IPM News and Events Roundup 01/13/23

IPM News and Events Roundup   

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 

DEIJ IPM in Action   

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/  

 Research

Impact of floating row cover and sensor placement on strawberry anthracnose and Botrytis fruit rot risk assessment  (bsppjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com)

Authored by: Scott D. CosseboomAnita SchoenebergJohn D. Lea-CoxJayesh SamtaniCharles S. JohnsonMengjun Hu

Funded by Northeastern Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Center through its grant’s programs, supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA-NIFA).

During the 2019–2020 and 2020–2021 growing seasons, six trials at four sites in Maryland and Virginia, USA were conducted, with leaf wetness and temperature sensors placed at 2 m height at the edge of the field (elevated sensor placement) or at the canopy level (0.5 m) on strawberry beds (canopy sensor placement). Temperature and leaf wetness duration (LWD) data from these sensors were used as input for anthracnose fruit rot (AFR) and Botrytis fruit rot (BFR) infection risk models, and fungicide spray trials were conducted to evaluate the ability of these predictions to control AFR and BFR.

Breaking down barriers to consistent, climate-smart regulation of invasive plants: A case study of US Northeast states (esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com)

Authored by:  Bethany A. BradleyEvelyn M. BeauryEmily J. FuscoLara MunroCarrie Brown-LimaWilliam CovilleBenjamin KeslerNancy OlmsteadJocelyn Parker

Efforts to prevent the introduction and spread of new invasive plants are most effective when regulated species are consistent across jurisdictional boundaries and proactively prohibit species before they arrive or in the earliest stages of invasion. Consistent and proactive regulation is particularly important in the northeastern United States, which is susceptible to many new invasive plants due to climate change. Unfortunately, recent analyses of state regulated plant lists show that regulated species are neither consistent nor proactive.

Research in the News

Amped-Up Ants: Caterpillars’ Sugary Treats Earn Carpenter Ant Care (entomologytoday.org)

In a recent study led by Geena M. Hill, a research biologist at the Florida Natural Areas Inventory at Florida State University, researchers tested whether the Florida carpenter ant (Camponotus floridanus) provides protection to the highly endangered butterfly Cyclargus thomasi bethunebakeri, often known as the Miami blue butterfly.

Amaranth as a natural food colorant source (frontiersin.org)

Growing consumer demands for healthier foods have evoked trends in the food industry to replace synthetically produced colorants with naturally derived alternatives. Anthocyanins currently comprise the bulk of the natural colorant market, but betalains offer advantages where anthocyanins have limits. Amaranthus species are appealing betalain sources given their extensive pigmentation patterns and recognized food status around the world.

Do Not Sell! Ornamental invasive plants to avoid with climate change (scholarworks.umass.edu)

Climate change is likely to bring dozens of new invasive plants to the Northeast. Despite their invasive tendencies, many of these species are sold as ornamental plants in slightly warmer climates, but are not yet a large part of nursery sales in the Northeast. By avoiding these species, we protect our native ecosystems from future invasive species impacts. We also present alternative native plants that provide similar aesthetics while also supporting biodiversity.

Other News

Revised Crop Group Table Now Available (ir4project.org)

The revised crop group table is now available to view and download on the IR-4 website. Find all Crop Grouping information in the Food Crops section.

PestTalks (growertalks.com | Dr. Juang-Horng “JC” Chong)

Interim Decision on Carbaryl Posted

Submit Your Comments on EPA’s Carbaryl Interim Decision

Keep Deer Away

What About Moles and Voles?

Omnibus Bill Passes with Pesticide Registration Resources for U.S. EPA (pestfacts.org)

Pesticide Registration Improvement Act (PRIA 5) provides necessary resources to the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP). The legislation will supplement annual appropriations for OPP with additional funding from industry-paid fees that support pesticide registration, registration review, and other regulatory actions important to promoting product innovation.

Addition of Certain PFAS to the Toxic Release Inventory by the National Defense Authorization Act (epa.gov)

Section 7321 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (NDAA) immediately added certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to the list of chemicals covered by the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) under Section 313 of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) and provided a framework for additional PFAS to be added to TRI on an annual basis.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service launches Center for Pollinator Conservation (fws.gov)

The center will initially launch as a virtual collaborative space and will focus on three key themes: highlighting the importance of pollinators, understanding, and responding to threats and coordinating action to reverse declines. Anticipated work for the center’s first year includes conducting assessments on the current state of pollinator conservation and science across the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; listening to agency programs and other partners across the country about how the center might function, and what it might provide; and developing mid-and longer-term strategies for the center and its work, including the announcement of a physical hub for its operations.

2022’s Top 10 Most Viewed Entomology Today Posts (entomologytoday.org)

Entomology Today came to the end of another year—the 10th year, in fact—of news and updates on insect research, commentary on matters in insect science, and perspectives on the entomological profession at Entomology Today.

As is tradition for their final post of the calendar year, take a look back at what ET readers found most interesting and engaging in 2022—plus what generated buzz in ESA’s social media channels and its family of journals.

Slightly Off the IPM Path

Allergic to Sesame? Food Labels Now Must List Sesame as an Allergen (fda.gov)

If you or someone in your household is allergic to sesame, an important change is taking place to help you quickly identify foods that contain sesame. As of January 1, 2023, sesame is required to be labeled as an allergen on packaged foods, including dietary supplements. Sesame joins eight other foods already declared as major food allergens by federal law.

Requests for Input

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 February 14, 2023 here: https://www.regulations.gov/docket/EPA-HQ-OPP-2022-0908/document

Webinars, Seminars, Meetings, and More

What’s Bugging You? First Friday Events

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 February 3, 2023.

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

REGISTER HERE

Integrated Pest Management for Bed Bugs: What is New?

Speaker: Dr. Alvaro Romero, New Mexico State University 

Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius L.) continue to increase as serious pests in the built environment. These insects are particularly problematic in low-income multiunit housing buildings, where infestations are difficult to control, tend to become chronic, and the locations serve as reservoirs from which bed bugs disperse. This seminar reviews the current status of methods to detect and manage bed bugs in these urban settings. The talk will emphasize on programs using IPM approaches for bed bug management which can lead to significant reductions in bed bug incidence and density when compared with insecticide-dependent approaches. It also emphasizes on factors that may contribute to the persistence of bed bugs in low-income and multiunit housing situations. For more information, check out the Romero Lab website.

New York State Integrated Pest Management (NYS IPM) at Cornell University hosts this monthly seminar series to increase awareness of new research and techniques that advance IPM and its adoption in all types of pest management settings.

January 25, 2023 - 11:15 am - 12:15 pm

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

Food Solutions and the Climate Crisis

Register separately for each session using live links. 

Webinar Series - Thursdays, January 26 – March 16, 2023 - 3pm ET

 For questions, contact Marianne Krasny (mek2@cornell.edu) or Celeste Carmichael (cjc17@cornell.edu). Use “Food Climate Webinar” in subject line.

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.

On-line Greenhouse Scout School

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. 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 Barnett, Margery Daughtrey, Betsy Lamb, Elise Lobdell, John Sanderson and Cheryl Sullivan.

Learn to identify the major pests of greenhouse floriculture crops, make scouting faster and easier, communicate with growers and owners, and find resources to help.

February 1st – March 8th

Certificate Program: 6–7:30 p.m.
Webinar Series: 6:30-7:30 p.m.

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)

2023 Ronald D. Gardner Food Processing Pest Management Workshop with Post-Workshop Structural Pest Management Session

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

Agricultural Outlook Forum

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

2023 RISCC Symposium

The RISCC management symposium brings together natural resource managers, scientists, and the invasive species community to discuss challenges and solutions to managing habitats dually impacted by invasive species and climate change. Our next symposium will take place virtually via Zoom on February 14-15th, 2023. Sessions will take place over two days from 11:00am-3:30pm (Eastern) each day. Be sure to register in advance, and check back for the agenda in early 2023!

When Arthropods Attack!

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!

Knotweed Symposium

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.

Ecologist

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.

Quality Assurance Auditor

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!

Technician III

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

Program/Extension Aide II

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)

Pest Management Associate

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.

Extension Support Specialist II Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator Biological-Environmental Eng./NYS Water Resources Institute

Cornell University

This position represents a partnership between NYSWRI and the Invasive Species Coordination Section (ISCS) of the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Division of Lands and Forests and will act as an Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator (AIS) based within DEC Region 3 to proactively advance the management of AIS within this region. The ISCS is responsible for coordinating New York State’s comprehensive approach to all taxa of invasive species and for supporting programs via partnerships with state and federal agencies, academia, conservation organizations, private organizations, and the public. Major efforts include prevention, early detection, facilitating responses, coordinating control and management projects at large-scales, coordinating and collaborating on research projects, and remaining current on invasive species detection and management techniques. The ISCS also serves as liaison to the NY Invasive Species Council (NYISC: established in statute; nine State agencies co-lead by the Department of Environmental Conservation and Department of Agriculture and Markets) and the NY Invasive Species Advisory Committee (established in statute to advise the NYSIC; 25 non-governmental entities).

The AIS Coordinator will focus on work throughout NYSDEC Region 3, be housed at DEC offices in New Paltz, NY and work alongside DEC staff. ISCS will work closely with NYSWRI to provide guidance, oversight, and support for the Region 3 AIS Coordinator along with a weekly work plan.

Application deadline:  January 20, 2023

Funding Opportunities

NIFA is embarking on a Grants Modernization Initiative to transform our grants management systems, processes, and policies

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.?  

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.

Crew Assistance Program (CAP)

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 2023. 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.

Application Deadline:
2:00 pm, Tuesday, May 30, 2023, or when funding is exhausted, whichever occurs first.

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.