IPM News and Events Roundup 01/09/23
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
Presenters: Adriana Pericchi, director Apertura, LLC, and Ethan Grundberg, regional vegetable specialist at Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture Program.
Description: Join us to learn about language access and language justice, why it is relevant for agriculture, and what are some tools and approaches to consider when planning a multilingual event.
January 9, 2023, 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Register at cornell.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_DzoOzJ4sR26m1DklwqbKMQ
This past fall, the Northeastern IPM Center launched a series of webinars to highlight and foster diversity in IPM. We invited presenters from historically marginalized groups to discuss topics related to their research, or to share their perspectives on overcoming barriers and succeeding in their chosen profession.
To learn more, register for an upcoming webinar, or view recordings of past webinars in the series, visit www.northeastipm.org/ipm-in-action/deij-in-ipm/
Kudo’s to StopPests.org for being listed as a resource in the Tribal Indoor Air Quality Training & Resource Directory which contains training materials and webinars for Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in homes and public housing. IPM focuses on pest prevention and least-toxic control methods, making IPM a cost-effective, practical approach to pest management
Northeastern IPM Center - Integrated Pest Management Insights
Join us for our end of year Insights publication.
A Fond Farewell to Nancy Cusumano
Deter Deer from Devouring Your Landscape
Research
IPM Adoption and Impacts in the United States (Journal of Integrated Pest Management)
Proud to share published article brought to you by our very own Evaluation Specialist David Lane, Southern IPM Evaluation Specialist Tegan Walker, and NEIPM Director Deborah Grantham.
Increased Integrated Pest Management (IPM) adoption hinges not only on the future of innovative research, but also on the willingness of growers to adopt new IPM technologies. Adoption and diffusion of innovations can encounter many different challenges. By better understanding the drivers of and barriers to IPM adoption, future research, extension, and education can better target behavior change. This study sought to better understand the IPM adoption drivers and barriers, along with the impacts of IPM, from the perspective of state IPM coordinators via an online Qualtrics survey. These professionals have a statewide perspective on IPM adoption.
Research in the News
National Animal Health Laboratory Network: Protecting the American Agriculture System for 20 Years (nifa.usda.gov)
The U.S. livestock and food sectors, which account for more than $150 billion in annual cash receipts, are under continual threat from outbreaks of foreign and emerging animal diseases. Since 2002, these agricultural assets have been protected in part by the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN), created through the cooperation of the USDA-APHIS Veterinary Service, USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), and the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD).
Fall Armyworm Study Shows Maize, Sorghum as Preferred Host Plants (entomologytoday.org)
The fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) is native to the Americas, but in the past six years has become invasive to Africa, Asia, and Australia. Because the species causes large amounts of crop damage, knowledge of which plants are preferred by fall armyworms will be invaluable for control strategies.
An Invasion of Giant Asian Hornets in Europe All Started with a Single Queen (sciencealert.com)
Invasive species have a notorious ability to spread rapidly through unprepared ecosystems, wreaking havoc along their way. The Asian hornet (Vespa velutina), is no exception, expanding its habitat by more than 80 kilometers (50 miles) a year while preying on honeybees, hoverflies and other insects.
University College Cork zoologist Eileen Dillane and team analyzed three genes from the first recorded arrival of the Asian hornet in Ireland in April 2021 and compared them to sequences of wasps found across mainland Europe. All of the genes were mitochondrial genes, which are passed on along the female line.
Other News
North Central IPM Center December Updates
January Pests and Progress Webinar Features Apple IPM
EPA Approves Stronger Plans for Certification of Pesticide Applicators
Learn About the Diverse Corn Belt Project
And much more!
Southern IPM Center January’s Newsletter
2023 Friends of IPM Award Winners
2022 Annual Report
Pest Management Strategic Plan (PMSP) for Pine Tree Nursery
Upcoming IPM Hour Webinars
And much more!
The Southern IPM Hour talks about USDA's Office of Pest Management Policy
OPMP serves as the USDA lead regarding pesticide regulation and policy. We actively work with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on registration of new active ingredients and pesticide registration review, ensuring that the needs of growers are represented. We coordinate Departmental activities and services regarding development, availability, and use of economically and environmentally sound pest management tools and practices.
US approves world’s first vaccine for declining honeybees (bbc.com)
The US has approved use of the world's first vaccine for honeybees. It was engineered to prevent fatalities from American foulbrood disease, a bacterial condition known to weaken colonies by attacking bee larvae. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) approved a conditional license for the vaccine this week, according to the biotech firm behind its development. As pollinators, bees play a critical role in many aspects of the ecosystem. The vaccine could serve as a "breakthrough in protecting honeybees", Dalan Animal Health CEO Annette Kleiser said in a statement.
Final Environmental Assessment for a Biological Control Agent of Spotted-Wing Drosophila (aphis.usda.gov)
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has prepared a final environmental assessment (EA) that addresses the environmental impacts of releasing the insect Ganaspis brasiliensis to manage spotted-wing drosophila (Drosophila suzukii) populations in the contiguous United States. After careful analysis, APHIS has determined that releasing this biological control agent in the continental U.S. is not likely to harm the environment.
Incorporating “Three Sisters Planting” into NRCS Conservation Practice Standards (nrcs.usda.gov)
NRCS worked with the Narragansett Tribe to develop a conservation plan for their Tribal Farm that incorporated both NRCS conservation practices to address resource concerns and indigenous practices like the Three Sisters. The Narragansett people planted the corn, beans, and squash (or pumpkins) in mounds using an intercropping system known as the Three Sisters. The corn stalks provided physical support for bean vines; beans provided nitrogen to the soil through nitrogen-fixing rhizobia bacteria; and squash and pumpkins provided ground cover to suppress weeds functioning as living mulch.
Maine's Governor Mills Creates PFAS Fund Advisory Committee (maine.gov)
The Mills Administration has named Elizabeth (Beth) Fuller Valentine as the new PFAS Fund Director and announced the list of appointed members to serve on the newly established PFAS Fund Advisory Committee. The $60 million PFAS Fund, proposed by Governor Mills and passed by the State Legislature, will provide direct relief to Maine farmers impacted by PFAS contamination.
PFAS News Roundup: 3M says it will stop making ‘forever chemicals’ by 2025, but global problem remains (greatlakesnow.org)
PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of widespread man-made chemicals that don’t break down in the environment or the human body and have been flagged as a major contaminant in sources of water across the country.
Keep up with PFAS-related developments in the Great Lakes and National areas.
Grants Improve Antibiotic Use in Livestock (foundationfar.org)
“These ICASA grant-funded projects are investigating novel and potentially high-impact solutions to promote targeted antibiotic use and advances in animal health and welfare. The projects’ high level of public-private industry partnership speaks to the need to accelerate antibiotic stewardship research to improve the health and welfare of beef cattle and swine.” Saharah Moon Chapotin, Ph.D.
Executive Director of Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research
USFWS declares victory over Nutria in Maryland (wildlife.org)
The Chesapeake Bay Nutria Eradication Project was undertaken by the USFWS, USDA Wildlife Services and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, with participation from over 700 landowners on the Delmarva Peninsula. Managers used a variety of techniques, including detection dogs, which detected nutria scat across the landscape.
OSA Publishes 2023 Policy Platform for Seed (seedalliance.org)
Organic Seed Alliance is proud to announce a 2023 Policy Platform for Seed, a list of priorities for advancing equitable and resilient seed systems in the next Farm Bill and beyond.
EPA’s Workplan and Progress Toward Better Protections for Endangered Species
When EPA registers a pesticide or reevaluates it in registration review, the Agency has a responsibility under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) to ensure that the pesticide registrations do not jeopardize the continued existence of federally threatened or endangered (listed) species or adversely modify their designated critical habitats. Chemical stressors, such as pesticides, are one of many factors that can contribute to population declines of listed species. Other factors include habitat loss, climate change, invasive species, and pests/diseases.
EPA’s Workplan for Endangered Species is seeking comments
The EPA is seeking comments on the Endangered Species Act (ESA) Workplan Update. Proposed changes to pesticide labeling are found in the appendix beginning on page 21, which is where feedback to questions asked is being solicited.
The example label language in the table on page 28 has fourteen MITIGATION measures listed that would apply to both surface water runoff and soil erosion mitigation. Depending on the product being applied, a grower will have to pick at least one (likely more) and have it in place to legally apply the product. The mitigation measures are long term measures a grower will need to implement and maintain on their farms. They are not something that can be thought about after a pest problem is noticed.
As you read through the descriptions of the 14 measures (pages 29-37), consider whether growers have at least some in place already or if there will be problems. Note the size requirements of the different measures and consider smaller and/or specialty farms. Also comment if there are measures that farmers are already taking that should be added to the pick list.
There are also changes to prevent drift outlined by application method in the tables on pages 41-46 and changes to how pesticide treated seeds are handles and disposed of (by burying) explained in section 6 and pollinator stewardship in section 7.
These new requirements will start appearing on all pesticide labels and it sounds like the rollout will be as quick as possible. This is the time to communicate to EPA about any problems these requirements might pose in specific cropping systems.
Comments due by 2/14/23 here: https://www.regulations.gov/docket/EPA-HQ-OPP-2022-0908/document
Surveys
Search for the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA)
It's that time of year again, the Finger Lakes PRISM is launching its Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Survey (HWAS) for 2023, and we need your help! Last year we began our pilot HWA survey to great success. Across 12 events we trained and recruited 181 people to scour for HWA across our region and recorded over 80 observations. This year, we'd like to build on our progress from last year and partner with your organization to search for the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA).
What is the FL-PRISM HWA Survey? We created our survey to find new populations of HWA in our region and help prioritize control measures where hemlocks can still be saved. In our survey, we train volunteers on what HWA is, why it's a threat, and lead them on a guided hike to find HWA. If left unchecked, HWA threatens to wipe out the eastern hemlock, one of our most important native tree species.
Slightly Off the IPM Path
"Just when they were about to get rid of the Raf tomato, they discovered that it grew surprisingly well in Almeria" (hortidaily.com)
The Raf tomato is one of the most appreciated tomatoes grown in Almeria. It is a very exclusive variety because of its intense flavor. This exclusivity translates into a selling price that easily surpasses that of all other tomato varieties. The story behind this tomato is as impressive as the plant itself.
Webinars, Seminars, Meetings, and More
What’s Bugging You? First Friday Events (New York State IPM Program)
Fridays | 12:00 pm. – 12:30 p.m. EDT | Zoom | Free; registration required
In this monthly virtual series, we explore 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. What is IPM? It's 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.
2023 What’s Bugging You First Friday Schedule
Join us Live, on the first Friday of every month from Noon to 12:30 EST on Zoom.
- February 3: Indoor cockroaches | Pet flea/tick treatments
- March 3: Carpenter ants | Carpenter bees
- April 7: Avoiding wildlife at home | Slug/snail management
- May 5: Spotted lanternfly update | Stinging insect ID
- June 2: Common Garden insects | Poison ivy management
- July 7: Pest of home berry plants | Spiders in the home
- August 4: Groundhog management | Bat exclusion
- September 1: Right plant, right place | Transplanting trees/shrubs
- October 6: Jumping worms | Roof gutter pests
- November 3: Winter garden prep | Tick check reminder
- December 1: Houseplant IPM | Firewood pests
Register for upcoming events before our session on January 6, 2023.
Winter Activities for Invasive Plant Control
Winter is a great time to tackle invasive plants! In this interactive webinar, learn about safe and effective winter control methods and find out which plants can be treated now or should be left alone for later.
You can submit your questions beforehand (during registration) to our panel of experts or ask them live.
This is a free online event and includes a question & answer period with the audience. Those who register will receive access to the recording.
Wednesday, January 11
11:30 am to 1 pm, via Zoom
To register or for more info: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/479673485307
Greenhouse, Nursery & Landscaper Education Day
Join a team of Cornell Cooperative Extension educators, in partnership with NYS Flower Industries. The day will feature speakers from Cornell, Rutgers and Syracuse Universities, as well as NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets and industry. Up to 5 DEC credits available in the following categories: 10, 25, 22, 1a & 3a. Cost is $50, which includes lunch. Master Gardeners may attend for $25. A virtual option is available. You can find more information on the speakers and topics below:
- Rick Yates, GGSPro Technical Services Manager: Biostimulants- Nothing but the Facts!
- Joyce Latimar - PGRs for Perennial Production
- Margery Daughtrey - Protect Your 2023 Crops Against 2022 Diseases!”
- Brian Eshenaur (NYS IPM) & Ethan Angell (NYSDAM) - Spotted Lanternfly: It’s here, what now?
- Brian Eshenaur (NYS IPM) What to Watch for in 2023: Landscape and nursery pests we can expect to in the coming growing season
- Betsy Lamb (NYS IPM) - What's new in biocontrol and IPM for greenhouses?
- Sam Quinn (Syracuse University) – Using Meadows as a Restoration Tool for Ecosystems
Registration Ends: January 15, 2023
Event Date: January 18, 2023
UPDATES FOR MANAGING THE ASIAN LONG-HORNED BEETLE (ALB) - (90-minute webinar)
The Asian Long-horned Beetle is an invasive insect that is harmful to America's hardwood forests. Boring into hardwoods, this invasive insect weakens the trunks of these trees and can lead to their decline. This beetle has spread throughout the U.S. and can damage natural and recreational resources. This free webinar will focus on identifying this pest and effective integrated pest management strategies to eradicate it from forested areas.
Monday, January 23, 2023 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM EST
Lobster mobsters, jumping plant lice, and more invasive species talks coming
Invasive species pose a threat to Michigan's environment, economy, and sometimes even human health. What is at stake? What is being done? This webinar series will explore how agencies, universities and locally led organizations are working together to protect Michigan's natural resources through the Michigan Invasive Species Program. If you are concerned about the impacts of invasive species or interested in the techniques used to control them, join us as we examine species-specific actions, innovations in research and technology, and programs designed to help communities prevent and manage harmful invasive species. A question-and-answer period will follow each presentation.
UMass Extension’s Invasive Insect Webinar Series 2023
Join UMass Extension’s Landscape, Nursery, and Urban Forestry Program and UMass Extension’s Fruit Program presents for this series of FREE webinars focusing on the impact, monitoring, and management of invasive insects in Massachusetts and the nation! Topics to include spotted lanternfly updates, management, and entomopathogens, forest pest risk re. climate change; the beech leaf disease nematode; and invasive forest insects. Please note while participants from anywhere are invited to attend, much of the material presented will be specific to Massachusetts and New England.
Event date/time:
Wednesday, January 25, 2023 - 9:00am
Wednesday, February 8, 2023 - 9:00am
Wednesday, February 22, 2023 - 9:00am
Event Type: Online
Price: Free (grant subsidized)
Don Downing originated the program in 1986. Cornell’s Pesticide Management Education Program took it over in 1996, with Ron Gardner running the workshop until his retirement in 2017. The workshop addresses a variety of pest problems and management strategies, proper pesticide use, and regulatory perspectives. It focuses on the food industry, with post-workshop sessions that broaden the scope to include general structural pest control and/or space and commodity fumigation.
If you register by 5:00 p.m. on January 26th, 2023, the registration fee is $135 to attend the February 7th Food Processing Session, $80 to attend the February 8th Structural Session, or $200 to attend both sessions. After that time, registration will be an additional $10. Registration includes refreshment breaks and (for Tuesday only) lunch. You can register and pay online with a credit card or by mail with a check. Please make your check payable to Cornell University and send your information to the address listed on the mail-in registration form
Event Date: February 7th and 8th, 2023. RIT Inn & Conference Center, Henrietta, NY
Join us on February 23-24, 2023 at USDA's largest and premiere annual gathering!
USDA’s 99th annual Agricultural Outlook Forum (AOF), will be held in-person at the Crystal City Gateway Marriott on February 23-24, 2023, and all sessions will be livestreamed on a virtual platform.
More than 30 sessions and 100 agriculture leaders and subject matter experts will discuss key issues impacting the sector including:
- USDA’s initial forecast for the agricultural economy, commodity markets, and trade in 2023 and the U.S. farm income situation
- Climate smart agriculture
- Supply chain challenges and solutions
- Factors impacting U.S. trade update & the global marketplace
- Food prices outlook
Save the Date - 2023 RISCC Symposium
It's time to mark your calendars! We're getting excited for our next symposium, which is scheduled to take place virtually via Zoom on February 14-15th, 2023. Sessions will take place over two days from 11am-3:30pm (Eastern).
Description: The insect world is diverse and includes a collection of critters that provide important
functions in the ecosystem. Some are pollinators, some decomposers, and many are food for the birds,
reptiles and mammals we enjoy in our landscapes. To avoid becoming a food item and defend their
colony, some insects sting, while others bite to obtain food. This presentation will help you to better
understand the stinging and biting insects found around your home, provide some insights about
reducing encounters with them, and options for effective management when necessary.
We will also discuss:
• Do mosquitos only come out at dusk?
• Brown recluse? Black widow? Joro spider? What is actually in our area?
• What bug is that crawling in my bed?
Other pest arthropods like wasps and biting flies will also be discussed!
Presenter: Dr. Matt Frye, Community IPM Extension Educator with
NYS Integrated Pest Management
February 28, 2023 12:00 PM in Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Register in advance for this webinar here!
Science & Management Webinar of this Invasive Weed
The webinar is intended to share information on control of Japanese knotweed, Fallopia japonica, with researchers, land managers, and landscape professionals who work with riparian weeds. The webinar will emphasize attempts at practical control strategies for California's Central Coast within a broader context of its ecology.
Hosted by the Marin Knotweed Action Team (MKAT).
Save the date
DATE: Wednesday, March 1, 2023
SPEAKERS & AGENDA: coming soon
REGISTRATION: opens in 2023
QUESTIONS: email llevinger@ucanr.edu
Employment Opportunities
Post-Doctoral Research Associate - Beneficial Insects Lab
UMass Amherst
Conduct research on biological control of the emerald ash borer (EAB) with a focus on population dynamics of both the target pests and introduced parasitoids. Research will occur both in a laboratory and in forests across the U.S. and involves modeling both spatial and temporal dynamics of North American ash recovery in relation to levels of EAB infestations or densities due to the impact of both introduced and endemic natural enemies in various climatic/geographic regions in North America.
Application deadline not listed
Staff Entomologist / Educational Specialist
National Pest Management Association
The Staff Entomologist / Educational Specialist is responsible for development of technical support materials and providing entomological and scientific support for NPMA members and to other NPMA departments.
The National Pest Management Association has a unique culture that empowers individuals to move the Association and Industry forward through new initiatives, innovative solutions, and creative endeavors. Although we have a nearly 90-year history as an organization, NPMA still offer employees the flexibility and ingenuity to make a positive impact on our shared future.
Central Pine Barrens Commission
The Central Pine Barrens Joint Planning and Policy Commission, through the Suffolk County Water Authority is currently accepting applications for an Ecologist to assist in with ecological management and stewardship projects within the Central Pine Barrens to foster biological diversity, natural resource conservation, and ecosystem protection and restoration.
This position will be strongly focused on management plan development and implementation especially for prescribed burns; pre and post management monitoring; and long-term monitoring to improve forest and grassland health, resiliency to emerging species (such as southern pine beetle) and habitat for rare and endangered species.
Individuals with a strong research background; experience in fire ecology; leading and/or supporting prescribed fires; conducting habitat restorations, and ecological monitoring activities are encouraged to apply.
IR-4
The IR-4 Project is seeking a Quality Assurance Auditor to join its headquarters team, based on NC State’s Centennial Campus.
Reporting to the National Quality Assurance Unit Manager, the incumbent is a member of the IR-4 Project Quality Assurance Unit and is responsible for various types of quality assurance audits of IR-4 Project generated raw data and reports. The incumbent would be responsible for performing inspections of field sites and lab analyses during critical phases of a study as well as conducting facility inspections.
This vital role helps ensure the quality and integrity of IR-4 Project submissions to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA). Many of the functions of this position are required for the IR-4 Project to achieve compliance with US EPA Federal Good Laboratory Practice Regulations (GLPs – as documented in Chapter 40- Code of Federal Regulations, Part 160).
This is a full-time (40 hours per week), EHRA non-faculty position.
View the job posting and apply here!
Cornell University
This program specializes in integrating basic and applied research to develop new tools in integrative pest management (IPM) science by studying the chemistry and chemical ecology of insect pests. With a focus on plant toxins detoxification mechanisms by insect pests, the aim is to harness RNAi biotechnology to reduce the expression of genes coding for these detoxifying enzymes as a promising alternative to non-selective and resilient insecticides currently used. The research and extension part of this program specializes in developing new methods in analytical chemistry to improve the detection and characterization of insect sex pheromones and plant volatiles, and to test the performance of pheromone lure/trap products to give reliable recommendations to stakeholders on monitoring pest activity in the context of climate change.
University of Maryland (several positions posted)
Founded in 1856, University of Maryland, College Park is the flagship institution in the University System of Maryland. Our 1,250-acre College Park campus is just minutes away from Washington, D.C., and the nexus of the nation’s legislative, executive, and judicial centers of power. This unique proximity to business and technology leaders, federal departments and agencies, and a myriad of research entities, embassies, think tanks, cultural centers, and non-profit organizations is simply unparalleled. Synergistic opportunities for our faculty and students abound and are virtually limitless in the nation’s capital and surrounding areas. The University is committed to attracting and retaining outstanding and diverse faculty and staff that will enhance our stature of preeminence in our three missions of teaching, scholarship, and full engagement in our community, the state of Maryland, and in the world.
Job Links:
Home & Garden: Business Services Specialist
Home & Garden: Program Management Specialist
Plant Science & Landscape Architecture: Assistant Clinical Professor - PTK
Plant Science & Landscape Architecture: Asst. Professor Agriculture and Extension Education
Plant Science & Landscape Architecture: Assistant Prof. and Extension Spec. – Weed Ecology
Environmental Science & Technology: Nutrient Management Advisor (4 Positions)
1)Baltimore County, 2)Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City, 3)Worcester County and 4)Talbot County
Principal Agent and Assistant Director (FCS)
University of Maryland
UME has four major program areas: Agriculture and Food Systems, 4-H Youth Development, Environment & Natural Resources and Sea Grant, and FCS. UME faculty and staff are located at offices in 23 counties and Baltimore City, the 4-H State office, SNAP-Ed State office, and five research and education centers. This position collaborates with Program Leaders, the Assistant Director of Program and Organizational Development, and the Assistant Director of Operations. At the local level, the position works with Area/City Extension directors. The position reports to the UME Associate Dean/Associate Director.
This AD/PL provides leadership and an expansive vision for innovation and excellence of interdisciplinary FCS programs. Responsibilities include identifying emerging issues, prioritizing programs, developing and maintaining university-wide and external partnerships, securing and managing resources for extension education and applied research projects, ensuring innovative and impactful program implementation, and advancing health equity and well-being.
Open until filled with best consideration date: January 30, 2023
Cornell University
We are seeking a Program/Extension Aide II who will closely collaborate with the NYSIPM Digital Outreach and Development Coordinator to take on the following responsibilities in our program.
- Collaboratively build python modules and Django web apps
- Deploy basic Django web apps to test and evaluate python modules using coding best practices.
- Perform basic non-critical planned updates to existing Django web apps, following plan of work documents.
- Research and synthesize new information about online target audience needs.
- Build mockups of digital tool interfaces for user testing.
- Participate in planned Digital Outreach Team meetings and team-building activities.
Urban IPM Area Advisor Applied Research and Extension (Capitol Corridor Area)
University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources
Purpose. The Urban IPM Area Advisor will develop IPM strategies to effectively manage pests in urban areas while protecting public health and the environment. Key clientele includes public agencies, pest management professionals licensed by either the Structural Pest Control Board or the Department of Pesticide Regulation, and unlicensed members of the general public
This position will primarily address the UC ANR condition change of ‘promoting healthy people and communities’ but will also contribute to ‘developing a qualified workforce’ and ‘promoting economic prosperity.’ The three counties of UCCE Capitol Corridor have a combined population of approximately 2.25 million people, which is more than the total populations of 15 states.
Closing Date: To assure full consideration, application packets must be received by February 12, 2023 – (open until filled)
The West Virginia University Research Corporation
This position is responsible for assisting the Plant Pathologist, Entomologist, and Weed Scientist with various service and applied research activities. Significant statewide travel and/or overnight stays will be expected during the growing season (April–August) to perform important pest scouting duties.
At WVU Research Corporation, we strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work.
- Candidate should have a B.S. in Plant Science with supporting course work preferably in horticulture, agronomy, soil science, entomology, plant pathology, and weed science.
- 2 years’ experience in closely related laboratory/greenhouse and field research.
- 1 year of experience to provide support to the state-wide Extension IPM program
Submission deadline: January 21, 2023
Greenhouse Supervisor, Cornell Agricultural Experiment Station
Cornell University
The Cornell Agricultural Experiment Station (Cornell AES) is dedicated to sustainable "science for life," in its two core separate but related functions -- the operation of world-class research facilities throughout the state and the generation and application of research-based knowledge through the administration of federal formula grants.
The Cornell AES greenhouse operations on and around the Cornell Campus are, with 127,000 square feet, the largest non-commercial greenhouse facility in the state. The 146 compartments are primarily used as teaching and research facilities, housing 300 to 400 research projects at any given time. Plant services for all of these projects are provided by the dedicated greenhouse staff, which is responsible for the setup, daily care and maintenance.
Funding Opportunities
Two of our critical grants management systems, CREEMS and ezFedGrants, are nearing the end of their lifecycle and require replacement. NIFA will chose a new grants management solution from these Federally managed technology providers.
This Grants Modernization Initiative is a key priority for NIFA, and our goal is to keep you informed and engaged. Ultimately, this initiative will transform how we do business so that it is more seamless for staff and customers, improves our ability to track and report outcomes, and helps achieve the agency mission more efficiently and effectively.?
NYS Specialty Crop Block Grant RFP
NYFVI is pleased to partner with New York State’s Department of Agriculture and Markets (NYSDAM) to manage the competitive grant program for New York State’s USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program application. Guided by the State’s Specialty Crop Advisory Group, the 2023 RFP focuses on a subset of the outcomes specified in the broader USDA SCBG RFP. Specifically, this RFP seeks work that will achieve the following outcomes:
- Improve Pest & Disease Control Processes
- Develop New Seed Varieties & Specialty Crops
- Expand Specialty Crop Research and Development
- Improve Environmental Sustainability of Specialty Crops
Each outcome has measurable indicators established by the USDA SCBG program.
The RFP will be open on October 25th and Applications are due on December 11, 2022
Deadline extended to January 9, 2023.
USDA Specialty Crop Research Initiative
USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture
The purpose of the Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI) program is to address the critical needs of the specialty crop industry by awarding grants to support research and extension that address key challenges of national, regional, and multi-state importance in sustaining all components of food and agriculture, including conventional and organic food production systems. Projects must address at least one of five focus areas:
- Research in plant breeding, genetics, genomics, and other methods to improve crop characteristics
- Efforts to identify and address threats from pests and diseases, including threats to specialty crop pollinators
- Efforts to improve production efficiency, handling and processing, productivity, and profitability over the long term (including specialty crop policy and marketing)
- New innovations and technology, including improved mechanization and technologies that delay or inhibit ripening
- Methods to prevent, detect, monitor, control, and respond to potential food safety hazards in the production efficiency, handling and processing of specialty crops
The RFA announcement related to this FY 2023 funding opportunity is posted. Please download RFA here. Deadline for applications is January 12, 2023
Veg Out - Managing Aquatic Vegetation in Canals
Design and build solutions for managing canal aquatic vegetation for a share of $345,000 in prizes
For more than 100 years, the Bureau of Reclamation has brought water to arid lands to support agriculture and economic development. Today, Reclamation’s 8,000 miles of canals deliver water across the western United States. These canals are negatively impacted by aquatic vegetation. Existing management methods have various drawbacks. The Veg Out Challenge aims to reduce the cost and labor of aquatic vegetation management in canals while minimizing undesirable impacts to water quality or downstream users. The challenge seeks to identify, develop, and test novel, sustainable, scalable solutions that can be used across a range of canal types. A total prize purse of $345,000 will be distributed across the three phases of concept, prototyping, and demonstration.
Submission deadline: January 11, 2023
Crop Protection and Pest Management Competitive Grants Program
USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture
The FY 2023 Request for Applications (RFA) for the Applied Research and Development Program (ARDP) under the Crop Protection and Pest Management (CPPM) Competitive Grants Program is now available
The purpose of the Crop Protection and Pest Management program is to address high priority issues related to pests and their management using IPM approaches at the state, regional and national levels. The CPPM program supports projects that will ensure food security and respond effectively to other major societal pest management challenges with comprehensive IPM approaches that are economically viable, ecologically prudent, and safe for human health. The CPPM program addresses IPM challenges for emerging issues and existing priority pest concerns that can be addressed more effectively with new and emerging technologies. The outcomes of the CPPM program are effective, affordable, and environmentally sound IPM practices and strategies needed to maintain agricultural productivity and healthy communities. ?
Current closing date: February 13, 2022
Methyl Bromide Transition Program
USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture
The Methyl Bromide Transition Program (MBT) addresses the immediate needs and the costs of transition that have resulted from the phase-out of the pesticide methyl bromide. Methyl bromide has been a pest and disease control tactic critical to pest management systems for decades for soilborne and postharvest pests. The program focuses on integrated commercial-scale research on methyl bromide alternatives and associated extension activity that will foster the adoption of these solutions. Projects should cover a broad range of new methodologies, technologies, systems, and strategies for controlling economically important pests for which methyl bromide has been the only effective pest control option. Research projects must address commodities with critical issues and include a focused economic analysis of the cost of implementing the transition on a commercial scale.
The RFA announcement and technical assistance webinar related to this FY 2023 funding opportunity is scheduled. Please access the details about the webinar, such as the zoom link, date, time, etc., through the Webinar heading above.
The Crew Assistance Program offers valuable opportunities for partners who can work alongside WNY PRISM’s experienced staff to learn invasive species identification, how to use various survey and monitoring tools, to gain experience with removal methods, strategies and equipment, and learn about prioritization and adaptive management strategies that can be used to increase the effectiveness of invasive species management. In some cases, we’re simply able to provide a few extra hands to help move partner projects to a stage that is easier for them to handle moving forward.
Eligibility and Restrictions:
Eligible entities include non-profit organizations, local governments, agencies, associations and
institutions located within, or serving areas within, the 8 counties of WNY PRISM (Allegany, Cattaraugus,
Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans and Wyoming Counties).
All proposals must be received by 5:00 PM on Friday, January 27, 2023, to be
considered for the Crew Assistance Program in 2023.
2023 CRISP Request for Proposals
We are pleased to announce the CRISP 2023 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 that we conducted earlier this year:
- 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 $10,000 and must be completed in 2022. The deadline for applications is February 3rd. Additional information is available here: https://www.catskillinvasives.com/funding
NYS DEC 2022 - Urban and Community Forestry Grants Program
This grant is now open, and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and in the order received until funds are exhausted. See the Request for Applications (RFA) (PDF) for detailed information. The December 9, 2022 information session is now available to view. This is a special grant opportunity made possible in part by federal and state funds. (Information on Round 16 of the regular Urban and Community Forestry Grant will be updated below as dates are finalized.) Up to $350,000 will be available for Tree Planting in Disadvantaged Communities after Ash Loss. The November 9th information webinar was recorded. (Please note that the presentation starts at about 14 minutes in to the recording.)
Eligible applicants include NYS Municipalities, Indian nations, or tribes, and 501(c)(3) not-for-profit (NFP) corporations.
Environmental Quality Incentives Program (nrcs.usda.gov)
NRCS works one-on-one with producers to develop a conservation plan that outlines conservation practices and activities to help solve on-farm resource issues. Producers implement practices and activities in their conservation plan that can lead to cleaner water and air, healthier soil and better wildlife habitat, all while improving their agricultural operations. EQIP helps producers make conservation work for them. Financial assistance for practices may be available through EQIP. Some producers may also qualify for advance payment.
Targeted EQIP financial assistance is available through several conservation initiatives. See which initiative is available in your state.