IPM News and Events Roundup 02/13/2026
IPM News and Events Roundup
A weekly collection of IPM news, webinars, employment, funding opportunities, and more from the Regional IPM Centers
The Southern IPM Center is teaming up with several NE IPM Center "veterans" to continue delivering programming to the Northeast (see the funding acknowledgement). Watch for emails from Deb Grantham (deborahggrantham@gmail.com) and Jerrie Haines (ipm.communicator@gmail.com). Roger Magarey, co-director of the Southern IPM Center is the primary contact related to this effort.
If you have IPM-related research, events, or other IPM news you would like to have included, please email Jerrie Haines at ipm.communicator@gmail.com. If you would like to subscribe to the weekly Roundup, please email Jerrie at ipm.communicator@gmail.com. Past Roundups are archived on our website.
This work is supported by The Southern IPM Center, Project Award Grant #2022-70006-38002, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s Crop Protection and Pest Management (CPPM) Program.
Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and should not be construed to represent any official USDA or U.S. government determination or policy.
Connect with the Southern IPM Center
YouTube | Newsletter | Center Impacts | Evaluation Resources | Signature Programs | IPM Data | IPM Hour| Priorities
This year, SIPMC received 31 proposals totaling $994,848 in requested funds. Of those, we funded nine projects, including five working groups, totaling $318,117. Disciplines, many interdisciplinary, range from Entomology, Human Health, Plant Pathology, Weed Science, and Wildlife. Contracting states include: AL, FL, GA, MS, NC, and SC, while 12 of the 15 southern states are represented when including cooperating states.
Connect with the North Central IPM Center
YouTube | Newsletter | Center Impacts | Pest Alerts | Regional Priorities | IPM Data | Podcasts
January 2026 North Central IPM Issue
- Pruning Workshops,
- Japanese Beetle Biological Control
- Downy Mildew Resistant Cucurbits
Connect with the Western IPM Center
YouTube | Newsletter | Impact Assessment | Priorities | Signature Programs | IPM Data | PMSPs and Crop Profiles
The Western Front February 2026
Newsletter of the Western Integrated Pest Management Center
- New World Screwworm Detections in Mexico
- USDA Shifts Sterile Fly Releases North
- Screwworm Grand Challenge: $100 million Available, 20 Awards Anticipated
Government Agency News
New Technology Lets Plants Tell Farmers When They Are Thirsty
A research team at the University of Georgia, Iowa State University and the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, funded by USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), is working to change that. The team is building a new kind of farming tool that combines tiny sensors, simple hardware, software and machine learning. This system listens to plants and soil in real time and gives farmers clear guidance on when and where to irrigate or fertilize.
Baling Out Farmers from the Sawfly Menace
ARS researchers discovered a new biocontrol technique to reduce one of the biggest pests to wheat growers. Wheat stem sawfly (Cephus cinctus) costs wheat growers an estimated $350 million annually. Due to the limited options for controlling this pest, its range has expanded over the past years, causing devastation to dryland winter wheat crops grown in Colorado and Nebraska. ARS researchers in Fort Collins, CO, and Sidney, MT, along with university colleagues, have developed and tested a simple yet efficient method to control sawflies in affected areas.
EPA Implements Protections On OTT Dicamba
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced what it calls the “strongest protections in agency history” for the over-the-top (OTT) application of dicamba on dicamba-tolerant cotton and soybean crops. The new regulatory framework introduces tighter controls while maintaining access to a tool many farmers say is critical for combating herbicide-resistant weeds.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) invites public comment on a petition from Soilcea, LLC to deregulate a Carrizo citrus rootstock developed using genetic engineering to produce resistance to citrus greening disease (Huanglongbing, HLB).
The public will have 60 days to review and comment on the petition and draft plant pest risk assessment (PPRA). APHIS encourages submission of scientific data, studies, or research in support of comments.
Beginning February 11, 2026, members of the public can submit comments through April 13, 2026, on the petition and draft PPRA by going to www.regulations.gov and entering “APHIS-2025-1067” into the search field.
Research in the news
Ongoing monitoring of the spread of 2 invasive subterranean termite species (Coptotermes Wasmann) in Florida (1990 to 2025) (academic.oup.com)
Within the past 4 decades, the 2 invasive and destructive subterranean termites, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki and Coptotermes gestroi (Wasmann), have established in and spread throughout Florida. Monitoring efforts, initiated in the early 1990s, have substantially expanded in the past decade, providing improved resolution of where the 2 species have increased their distribution, allowing for the determination of which communities are most at risk of infestation by either species. This study provides insights on the outcome of the “Florida Termite ID Services” program, which has involved a growing number of participating pest control companies across the state over the years. Thanks to this enhanced monitoring effort, there is now concrete evidence that the Formosan subterranean termite (C. formosanus) has established in most Florida coastal counties and within most large urban areas across the state. Contrary to initial expectations, the Asian subterranean termite (C. gestroi) has established in new localities beyond South Florida, where it was initially restricted, now impacts a growing number of communities.
Impacts of Silage Tarps on Soil Arthropods, Soil Properties and Crop Yields – Vermont (sare.org)
Tilling and herbicides are two of many tools that farmers can use to manage weeds, but frequent use of either one can degrade soil health and life. As a result, many farmers are exploring the use of silage tarps as a way to suppress weeds while limiting the need to use tillage. Unfortunately, little is known about the impact of tarping on crop production or on the biodiversity of below-ground soil organisms.
Biodegradation of polyurethane by black soldier fly larvae and the function of gut microorganisms (academic.oup.com)
The unreasonable disposal of polyurethane leads to resource waste and environmental pollution. Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae facilitate the bioconversion of various organic wastes, but the degradation of polyurethane by black soldier fly larvae and the response mechanism of black soldier fly larvae gut microorganisms remain unclear. In this study, a standard diet (CK), polyurethane foam, and starvation were applied to rear black soldier fly larvae. We found that 82% of black soldier fly larvae survived, and their weight increased by 19 mg per larva after 16 d of feeding with polyurethane foam and water. The consumption rate of polyurethane was 0.35 mg/day per larva, and the cellular texture of polyurethane foam was damaged. X-ray photoelectron spectrometer and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy suggested that ester, ether and urethane bonds were cracked.
News
Seed Impact Mills Tackle Volunteers in Small Grains Fields (growiwm.org)
Seed impact mills have gained attention in the U.S. in recent years for their ability to obliterate weed seeds at the end of the season. Impact mills crush chaff residues with spinning mills as it exits the combine during harvest. Since that destruction can also target crop volunteer seeds that would otherwise replenish the weed seedbank, farmers and researchers from Canada to Texas have been testing impact mills for their promise in tackling volunteer crops and cleaning field edges. Their feedback suggests that the seed impact mill excels at this particular job, but farmers have to overcome the impact mill’s horsepower and financial restrictions.
Binghamton University researcher to lead $2.5 million project to create better avian flu vaccine (binghamton.edu)
A new program from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (opens in a new window) is investing $100 million in projects aimed at combating highly pathogenic avian influenza. As part of this national effort, Binghamton University has been awarded $2.5 million to develop a next-generation avian flu vaccine designed to be easier to manufacture, store and transport than current options.
Biostimulants Part 1: What Are They and What Can They Do? (onfloriculture.com)
Ontario greenhouse growers are increasingly experimenting with biostimulants to potentially boost plant quality. Used correctly, these products could help cut fertilizer costs, improve stress tolerance, and enhance overall crop quality.
Winter Sowing Native Perennial Wildflower Seeds (blogs.cornell.edu)
You can find plenty of instructions for winter sowing online. For example, Homegrown National Park offers suggestions for planning a ‘Winter Seed Sowing Party’ or if podcasts fit your schedule better, you can listen to winter sowing instructions on Growing Greener. This post is to share my experience and maybe give you a little nudge if this is something you were thinking of trying yourself. According to the groundhog, we still have at least 5 weeks of winter left, so if you have wildflower seed that needs 30 days of stratification, I suspect it’s not too late to give it a try this year.
Pest Talks (growertalks.com)
Overwintering Bugs
Sanitize & Disinfect
IPM in GrowerTalks
tHRIve Web Series
Link to Borer Book
Global Bird Count in February (birdcount.org)
Want to be a citizen scientist
Join the global bird count!
February 13 -16
Step 1: Pick a bird watching spot
Step 2: Watch birds for 15 minutes or more, at least once over the four days, February 13–16, 2026.
Step 3: Identify all the birds you see or hear within your planned time/location and use the best tool for sharing your bird sightings: If you already use eBird or Merlin, your submissions over the 4 days count toward GBBC.
Scientists Develop Plastics That Can Break Down, Tackling Pollution (rutgers.edu)
Rutgers researchers use a principle in nature to create plastics that self-destruct at programmed speeds, offering a solution to global plastic waste.
Help our Hemlocks: HWA Winter Mapping Challenge
The Winter Mapping Challenge is already underway and runs through March 15. Eastern hemlocks play a vital role in our forests, but they are threatened by the invasive hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA). You can help by joining scientists, conservationists, and volunteers across the state in tracking the spread of HWA, and compete to win a prize from the NYS Hemlock Initiative. Learn more at NY iMapInvasives.
NCR-SARE Heroes Recommendation Form
To bring awareness of, recognize, and pay tribute to those who have made significant contributions to NCR-SARE and sustainable agriculture in the North Central region, NCR-SARE is accepting nominations for the “NCR-SARE Hero” recognition.
Coordinated by the NCR-SARE Alumni Organization, the recognition will acknowledge these heroes' leadership, vision, contributions, and impact in the region's sustainable agriculture field across the 12-state region (IL, IN, IA, KS, MI, MN, MO, NE, ND, OH, SD, WI).
Anyone may submit nominations. The official nomination form is available on the NCR-SARE website here.
Eligibility
- Service to NCR-SARE and/or national SARE; and
- Leadership in sustainable agriculture locally and regionally; and
- Lasting impacts to sustainability in the North Central region.
Nominations and Selection
- The NCR-SARE Alumni Heroes Committee reviews and forwards nominations to the NCR-SARE Administrative Council.
- Nominations received will be kept on file at NCR-SARE and maintained for consideration for four years. Nominations may be resubmitted after that time.
- Current SARE staff and state coordinators cannot be nominated. They are eligible for nomination one year after leaving their SARE positions.
Nominations received by the end of the day on March 31, 2026, will be considered for the 2026 recognition. The NCR-SARE Hero recognition will be announced in July 2026.
Survey
Cover Crop Breeding Survey - Your Input Welcome!
The University of Missouri Center for Regenerative Agriculture invites farmers from across the U.S. to complete a short online survey to better understand the types of traits and characteristics producers value most in their cover crops. The results of the survey will directly inform future cover crop breeding and variety testing research — including that of the Cornell-based Cover Crop Breeding Network — as well as outreach efforts, to help meet the needs of farmers across the country.
The survey will take approximately 5 to 15 minutes and is completely voluntary. All types of producers are encouraged to participate, including both those with and without cover crop experience. Survey findings will be shared through presentations, publications in peer-reviewed literature, and farm media outlets. If you have any questions, please contact Etienne Sutton at etiennesutton@missouri.edu.
Follow this link to complete the survey: https://missouri.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8oJnvCLDdrNHiKi
Webinars, seminars, meetings, and more
Newly featured this issue
Insects & Climate Change Education Day
February 24, 2026 * 9:30 am - 1:30 pm
Climate change is a concern across the Commonwealth. While many communities prepare by discussing improvements to infrastructure and disaster preparedness, managed and natural landscapes will demand attention too. We will highlight some of the manifestations of climate change, plant responses to those changes in trees and shrubs. and the interplay with insects (including pests).
TOPICS
- Insect Responses to Climate Change
Dr. Mariana Abarca, Assistant Professor, Biological Sciences, Smith College - Climate Change and New England Forests
Dr. Pamela Templer, Distinguished Professor and Chair of Biology, Boston University - Direct and Indirect Responses of Ornamental Insect Pests to Climate Change and Management Implications
Dr. Steven Frank, Professor and Extension Specialist, Entomology & Plant Pathology, NC State Extension
Applications Due Soon for WNY PRISM's 2026 Boot Brush Station Program!
Boot brush stations are a simple, cost-effective way to prevent the spread of invasive species on trails and in natural areas while engaging and empowering the public to take action. Through the program, partners receive the supplies needed to install a station and then they maintain it for community use. We encourage applications from both new partners and those who have participated in the program before. Learn more and apply here. Application deadline: February 23, 2026.
Vector-Borne Disease Management Decision-Making in an Uncertain Information Environment
Monday, February 23
3 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Speaker: Allison (Allie) Gardner, Associate Professor of Arthropod Vector Biology, University of Maine
All talks are free and open to the public. Talks are held virtually via Zoom and in-person at the Mitchell Center, 107 Norman Smith Hall, UMaine, Orono. Refreshments will be served. For virtual attendance, complete the registration form
to receive Zoom connection information.
During the early 21st century, the number of outbreaks of infectious diseases transmitted from animals to humans has grown explosively worldwide. These emerging zoonotic diseases are integrated into landscapes managed by people and amplified in complex cycles in which pathogen transmission is intertwined with ecosystem ecology and human behavior. Many management decisions at the human-wildlife-environmental health nexus are made under conditions of both risk (i.e., potential for negative outcomes) and uncertainty (due to imperfect, evolving scientific knowledge). This talk will explore the case study of tick-borne disease management in North America, which is high-risk due to the health threat posed by disease and high-uncertainty due to lack of data and/or expert consensus about the most effective control tactics.
Allison (Allie) Gardner is an Associate Professor at the University of Maine studying the ecology and management of tick-borne and mosquito-borne disease. Allie has worked in disease systems including Lyme disease, West Nile virus, and Zika virus and has extensive experience collaborating with interdisciplinary research teams, community scientists, and federal and state agency partners. She has served as an Entomological Society of America Science Policy Fellow, Chair of the “Biology, Ecology, and Management of Emerging Disease Vectors” USDA Multi State Hatch project, and a founding member of the New England Regional Center of Excellence in Vector-Borne Disease.
National Invasive Species Awareness Week (NISAW) is February 23 - 27, 2026
This year's theme is Defending Our Health by Stopping the Spread. Invasive species don’t just harm ecosystems, they impact our water, our food systems, our communities and our well-being. This year, NISAW will shine a national spotlight on how protecting our environment is directly connected to protecting public health. Throughout the week, NAISMA and partners across North America will host free educational webinars, policy and legislative discussions, community engagement resources and more! Learn more here!
Investing in IPM – Turfgrass Education
The Cornell Turf Show is a free weekly webinar where we cover golf, sports turf, and lawn/landscape management in 30 minutes. We cover the latest weather trends, disease and insect pressure, fertility strategies, and practical management insights you can use right away. Expect timely turf topics for Northeast golf course, sports turf, and lawn managers — featuring Cornell experts and industry guests. Season 7 kicks off Friday, Feb. 13 at 10 a.m. EST with Paige Boyle, Ph.D., University of Minnesota Winter Turf Research Program. The season will run till May 22, 2026.
The show airs live every Friday from 10–10:30 a.m. EST. For more information, visit Cornell Turf Show Returns for Season Seven. To register directly, visit The Cornell Turf Show.
.
Biting Pests: Why Are There So Many Ticks?
From the earliest settlements to modern suburban expansion, human activity has continually reshaped the American landscape—often with unintended consequences. This session explores the historical and ecological factors that have contributed to the rise of tick-borne diseases, tracing how our land-use choices created ideal conditions for ticks to thrive. Through this case study, participants will gain insight into the complex relationship between people, the environment, and public health, and consider what these lessons mean for the future.
When: February 18, 2026
(12:00 PM-1:00 PM ET)
Registration deadline: February 18, 2026
12:00 p.m.
Invasive Species Forum
Dates: Tuesday, February 17 - Thursday, February 19
Participants will engage with keynote speakers, learn about innovative projects, and connect with experts and community members dedicated to protecting natural spaces in Canada, the U.S. and beyond. Whether you are a researcher, land manager, policy-maker, community member or simply passionate about the environment, this is your opportunity to learn, share and be part of meaningful solutions. Learn more and register.
USDA Cooperative Research Forum on Invasive Species
Date/Time/Location: Tuesday, February 24-Thursday, February 26; 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Hosted by NAISMA in partnership with USDA agencies, this national forum will bring together researchers and invasive species professionals from across the country to strengthen collaboration and advance applied research on invasive species challenges. Building on the expanded focus of the Cooperative Research Forum, the event will address a wide range of invasive insects, diseases and weeds affecting forest and urban trees, including the Asian longhorned beetle, emerald ash borer, hemlock woolly adelgid, spotted lanternfly and others. Learn more and register.
Previously featured
Cooperative Extension’s second Winter Agricultural Webinar Series for farmers launches in February
The University of Rhode Island’s Cooperative Extension is hosting its second annual Winter Agriculture Webinar Series. The series is free and will be offered each Thursday in February from noon to 1 p.m., via Zoom. URI’s Cooperative Extension Winter Agricultural Webinar Series brings together experts from across the country to share knowledge on topics relevant to commercial fruit and vegetable growers. The program is catered to farmers but welcomes backyard gardeners as well.
Feb. 19 – Rebecca Maden, Soil Health in High Tunnels. Since she fell in love with organic farming in high school, Maden has made a career working on farms and worked as a commercial vegetable grower for 25 years. At University of Vermont Cooperative Extension, she helps vegetable farmers with nutrient management and high tunnels, with a focus on working with vegetable growers on soil health management.
Feb. 26 – Lincoln Fishman, Growing Vegetables in Living Mulch. Fishman is director of Momentum Ag in western Massachusetts, which helps farmers “grow knowledge,” by coordinating and funding farmer-led research into climate-smart agricultural techniques and funding farmer-to-farmer adoption of these techniques. Momentum is running trials on cash crop production in perennial clover living mulch.
Insects in a Changing World: Navigating Human-Dominated Ecosystems and Their Challenges
Joan Casanelles Abella, Technical University of Munich
Land-use changes, like agricultural intensification and urbanization, have contributed to the decline of insects, resulting in complex and novel foraging landscapes, which are compounded by changing climates. Insect conservation efforts cannot be limited to natural and semi-natural ecosystems and there is growing interest in improving habitats for insects in human-dominated environments. Historically, research has focused on how land-use change—often measured by plant diversity or landscape heterogeneity—affects the abundance and species richness of specific insect groups, such as pollinators. However, to gain deeper insights into how insects cope with and potentially thrive in human-dominated ecosystems, it is important to examine individual and population-level metrics, particularly those focusing on functional traits that reveal how species respond to these landscapes.
February 25, 2026. 11:15 am - 12:15 pm ET
IPM Essentials: Tools, Tactics, and Techniques
Gain a deeper understanding of integrated pest management (IPM) in this four-part webinar series led by experts at Penn. State University who will share practical strategies for implementing sustainable pest control across diverse settings. Each session explores a key aspect of IPM—from foundational principles and pest monitoring techniques to identifying common pests and applying IPM practices in real-world scenarios.
Registration: https://extension.psu.edu/ipm-essentials-tools-tactics-and-techniques
When: Tuesdays. March 10, 17, 24, and 31, 2026 (12:00 PM-1:15 PM ET)
Registration fee: $20.00
Certified Tree Steward Program 2026
The Tree Steward Program is a comprehensive workshop dealing with arboriculture. Through both classroom learning and outdoor exercises, the participants will learn all about tree biology, identification, pruning, planting, rigging and much more. Personal protection as well as tree protection will be emphasized. DEC and ISA credits approved.
Date: 4/20/26, 4/22/26, 4/24/26, 4/27/26, 4/29/26, 5/1/26
Time: 9am to 3:30pm
Fee: Landscapers and Industry: $1,295, Municipality or County Employee: $1,050
Biting Pests: Understanding Tick Risks for Horses
Ticks pose rising risks to equine health, including Lyme disease and anaplasmosis, making proactive awareness essential. This webinar examines why ticks increasingly target horses, the dangers they present, and effective prevention strategies. Through clear guidance and practical steps, horse owners will learn how to safeguard their animals and reduce tick-related threats.
March 20, 2026
(12:00 PM-1:00 PM ET)
Register By: March 20, 2026
This event is free of charge.
As part of its 30th anniversary year, Bugwood will host a virtual Bugwood Summit on April 16 at 2:00 p.m. ET. The Summit will highlight recent enhancements across Bugwood Tools, including Bugwood Images, EDDMapS, Wild Spotter, and the Connect platform. Attendees will get a look at how these tools are being refined to improve usability, collaboration, and impact tracking. Registration is now open, and participants are encouraged to save a seat and join the conversation about what’s next for Bugwood. Visit this link
to register.
CNY Natural History Spring Prophet Competition
Are you a Spring Prophet? Can you predict when these ten species will first appear in Central New York? The CNY Natural History Spring Prophet Competition is a fun, risk-free opportunity to think about the arrival of spring. There is an information form that will be posted that can be found in the "File" section under the group's photo banner.
To participate, enter your predictions on the following Google Form before February 15 at noon. We look forward to your participation!
Webinar Feb 20, 2026 on Sourcing and Distributing Native Seed
Interested in learning how to collect and source wild native plant seed? Join us for Sourcing & Distributing Native Seed: Wild & Commercial, hosted by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County and the Long Island Native Plant Initiative (LINPI). Program highlights include seed biology, wild collection strategies, commercial harvesting, and case studies from leading experts. CEUs available for landscape architects (3.25 HSW) and CNLPs (4). Don’t miss this chance to deepen your knowledge of native seed sourcing!
Date: Friday, February 20, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Zoom)
Fee: $45 (non-refundable)
Quality Assessment of Biological Control Agents
Welcome to the American Floral Endowment's Grow Pro Webinar Series! Throughout this series, our nationally recognized researchers, hosts, and speakers will offer ‘how-to’ advice based on AFE-funded and other research projects to help the industry navigate through these ever-changing growing challenges. The webinar topics are current and offer long-term opportunities for growers to focus on increased profit, greater sustainability, and improved labor efficiency. Each session includes a presentation and interactive Q&A. To see the full series calendar visit endowment.org/GrowPro.
The February 17th session of our series focuses on Quality Assessment of Biological Control Agents. Dr. Raymond Cloyd will provide a brief introduction of biological control and then will focus on the importance of quality assessment associated with biological control agents, such as predatory mites, parasitoids, and entomopathogenic nematodes. Raymond will provide examples of quality assessment based on his research program over the last 5 years.
Date & Time
Feb 17, 2026 01:00 PM EST
UMass Extension Landscape, Nursery and Urban Forestry Program
Climate change is a concern across the Commonwealth. While many communities prepare by discussing improvements to infrastructure and disaster preparedness, managed and natural landscapes will demand attention too. We will highlight some of the manifestations of climate change, plant responses to those changes (trees and shrubs) and the interplay with insects (including pests).
Learn how:
- Insect populations fluctuate in response to climate change.
- Climate change affects the functioning & composition of our forests.
- Urban heat islands and climate change increase urban tree stress & increase pest insect fitness (scale insects).
- To be better prepared to predict and manage insect pest outbreaks caused by warming temperatures.
Insects and Climate Change Education Day
Event date/time: Tue, Feb 24, 2026: 9:30am - 1:30pm
Event Type: Online
Price: $65, pre-registration required.
Genetic Biocontrol of New World screwworm (NWS) and spotted wing Drosophila (SWD)
Used to suppress the New World screwworm (NWS) in the USA, the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) involves releasing mass-reared, radiation-sterilized insects into a targeted area. Because females that mate with sterile males produce no offspring, the pest population naturally declines.
To maximize efficiency, researchers have developed methods to mass-produce only sterile males for both NWS and the Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD). This work highlights these advancements and explores future gene drive technologies, which offer even more precise and powerful tools for long-term pest management.
February 18, 2026 at 1:00 pm ET (12:00 pm CT)
Webinars are hosted by the North Central IPM Center and are held virtually the third Wednesday of each month at 1:00 pm Eastern/12:00 pm Central time. These virtual webinars are delivered via Zoom.
Upcoming Topics
- March 18, 2026: Pesticide Risk Tool: Understanding risk and measuring impact
- April 15, 2026: Tick Tech: Predictive Models and Bot-Assisted Management
- May 20, 2026: RNAi for varroa mite management
Welcome to UC IPM's Urban & Community Webinar Series!
Join us at noon on the third Thursday of every month to learn about pest identification, prevention, and management around the home, garden, and landscape. This series is free and open to the public but advance registration is required.
Topics and speakers are subject to change.
February 19, 2026 – Diseases and Disorders in Vegetable Gardens
Garden vegetables can be affected by a variety of diseases and abiotic disorders, ranging from powdery mildew to sun scald. But you need to know what’s wrong with your veggies before you can fix the problem. In this webinar, you’ll learn how to identify diseases and disorders and how to manage them.
March 19, 2026 – The Secret Life of Biopesticides
A simple, practical introduction to biopesticides. Discover what they are, how they’re discovered, and how they work. Then learn where to find them, and when and how to use them effectively in a home garden as part of a sustainable pest management approach.
April 16, 2026 – Spring Cleaning: Where Indoor Pests Could Be Hiding
Are you thinking about spring cleaning and how to tackle that pile of junk in the corner or clean out the pantry? Well, pests indoors aren’t always found where you expect. This webinar will go over the common pantry and indoor pests, and also some weird places you might encounter pests that you may not have noticed.
May 21, 2026 - Test your Pest ID Knowledge
Join us for this fun and interactive session where we will “quiz” attendees on look-alike pests, what’s causing plant damage, good bug vs. bad bug, weed ID, and more.
June 18, 2026 - When Composting Goes Rotten
Decomposition is happening around us all the time. Sometimes, the management of our compost piles gets complicated and we encounter pests and problems that challenge us! Learn the common mishaps to avoid when composting, as well as how to manage pests when they arrive.
Join Cornell Integrated Pest Management at Cornell University for our monthly seminar series designed to increase awareness of new research and techniques that advance Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and its adoption in all types of pest management settings.
Spring 2026 Seminar Schedule
February 25—Insects in a Changing World: Navigating Human-Dominated Ecosystems and Their Challenges Joan Casanelles Abella
March 18—Manure matters: Dung ecology and pasture insect management Bryony Sands
April 22—Bio-Innovation vs. Biological Chaos: CRISPR, AI & RNAi for Vector–Virus Control
Kiran Gadhave
Registration: 2026 IR-4 Project Industry Technology Session
The 2026 Industry Technology Session (ITS) will be held virtually (via Zoom) on Thursday, February 19. We anticipate a schedule of 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET, but exact timing is subject to change. This annual event invites companies to introduce their novel pest control technologies, present updates on products already in IR-4 research or share news about previously presented technologies or already known products.
Tree Fruit Scouting—Online Course
Wednesday evenings, February 25–March 25
This course trains tree fruit growers, orchard employees, industry professionals and interested students on the biology, identification and monitoring of major economically significant orchard pests, using an integrated pest management (IPM) approach.
Course Registration Deadline: Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Tree Fruit Scouting—Online Course
What’s Bugging You First Friday
Each month, experts will share practical information and answer questions on using integrated pest management (IPM) to avoid pest problems and promote a healthy environment where you live, work, learn and play. We’ll end with an IPM Minute, and cover a specific action you can take in the next few days to help you avoid pest problems.
When: Noon until 12:30 p.m. ET on the first Friday of each month.
Register to attend our events live on Zoom. You will receive a Zoom link the week of the event. The 2026 schedule is available below and on the registration form.
March 6: Here come the Jorō spiders! | Lookout for termite swarms
April 3: Mole control | Feeding Friendly Insects: delay garden cleanup
May 1: Jumping worm management | Feeding Friendly Insects: look for seedlings
June 5: Protecting pollinators in urban areas | Say NO! to bug zappers
July 3: Cicadas & cicada-killer wasps | Feeding Friendly Insects: weed management (pre-recorded video only)
August 7: Managing Spotted Lanternfly at Home
September 4: Mosquitoes are still active | Is that a bee?
October 2: Fall clean-up for your flower and vegetable beds | Leaf piles and ticks
November 6: Emerald Ash Borer Biocontrol Update
December 4: Hemlock Wooly Adelgid Biocontrol Update
Employment Opportunities
Newly featured this issue
The School of Science at Penn State Behrend is seeking applications for an Associate Professor or Professor of Plant Biology who will also serve as Director of the Lake Erie Regional Grape Research and Extension Center (LERGREC), beginning June 2026. This jointly appointed faculty member—affiliated with both the Biology Department at Penn State Behrend and the College of Agricultural Sciences at University Park—will contribute to the core biology curriculum while teaching courses in plant biology, plant pathology, plant physiology, and genetics. The successful candidate will maintain a vigorous, externally funded research program; mentor undergraduate and graduate students; and bring leadership experience appropriate for an advanced faculty appointment. As Director, they will guide LERGREC’s strategic vision and daily operations, foster collaborations with growers and industry partners, oversee research and extension activities, and advance the Center’s impact across grape and related agricultural systems. Candidates must hold a Ph.D. in Plant Biology, Phytopathology, Viticulture, or a related field and have a strong record of scholarship, funding success, team leadership, and at least eight years of research and teaching experience.
Research Foundation - Invasive Species Data Assistant
NYNHP works with the NYS DEC Bureau of Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health to promote, review, and manage New York's Invasive Species Database, iMapInvasives (iMap), as well as related invasive species datasets. NYNHP also develops tools for collecting and analyzing these datasets. Many individuals and organizations across the state utilize iMapInvasives and related tools, including NYS agency staff, conservation organizations, educators, and volunteers.
The Invasive Species Data Assistant works within the NYNHP Invasive Species Database Program to help manage datasets and field data collection tools relating to invasive species survey and management. They will also provide technical assistance and training to users and assist with communications with partners and the public.
2026 Seasonal Positions - WNY PRISM
Gain hands-on experience in invasive species management while making an impact this summer! Open positions include:
- Education and Outreach Assistant: assist with events, workshops and trainings, manage social media, prepare newsletters and educational materials, and communicate with volunteers, partners and the public.
- Invasive Species Management Assistants: conduct invasive species surveys and assessments, assist with invasive species removal and habitat restoration, and provide project reports. Watercraft Inspection Steward/Environmental Educators: interact with the public at boat launches, perform boat inspections and remove aquatic invasive species, provide public education, and assist with invasive species survey and removal projects.
Application deadline: Monday, March 2, 2026. Boat Steward applications will be accepted until all positions are filled; application review starts on March 2. Learn more and apply here.
Summer Internships - Audubon Community Nature Center Audubon Community Nature Center (ACNC) is searching for interns to join their team this summer! Open positions include:
- Nature Education Interns: provide nature education and play-based programming for school field trips and summer camps to elementary-aged children under the supervision of ACNC’s Education team.
- Seasonal Invasive Species Management Interns: help recruit volunteers and oversee water chestnut hand-pulls/ treatments within the ACNC property. May also remove additional aquatic and land-based invasive species.
Application deadline: Monday, March 9, 2026. Learn more and apply here.
Conservation @ Home Specialist
The Conservation@Home Specialist will support and implement The Conservation Foundation’s (TCF) Conservation@Home program and contribute to the overall success of its associated Conservation in Our Community, Conservation@School, and Conservation @ Work programs. TCF’s mission is to improve the health of our communities by preserving and restoring natural areas and open space, protecting rivers and watersheds, and promoting stewardship of the environment. This mission is currently achieved through our land and water preservation programs along with an array of community-based conservation efforts, including its nearly 20+ year history of leading the regional Conservation @ Home program. The organization’s current strategic plan aims to “Be more inclusive, impactful, and relevant to people and communities by growing and adapting our conservation programs to local needs” and this role will help expand Conservation @ Home to maximize its impact for TCF’s mission and local communities.
Green Earth Harvest Marketing & Communication Specialist
Part-Time Job Description
The Marketing & Communication Specialist will support the Green Earth Harvest (GEH) program of The Conservation Foundation. The GEH program operates a certified organic farm, at the 60-acre McDonald Farm in southeast Naperville, serving our community through seasonal CSA/farm share subscriptions, a weekly farm stand, a May plant sale, and partnerships that help deliver farm-fresh food to local food pantries. We believe healthy soil grows healthy food, healthy people, and ultimately, healthy communities.
CALS- Program/Extension Aide IV- Farm to School Program Coordinator (Cornell Cooperative Extension)
The position is located within Cornell Cooperative Extension. The Farm to School Program Coordinator will play a key supportive role in advancing statewide efforts to connect New York farms with schools. Working closely with the Program Director, as well as other program staff and partners, this position will assist with the coordination, communication, and implementation of core Farm to School initiatives, including programs and resources led by the Cornell Farm to School Team. The Coordinator will help sustain relationships among schools, producers, and partners; support communication and resource-sharing activities; assist in the management of social media and outreach; and assist with events that benefit stakeholders and foster the continued growth of the Farm to School program.
Cattaraugus County Soil and Water Conservation District
The Cattaraugus County Soil and Water Conservation District is accepting applications for two positions:
Conservation District Water Quality Technician
Location: Cattaraugus County SWCD Office, 8 Martha Street, Ellicottville, NY 14731
Hours: Full-time appointment (40 hours/week)
Conservation District Environmental Specialist
Location: Cattaraugus County SWCD Office, 8 Martha Street, Ellicottville, NY 14731
Hours: Full-time appointment (40 hours/week)
Previously featured
Join the ESF-NYS OPRHP Watercraft Inspection Steward Program this summer: now hiring 20 Watercraft Inspection Steward / Environmental Educator positions (four are within the WNY PRISM region), and two Lead Boat Steward positions. These are full-time seasonal positions working by the water and making a difference in invasive species spread prevention!
- Watercraft Inspection Stewards (20 positions across the Finger Lakes, WNY region, and Thousand Islands) – excellent experience in data collection, aquatic plant/animal ID, public outreach and fieldwork. Pay is $20.13/hr.
- Lead Boat Stewards (two positions based out of SUNY ESF in Syracuse) – supervisory role, well-suited for recent graduates. Pay is $23.48/hr.
Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), Cortland, New York
As the Temporary Aquatic Invasive Species Strike Team Technician, you will contribute field experience and regional knowledge to monitoring site prioritization effort. Conduct surveys for submerged aquatic vegetation using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV)/underwater drone or snorkeling with a main focus on detection of hydrilla. Assist with general calibration and maintenance of pesticide application equipment and other duties.
Educator II, Sustainable Turf & Landscapes
UMass Extension is excited to be hiring an Extension Educator II for Sustainable Turf & Landscapes to work in UMass Extension’s Commercial Horticulture group. This position will support development and implementation of educational resources and programming and participate in delivery of research-based information to meet stakeholder needs. The sustainability and viability of managed spaces will be central to this role, within a framework of economic, human, and environmental health and enhancement.
This position serves as the chief administrative officer for Cooperative Extension and supports and implements the land-grant mission of The University of Delaware. The individual is responsible for the leadership and statewide coordination of programs including agriculture, horticulture, 4-H, nutrition, consumer food safety, and health and wellness.
Complete listing of the position can be found at https://careers.udel.edu/cw/en-us/job/502610/associate-dean-and-director-cooperative-extension-college-of-agriculture-and-natural-resources. This link also lists the required application materials. Applications submitted by January 31, 2026 will receive priority review,
Any inquiries or nominations can be directed to Greg Shriver, search committee chair, via email at gshriver@udel.edu.
Postdoctoral Associate - Entomology
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is a pioneer of purpose-driven science and Cornell University’s second largest college. This position requires an experienced scientist to study the ecology of predator prey interactions and how to manipulate insect semiochemicals to protect plants in the Department of Entomology. This person will research biological control, including interactions mediated by a predatory stink bug and the prey itself to develop methods to control Colorado potato beetle. This position will combine field and lab experiments of insect behavior, movement, abundance, non-consumptive effects of predators, and plant induced resistance to investigate grower-friendly application methods that protect plants.
Funding Opportunities
Newly featured this issue
Land Trust Bird Conservation Initiative's Small Grant Program
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology released its annual funding opportunity for land trust initiatives that support bird habitat conservation on private and protected lands. The Land Trust Bird Conservation Initiative’s small grant program funds activities such as strategic planning, outreach, habitat management and stewardship, bird monitoring, eBird use, capacity building, and land or easement prioritization. Proposal deadline: March 1, 2026. More information is available on the Cornell Lab website.
Lake Erie Watershed Protection Alliance Water Quality Improvement Projects
The Lake Erie Watershed Protection Alliance (LEWPA) has released its request for proposals (RFP) for water quality improvement projects in Erie County. If you have an idea for a small-scale watershed project or for a project that needs seed money to determine feasibility, this grant is for you! Potential projects include stormwater management, riparian stabilizations and habitat work, outreach and education, and more. Visit the LEWPA website for additional information and to view the RFP. Proposal deadline: March 6, 2026.
Climate Smart Communities Initiative Grant (CSCI)
CSCI is accepting applications for grants to help communities accelerate their climate resilience plans and projects. The grants can help communities at any step in the planning process, and include funding, as well as training and technical support. Funds can be used over a twelve-month period to advance activities ranging from risk assessments and community engagement to project prioritization and implementation. Application deadline: March 12, 2026. For more details, visit climatesmartcommunity.org/funding.
New York Great Lakes Basin Small Grants Program
Funding is available for projects that will implement the goals of New York’s Great Lakes Action Agenda and address actions specifically identified in locally supported water quality, natural resources, or sustainable land use plans. Application deadline: March 27, 2026, at 4:30 p.m.; instructions and application materials are available at NY Sea Grant Small Grants Program website. Click here for information on New York's Great Lakes Action Agenda.
Open Space Conservation Grant Program - Deadline Extended
This Bond Act-funded program supports land acquisition projects in New York State that protect the environment, preserve biodiversity and increase equitable access to open space. Municipalities, not-for-profits, and Indian Nations or Tribe may submit bids for a minimum of $50,000 up to a maximum of $3,500,000 for each project. No match is required. Bid deadline: 3:00 p.m. on April 15, 2026. Bids must be submitted through the Statewide Financial System (SFS) for grants. Visit DEC’s website for more details.
Maine Healthy Soils Program – Soil Health Implementation Grants
Approximately $500,000 is available through the Maine Healthy Soils Program’s Soil Health Implementation Grant, with funding appropriated by the Maine Legislature. Awards of up to $65,000 will help farmers overcome barriers to improving soil health and integrating best practices into day-to-day management.
Funds may support projects such as equipment upgrades, improved management practices, and increased labor access.
Application deadline: Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. (noon)
A virtual Information Session will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. Registration details are available on the program website. All written questions must be submitted online by 12:00 p.m. (noon) on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. Written summaries of the Information Session and responses to submitted questions will be posted on the program website by 12:00 p.m. (noon) on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. Only responses issued in writing on the website will be considered binding.
Eligibility requirements include:
- Owning and/or operating a farm located in Maine
- Producing agricultural products with a gross annual value of at least $2,000, intended for sale or to support community food access
- Access to at least one acre of farmable land
- Enrollment in the Maine Healthy Soils Program email updates
- Commitment to soil health testing and management planning if awarded funds
- Not having received a Soil Health Implementation Grant within the last three funding cycles
Application materials, including the Request for Applications (RFA), workbook, and budget template, are available on the Maine Healthy Soils Program webpage.
Maine Specialty Crop Minor Equipment Grant
DACF also announced the opening of the Maine Specialty Crop Minor Equipment Grant, designed to help commercial farms enhance the competitiveness of specialty crop production through strategic equipment purchases.
DACF anticipates awarding up to $290,000 through this opportunity, with individual awards ranging from $2,000 to $10,000.
Application deadline: Friday, April 3, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Online Information Sessions (via Zoom):
- Register: February 17, 2026, 9:00 a.m.
- Register: March 5, 2026, 11:00 a.m.
- Register: March 20, 2026, 2 p.m.
Eligibility requirements include:
- Owning and operating a commercial farm headquartered in Maine
- Growing and harvesting at least one specialty crop in Maine
- Not having received funding from DACF’s Agricultural Infrastructure Investment Program (AIIP) or the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) Program
For the purposes of this grant, minor equipment is defined as tangible, nonexpendable business property with a useful life of more than one year, an acquisition cost of $2,000 or more per unit, and a cost of less than $10,000.
Applicants are encouraged to review the Request for Applications and all related materials on the Specialty Crop Block Grant website before applying.
Previously featured
Agriculture and Food Research Initiative:
Strengthening Agricultural Systems
USDA NIFA’s Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) Strengthening Agricultural Systems Notice of Funding Opportunity aims to help transform the U.S. food and agricultural system to increase agricultural production while enhancing farmer prosperity. Achieving this goal will require transdisciplinary approaches to address current and future food and agricultural challenges within the context of the economic viability of farm operations, quality of life for farmers and society as a whole, and the most efficient use of resources.
NIFA is soliciting applications under two Program Area Priorities:
Strengthening Agricultural Systems (A9201)
- New Uses and Expanding Markets for Agriculture and Forestry Products
- Solutions to Pests and Diseases of Plants or Animals
- Combating Food and Diet-Related Chronic Diseases
Artificial Intelligence for K-12 Food and Agricultural Sciences (A9231)
Deadline
Letter of Intent: Feb. 26, 2026
Application:
- March 26, 2026 (A9201)
- April 23, 2026 (A9231)
Anticipated Program Funding
$140,000,000
Farming Community Call for Proposals (CFP) Packet
The Northeast SARE Farming Community Grant applies social science research and education projects that strengthen farming and food systems at the community level. These projects explore innovative approaches to improving the health and sustainability of agricultural communities in the Northeast.
This program supports projects that are grounded in community partnerships and informed by the lived experiences of farmers. It encourages collaboration among farmers, service providers, researchers, and nonprofit organizations to co-create solutions that are responsive to local needs and scalable across the region.
By law, projects that Northeast SARE funds must help improve farming in at least one of the following
ways:
1. Maintain and enhance the quality and productivity of the soil;
2. Conserve soil, water, energy, natural resources, and fish and wildlife habitat;
3. Maintain and enhance the quality of surface and ground water;
4. Protect the health and safety of persons involved in the food and farm system;
5. Promote the wellbeing of animals; and
6. Increase employment opportunities in agriculture.
Grant amount and total allocation.
There is no cap on total grant requests, however, requests typically fall between $50,000 and $250,000. A total of $3,300,000 has been allocated to fund projects this cycle.
Proposal Due Date: Monday, February 23, 2026, 5:00 pm ET
Proposals must be submitted online at: projects.sare.org
Sabbatical Research & Education: Western SARE Sabbatical Grants provide an opportunity for faculty around the world to partner with farmers, ranchers, agricultural professionals, and researchers of the Western U.S. region for conducting research, education, and Extension activities.
Deadline March 5, 2026
Graduate Student Research & Education: This grant program involves full-time graduate students enrolled in an accredited university of Western U.S., their academic advisor and at least one producer implementing projects to address identified needs in sustainable agriculture. Projects must integrate rigorous research and education aiming to advance the three components of sustainable agriculture- environmental, economic, and social.
Deadline March 5, 2026