowledge about these diseases.
Prairie Management Tradeoffs-Prescribed Fire
Prescribed fire is a great tool for removing thatch, litter, and other aboveground vegetation. It can kill some trees – like eastern red cedars around here – and can top kill other woody plants and set them back (with variable degrees of effectiveness). At the same time, fire is inherently destructive. Even fires conducted during the dormant season can kill small animals, including both invertebrates and vertebrates.
Preventing Weed Invasion from Hay Shipments
As drought in the west continues to worsen and forage is scarce, a lot of hay is moving from one place to another, which poses the risk of introducing new weeds and other pests.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today confirmed that two white-tailed deer in the town of Esopus, Ulster County, died after contracting Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD). DEC is currently following up on reports of several other dead deer in Dutchess, Ulster, and Westchester counties. EHD virus is an often fatal disease of deer that is transmitted by biting midges, small bugs often called no-see-ums or 'punkies.' The disease is not spread from deer to deer and humans cannot be infected by deer or bites from midges.
A Roundup of Resistance breeding work being done in the US, from Faith Campbell at the Center for Invasive Species Research
The principal and most notable and successful resistance breeding effort has been the Dorena Genetic Resource Center. The Center was established by, and is funded through the USFS Region 6 Genetic Resource (part of the National Forest System) and Forest Health Management programs. The Center has a solid foundation in the expertise and facilities needed to carry out breeding efforts. Also, it has a 50-plus-year track record.
EU battles African Swine Fever in Germany and elsewhere
As the world fights the coronavirus pandemic, teams in Europe are battling another outbreak: African swine fever. Hundreds of miles of fencing have been thrown up in Europe to stop its steady march west across the continent, threatening the major pig farming industries in Germany and elsewhere.
UVM announces new Pollinator Program and Pollinator Support Staff
To support pollinators on farms and in managed landscapes, University of Vermont (UVM) Extension has created an applied research and education pollinator program and a new Extension pollinator support specialist position, which will be filled by Laura Johnson. The work will be funded primarily through grants and gifts, including a $5,000 donation from the Vermont Vegetable and Berry Growers Association’s board of directors.
Invasive Vines Could Kill Nearly 5,000 Trees in Takoma Park, MD Within 5-7 Years
In what may be the first survey of its kind in the nation, an invasive plant specialist walked all 36 miles of the streets and adjacent areas of Takoma Park, MD while directly identifying nearly 5,000 trees in the process of being overwhelmed by invasive vines like English Ivy. The startling results in a small city known to highly value its tree canopy could signal that the scale of invasive vine destruction nationwide is far beyond previous assumptions. The study also identifies relatively low-resource, commonsense solutions to the problem. Most of the trees in the survey can be saved in 5-10 minutes by volunteers using common garden clippers and pruning saws.
W.O.W (WHACK OUT WEEDS!) and ECOMIGHT-PRO products contain organic claims such as “Naturally Organic” and “Organic,” but these products have been found to contain Glyphosate, Bifenthrin, and other substances prohibited in organic production. Sale and use of these products thus pose a public health risk because the products were found to contain herbicides not disclosed on their labels.
Invasive Species:
Spotted Lanternfly News:
Educators Offer tips on how to manage Spotted Lanternfly on Ornamental trees
“Spotted lanternfly is a complex pest problem, and unfortunately, there is no ‘one size fits all’ solution,” Emelie Swackhamer said. “While spotted lanternflies can weaken landscape trees, they usually do not kill them, so that’s an important factor to consider when deciding on a control method.”
Ohio State Update on Spotted Lanternfly in Ohio
On Tuesday, July 27, 2021 the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA), along with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), made an insecticide application in Mingo Junction in Jefferson County as a means to reduce, and the goal of potentially eliminating SLF in Ohio.
Cornell University warns residents of an invasive bug that has potential to destroy plants
The first major infestation in the state was detected in Staten Island in August 2020, and the insect appears to have established itself there. The pest has also been reported and confirmed in Sloatsburg, Rockland County; Port Jervis, Orange County; and in Ithaca.
Research:
Effects of glyphosate spray-drift on plant flowering
Chemicals sprayed in agriculture can drift from the target field during spray events, impacting human exposure and neighboring crops. A recent study published in the journal Environmental Pollution shows that spray drift can also impact non-crop plants that would normally provide important food resources for beneficial insects like pollinators and natural enemies to pest.
A common commercial insecticide is harmful to bees even when applied well below the label recommendations, according to new research, causing scientists to warn of another threat to the iconic pollinator. Article here.
To determine if H. longicornis is resistant or susceptible to acaricide products proven to kill other ticks, Rebecca Butler, a Ph.D. student in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology at the University of Tennessee, and colleagues tested three spray and five pour-on acaricides to see if they were effective against the (relatively) new arrival. The results of their study, which found that all the products effectively killed H. longicornis within 24 hours of exposure. Article here.
Webinars, Conferences, Meetings and more:
Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional Training, Aug 10 & 17, virtual
Did you know that Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional Training includes content on both native and invasive plants?!? The more landscape pros that have this knowledge, the brighter the future looks! Please share.
COVID-19: Aerosol Treatment Devices & Ozone Disinfection - Emergency Response Research Webinar, Aug 12, 1pm ET
EPA researchers are evaluating the efficacy of different types of aerosol treatment technologies in reducing airborne concentrations using a large-scale test chamber and standardized testing approach. Researchers are establishing protocols for evaluating efficacy of aerosol treatment products to help facilitate cross-technology comparisons.
National Park Service Integrated Pest Management Webinar Series, Aug 10-24
For August, they will have 4 presentations on wood-boring beetles, plants pests, the Spotted Lanternfly, and avifauna pests! And next month, September, they will be focusing on rodents, including their biology and management. Kicking things off in August is a presentation on the PestLens system, APHIS-PPQ's phytosanitary early-warning system, by Sherrie Emerine, Research Associate with USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).
Vector Biology Seminar Series, Aug 27-Nov 19 12noon ET
A new season of Virtual Vector Biology Seminar Series kicks off on August 27th and will run through 27 November, offering insights into research being conducted on various aspects of vector biology and exploiting the digital platform to connect with researchers globally in an ecofriendly manner. The first seminar will feature Dr Brian Foy of the Center for Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases, Colorado State University, presenting on "The Past, Present and Future of Endectocides for Controlling Mosquito-borne Diseases." Link for Registrations
Spotted Lanternfly trapping Update from UMass, Aug 31, 10am ET
This 1 1/2 hour webinar will begin with a brief discussion of the biology, host plants, and identification of the spotted lanternfly, to be followed by updates from the Elkinton and Pinero Labs at UMass Amherst. Dr. Elkinton and Dr. Andersen are currently trapping for spotted lanternfly in locations in Massachusetts and Connecticut and testing newly developed lures from Dr. Cooperband. Dr. Pinero is monitoring for SLF at orchards and vineyards across Massachusetts.
Northwest Regional Invasive Species and Climate Change Symposium, Sept 15-16, virtual
Draft agenda and registration are available.
American Hort Society Impact Washington Hort Summit 2021, September 20-22, Washington DC
The Summit 2021 is a two-day advocacy summit where green industry business owners and leaders can take action in Washington, D.C. Providing a united front, this is an opportunity for the landscaper, plant grower, garden retailer and entire green industry community to personally and collectively advocate for decisions that help us continue the growth of our $348 billion industry.
Employment Opportunities:
USDA-Agriculture Research Service has two positions open in Mississippi
Research Agricultural Engineer, Weed Science- The incumbent is responsible for planning and conducting independent research to develop improved technologies for the safe application of agricultural chemicals in row crops to meet research objectives of the project "Using Aerial Application and Remote Sensing Technologies for Targeted Spraying of Crop Protection Products."
Research Leader, Weed Science, Oxford, MS- Provides leadership for Unit research that identifies and develops natural products for potential pest management use; for adding value to existing crops, and/or for identification of possible alternate crops. Provides leadership for Unit research that improves crop protection from pests through the use of natural products, either by discovering safer natural pesticides or by manipulating their production in plants by genetic engineering or other means.
Field Development Managers, Certis Biologicals
Certis Biologicals, a leading developer, manufacturer, and marketer of biopesticides, is seeking several motivated and articulate professionals to conduct field research, product development, and technical support activities in California, the Midwest, and South-Central USA.
Certification Specialist, Pennsylvania Certified Organic (PCO)
This position focuses on assessing and determining compliance of the operation’s organic system plan with organic regulations; conducting inspections, as assigned; evaluating inspection reports and writing/issuing reports to our clients; providing customer service and working collaboratively within the Certification Review Team.This position is primarily remote office-based with some very limited travel exceptions.