IPM News and Events Roundup 03/08/2024
A weekly collection of IPM news, webinars, employment, funding opportunities, and more from the Northeastern IPM Center
If you have IPM-related research, events, or other IPM news you would like to have included, please email Jerrie Haines at jlh472@cornell.edu. If you would like to subscribe to the weekly Roundup, please email northeastipm@cornell.edu. Past Roundups are archived on our website.
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Northeastern IPM Center News
The Use of IPM in Beekeeping to Control Parasitic Varroa Mites
March 11, 2024 – 11:00 a.m.
Register at cornell.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_aG2wk8EKSXC2OTvB70BdrA
Presenter: Dr. Robyn Underwood
During this talk, you will learn about the parts of the IPM pyramid as they relate to controlling the parasitic varroa mite, widely the biggest problem in beekeeping. You will learn about breeding for mite resistance, cultural and mechanical controls, and chemical controls that are both organic-approved and synthetic. These items will be presented as a year in the life of a beekeeping operation.
Dr. Robyn Underwood received her BSc in Entomology and Applied Ecology from the University of Delaware and her PhD in Entomology from the University of Manitoba. As Penn State’s Extension Educator of Apiculture, she conducts scientific research projects to study beekeeper-applied questions and brings the results of the projects to the beekeepers through extension products that aim to make beekeeping a more successful venture.
Kosher, Halal and Insects: How do they relate?
March 25, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. (EST)
Register at cornell.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_R0qF_qloSt6k9EsgUWO9UA
Presenter: Dr. Joe Regenstein
Kosher and halal food regulations are an important part of the food industry. Both religious systems are concerned about the practices of modern agriculture including the role of insects and similar animal species. This talk will introduce these dietary laws and then look specifically at how each religion views insects in the food and feed context.
April 11, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. (EDT)
Register at cornell.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_qX9x7pqRRRKl0x7vFKQl9g
Presenter: Dr. Brian Nault
Large-scale commercial onion production is reliant on synthetic chemical inputs like fertilizer and pesticides to ensure its profitability. Onion thrips (Thrips tabaci) is a major pest that threatens the sustainability of onion production. The potential exists for reducing onion thrips infestations in onion by decreasing levels of fertilizer applied at planting and insecticides applied to foliage during the season. Brian Nault will share the results of his multi-year study with 20 New York commercial onion fields on the viability of reducing synthetic fertilizer and insecticide inputs without compromising onion bulb yields. The onion growers in the study successfully reduced their synthetic chemical inputs resulting in greater profits and a reduction of chemicals in the environment.
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EPA Releases Updated Draft Risk Assessment for Pesticide Malathion
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released an updated draft human health risk assessment (HH DRA) for the pesticide malathion. The updated HH DRA amends the 2016 malathion dietary, occupational, and residential risk assessments using updated information and techniques. The updated HH DRA finds no human health risks of concern for malathion when used in accordance with label instructions. EPA is also proposing several food tolerance changes, based on commodity definition revisions and to harmonize tolerance levels with those of other countries.
Malathion is an organophosphate pesticide that is registered for agricultural and non-agricultural uses, including controlling pests on fruits, vegetables, landscaping plants, and shrubs, as well as for controlling mosquitos. Mosquito-borne diseases, such as those caused by the West Nile and Zika viruses, are among the world's leading causes of illness and death and pose a significant risk to people in the United States. Climate change also increases the risk of human exposure to mosquito-borne diseases, as studies show that warmer temperatures associated with climate change can expand the range and breeding season of mosquitos, as well as accelerate mosquito development, biting rates, and the incubation of the disease within a mosquito. Using pesticides like malathion to control mosquito populations is important to maintaining public health, particularly in densely populated areas in overburdened communities.
The Agency is still assessing the risks, benefits, and alternatives of malathion through the ongoing registration review process. These assessments, as well as the updated HH DRA, will inform the malathion proposed final decision (PFD) and final decision (FD) which are expected to be completed later this year. The PFD may propose risk mitigation to address any risks identified in the human health and/or ecological risk assessments, and the FD will finalize the requirements for any mitigation. A PFD and FD address all aspects of the registration review, as necessary, including considerations under the ESA and for the Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program (EDSP) under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act as amended by the FQPA.
For malathion, the Agency is planning to issue a PFD and FD, rather than a Proposed Interim Decision and an Interim Decision, because the Agency has already completed ESA consultation for malathion and addressed the EDSP’s requirements.
The Agency will accept public comment on the updated HH DRA and the ecological DRA at the same time that it accepts public comment on the PFD, later this year. For more information on the registration review of malathion, including the updated HH DRA and supporting documents, please visit the malathion docket on at docket ID EPA-HQ-OPP-2009-0317 on www.regulations.gov.
Read the Updated Draft Risk Assessment
EPA finalizes stronger safety standards to protect at-risk communities from chemical accidents
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is announcing finalized amendments to the Risk Management Program to further protect at-risk communities from chemical accidents, especially those located near facilities in industry sectors with high accident rates. The “Safer Communities by Chemical Accident Prevention Rule” includes EPA’s most protective safety provisions for chemical facilities in history, requiring stronger measures for prevention, preparedness, and public transparency. The rule protects the health and safety of all communities by requiring industry to prevent accidental releases of dangerous chemicals that could otherwise cause deaths and injuries, damage property and the environment, or require surrounding communities to evacuate or shelter-in-place.
“Many communities that are vulnerable to chemical accidents are in overburdened and underserved areas of the country,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “This final rule is a critical piece of the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to advancing environmental justice by putting in place stronger safety requirements for industrial facilities and new measures to protect communities from harm.”
The final rule includes revisions to improve chemical process safety, to assist in planning, preparing for, and responding to accidents, and to increase public awareness of chemical hazards at regulated sources. The rule requires regulated facilities to perform a safer technologies and alternatives analysis, and in some cases, facilities will be required to implement reliable safeguard measures as practicable. This new requirement is expected to reduce the frequency and severity of accidents.
For example, in 2019, an explosion and fire at the TPC Group in Port Neches, Texas, resulted in the largest number of evacuees in history (50,000 people), as well as $153 million in offsite property damage. Had the provisions being finalized today been in effect prior to the TPC Group accident, the facility would have been required to perform a safer technologies and alternatives analysis and implement at least one safeguard measure, which may have mitigated or prevented the accident from occurring.
The final rule covers all 11,740 regulated RMP facilities across the country and contains more rigorous requirements for a subgroup of facilities that are more accident-prone and pose the greatest risk to communities. EPA estimates that accidental releases from RMP facilities cost society more than $540 million each year. There are approximately 131 million people living within three miles of RMP facilities, of which approximately 20 million identify as Black or African American, 32 million identify as Hispanic or Latino, and 44 million earn less than or equal to twice the poverty level.
The rule also includes provisions such as empowering workers in safety decisions and increasing access to RMP facility information for communities living and working in the surrounding areas. To further enhance public transparency, in the coming months, EPA is working toward making RMP information available on the agency’s website.
EPA incorporated robust stakeholder input and coordinated with other federal chemical safety and security agencies during the rulemaking process that were vital in developing a comprehensive proposal and effective final rule to further protect at-risk communities from chemical accidents. Final amendments to the rule include:
- Requiring a safer technologies and alternatives analysis, and in some cases, implementation of reliable safeguard measures for certain facilities in industry sectors with high accident rates.
- Advancing employee participation, training, and opportunities for employee decision-making in facility accident prevention, for example:
- Reiterating the allowance of a partial or complete process shutdown in the event of a potential catastrophic release.
- Implementing a process to allow employees and their representatives to anonymously report specific unaddressed hazards.
- Requiring third-party compliance audits and root cause analysis incident investigation for facilities that have had a prior accident.
- Enhancing facility planning and preparedness efforts to strengthen emergency response by ensuring chemical release information is timely shared with local responders and a community notification system is in place to warn the community of any impending release.
- Emphasizing the requirement for regulated facilities to evaluate risks of natural hazards and climate change, including any associated loss of power.
- Increasing transparency by providing access to RMP facility information for communities nearby.
The rule will be published alongside a query tool which will allow people to access information for RMPs in nearby communities. The agency intends to update the tool in the coming months to allow visualization of climate change hazards, a request of several stakeholders. This commitment aligns with a key goal of the National Climate Resilience Framework—to equip communities with the information and resources needed to assess their climate risks and develop the climate resilience solutions most appropriate for them.
Read more information on the rule visit EPA’s Risk Management Program rule website.
EPA Provides Update on Streptomycin Uses on Citrus
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is providing the following update in light of the Ninth Circuit’s December 2023 decision that vacated the 2021 registration amendments for streptomycin because of the Agency’s failure to comply with the Endangered Species Act. The 2021 amendments added a time-limited use on citrus crop group 10-10 for two streptomycin sulfate pesticide products. The Citrus crop group 10-10 includes orange, tangerine, lime, grapefruit commodities and varieties of these citrus fruits.
For complete details on the existing stocks order, please see EPA’s Notice of Use Termination and Existing Stocks Order for Time-Limited Use on Citrus Crop Group 10-10 on Certain Streptomycin Sulfate Products.
Next Steps
EPA will continue to update the public and the states as it evaluates and takes any actions related to streptomycin use on citrus.
Read the Existing Stocks Order for Streptomycin
Unlocking the heat in mosquito modeling: Exploring disease transmission under climate change (blogs.ifas.ufl.edu | February 26, 2024)
Thermal adaptation is the ability for organisms to adjust their life history traits as the temperature changes. In the case of mosquitoes, these traits can determine their risk of transmitting mosquito-borne diseases and how this risk might change in the future as they respond to climates warming.
“Global drivers such as transport, trade and climate change, are altering the distribution of mosquitoes around the planet and, with this, comes shifting patterns of disease risk” said Matthew Thomas, a UF/IFAS professor and UF/IFAS Invasive Science Research Institute (ISRI) director.
Virginia Tech secures $5.7 million USDA grant to combat fire blight (news.vt.edu | February 28, 2024)
Every year, the United States suffers an estimated $100 million in losses of apple, pear, and other pome fruit crops to fire blight, a destructive disease caused by the bacterium Erwinia amylovora. Experts predict more damaging fire blight epidemics in the coming years.
Virginia Tech Assistant Professor Srdjan Acimovic of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is leading a team of researchers from seven of the nation’s top apple and pear-producing states in a multipronged effort to help growers manage fire blight at all its stages and stop its spread. The work is supported by a $5.7 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
Emerging Salmonella variety in dairy cows found to worsen antimicrobial resistance (phys.org | March 5, 2024)
A study of more than 5,000 Salmonella bacteria isolated over 15 years from dairy cattle samples in the Northeast reveals a significant increase in resistance to the antimicrobial medications ampicillin, florfenicol and ceftiofur.
Analyzing data derived from bovine samples submitted to Cornell's Animal Health Diagnostic Center between 2007 and 2021, researchers also found that two Salmonella serotypes, or varieties, called Dublin and Montevideo, significantly increased over time. Dublin is a serotype that tends to be resistant to multiple antimicrobials.
Invading plants remain undetected in a lag phase while they explore suitable climates (nature.com | February 8, 2024)
Successful alien species may experience a period of quiescence, known as the lag phase, before becoming invasive and widespread. The existence of lags introduces severe uncertainty in risk analyses of aliens as the present state of species is a poor predictor of future distributions, invasion success and impact. Predicting a species’ ability to invade and pose negative impacts requires a quantitative understanding of the commonality and magnitude of lags, environmental factors and mechanisms likely to terminate lag. Using herbarium and climate data, we analyzed over 5,700 time series (species × regions) in 3,505 naturalized plant species from nine regions in temperate and tropical climates to quantify lags and test whether there have been shifts in the species’ climatic space during the transition from the lag phase to the expansion phase. Lags were identified in 35% of the assessed invasion events. We detected phylogenetic signals for lag phases in temperate climate regions and that annual self-fertilizing species were less likely to experience lags.
Rare Cycad Moth Found in New Location in South Africa (entomologytoday.org | March 5, 2024)
The discovery of a second population of South Africa’s rarest moth sheds light on how a super specialized, finely tuned lifestyle can serve a species well—but nevertheless can be risky business.
Callioratis millari, sometimes called Millar’s tiger moth, lives on the edge because its larvae feed only on cycad plants, which flourished when dinosaurs roamed but now are among the world’s most endangered plants, due to their slow growth, habitat loss, and commercial collection. Callioratis millari is one of a half dozen look-alike species of cycad-feeding moths in its genus scattered about specks of habitat in Southern Africa.
What nutrients are in your substrate?
Crapemyrtle Aphid: A Cosmopolitan Pest of a Popular Ornamental Tree (entomologytoday.org | March 6, 2024)
Although crapemyrtles can thrive in urban landscapes, they have a variety of associated insect pests that can impair their aesthetics or health. One such pest is fittingly named the crapemyrtle aphid (Sarucallis kahawaluokalani). Although the aphid was first described in Hawaii in 1907, it is native to southeast Asia, as is the crapemyrtle on which it feeds. In an article published in February in the open-access Journal of Integrated Pest Management that I wrote with Matt Bertone, Ph.D., at North Carolina State University, we summarize the distribution, ecology, and management of the crapemyrtle aphid, with a specific focus on the southern United States.
Some Florida Mosquitoes Spend the Winter in Tortoise Burrows (entomologytoday.org | March 7, 2024)
“Mosquitoes are not always bad!” says Estelle Martin, Ph.D., assistant professor of insect vectors and public health at the University of Florida. “We have more than 3,500 mosquitoes, and only a small portion act as disease vectors. Mosquitoes also have a role in the environment as predator or prey and play their role in the ecosystem well.”
Still, she admits, “It’s always good to raise awareness about mosquitoes and mosquito-borne disease so communities can proactively reduce mosquito populations around their property. That’s always good to remit disease risk.”
NYS Spotted Lanternfly Outreach Zoom Meeting,
10AM Tuesday March 26th, 2024.
It has been a while since our last meeting so it’s time to get caught up on the new locations SLF has been found, recent work in the state, and what we might expect this growing season.
Zoom Link for the March 26th meeting. https://cornell.zoom.us/j/93530523142?pwd=ZE9POTluSUhZMlRJdjNUNlZPZmV1QT09
(A reminder with an agenda and full Zoom invitation will be sent via this listserv in March.)
New SLF webinar recording available:
Review of Spotted Lanternfly Updates and Findings in PA Vineyards
Penn State has a team of research and extension specialists that have collaborated for several years to learn more about SLF's biology, population dynamics, feeding hosts, and impacts. This webinar provides a review of SLF in the context of recent research and observations and impacts on grapevine health and commercial vineyard management.
View webinar here: https://psu.mediaspace.kaltura.com/media/SLF+Webinar/1_kcx2kikz
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is soliciting public input on a petition submitted by Bayer U.S.-Crop Science (Bayer) to deregulate a corn cultivar developed using genetic engineering. The cultivar is designated as MON95379. It was modified to resist feeding damage caused by target lepidopteran pests, including fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda), sugarcane borer (diatraea saccharalis), and corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea). The input we receive during the public comment period will help us identify issues and potential impacts we should consider in our review and determine the appropriate environmental documents to prepare to document our decision.
We are evaluating MON95379 corn under USDA’s legacy regulations (formerly, 7 CFR § 340.6) because Bayer submitted the product for review prior to implementation of our current biotechnology regulations. The legacy regulations focused on whether a plant pest was used in the product development and if there are potential increased plant pest risks compared to conventional counterparts. Under the legacy regulations, APHIS first solicits public input on the petition for 60 days. The comments we receive on the petition aid the Agency in preparing appropriate environmental documents. A second opportunity for public involvement will come when we publish either a notice of availability of a draft environmental assessment and draft plant pest risk assessment or a notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement in the Federal Register.
The petition will be available for a 60-day public comment period. Beginning Monday, March 4, members of the public will be able to submit comments through May 3, 2024 at the link below.
Tickborne disease prevention survey
A master's student in the integrative biological diversity program at Western Connecticut State University in Danbury, CT. Is conducting their thesis with the tickborne disease prevention laboratory looking at the effects of mowing frequency, including not mowing, on the behavior of blacklegged ticks. Currently, they are conducting a 5-minute survey on the mowing practices of CT residents to help inform their study design.
The survey is found at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ctlawn
How soil health is a factor in the determination of farmland prices
Have you or are you considering buying farmland or working with people who are? We would be interested to hear from you as a farmland owner about your preferences when purchasing or leasing farmland. If you work with farmland owners or tenants, we would greatly appreciate your forwarding our survey to them. The survey is part of a research project focusing on the (potential) relationship between soil health and farmland prices. Through this research, we aim to explore whether farmland owners are incentivized to build healthy soils when planning to sell their farmland. Additionally, we want to explore if there is a theoretical business model of buying degraded farmland, regenerating it, and selling it for a profit. If there is no relationship between soil health and farmland prices, we will look at policy solutions that incentivize farmland owners to build healthy soils. Ultimately, we hope this research helps farmers and landowners who are good farmland stewards to be rewarded for their soil health-building efforts. Through this, we hope to move our agricultural system toward greater resilience, long-term profitability, and sustainability. Please contact Maximilian Bucher-Melcer (mbb266@cornell.edu) for any questions.
The link to the survey is here: https://cornell.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6kS2mTbjF1aIKvY
National Needs Assessment: DEIA programming in IPM
Katie Hartmann is the Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access (DEIA) for the North Central IPM Center at Iowa State University. She is conducting a national needs assessment of IPM professionals to understand their efforts regarding DEIA topics. The purpose of this study is to understand the IPM programs being facilitated in the country and IPM professionals’ level of comfort and/or needs in regard to incorporating DEIA into their work. So, if you are an IPM professional please consider taking part in her survey.
Webinars, Seminars, Meetings, and More
Save the Date!
The 11th International IPM Symposium
March 3 – 5, 2025
San Diego, CA
This is an excellent opportunity for state IPM program directors and ARDP PDs to meet USDA NIFA presentation requirements.
The Symposium is a key conference that cuts across IPM issues and offers much in the way of highlighting current issues in IPM, presentations on current research and developments, and valuable networking for stakeholders.
What’s Bugging You First Friday is a monthly virtual series that explores timely topics to help you use integrated pest management (IPM) to avoid pest problems and promote a healthy environment where you live, work, learn and play. IPM is a wholistic approach that uses different tools and practices to not only reduce pest problems, but to also address the reasons why pests are there in the first place. Each month, our speakers will share practical information about how you can use IPM.
The 2024 What’s Bugging You First Friday schedule is now available on the program’s website, and you can register for multiple events using our registration form. We look forward to seeing you in 2024!
April 5th: Weed ID | Rats in Vegetable Gardens
May 3rd: No-Mow May | What to do with Grass Clippings
June 7th: Tick & Mosquito Yard Treatments | Myth: Mosquito Repellent Plants
July 5th: Japanese Beetle Management | Aphid-Eating Insects
August 2nd: Spotted Lanternfly Update | Box Tree Moth Update
September 6th: Back to School: Bed Bugs | Head Lice
October 4th: Identifying Pests in Your Home
November 1st: 2024 Tick Blitz Results | No Spray Needed
December 6th: Feed the Birds | Repurposing a Holiday Tree
SLELO PRISM invites you to attend a series of Zoom webinars to be held beginning in January 2024 through May. The webinars are free and continuing education credits are available. Registration is required to receive a link to the Zoom webinar and recordings will be sent to registrants.
- April, 10th, 1 PM-2 PM- Enhancing the Health of Riparian Ecosystems Through Restoration and Invasive Species Management. Get an overview of our multiyear Riparian Restoration Initiative. Learn about the ecological importance of the project areas, invasive species impacts, control & restoration methods used, selected plants, community involvement, and future plans.
- April, 10th, 1 PM-2 PM- Enhancing the Health of Riparian Ecosystems Through Restoration and Invasive Species Management. Get an overview of our multiyear Riparian Restoration Initiative. Learn about the ecological importance of the project areas, invasive species impacts, control & restoration methods used, selected plants, community involvement, and future plans.
- May 17th, 1 PM-2 PM- Birds as Habitat Health Indicators. Conservation Director of the Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission, Neil Gifford, will discuss a bird banding and tracking program used to determine ecosystem health on the preserve, the impacts invasive species can have on bird habitat, the benefits of invasive species management, as well as ways homeowners and land managers can support birds.
The Northeast Extension Fruit Consortium has winter sessions scheduled in March
- Link: https://ag.umass.edu/fruit/news-events/northeast-extension-fruit-consortium
- Pre-registration is required. The session information:
March 13- Dr. Jessica McBride, University of Connecticut, will discuss "How to Effectively Engage With The Media". Andre Tougas, Tougas Family Farm and Chelcie Martin, Honey Pot Hill Orchard will share their experiences with the press from this year- what worked, what didn't and what they plan to do differently next time.
March 20- Dr. Kerik Cox, Ms. L?ga Astra Kalni?a will discuss “BioControl, Forecast Models and Apple Scab- Finding the Sweet Spot”.
IR-4 Project Research Symposium: Food Crops Tuesday
The annual IR-4 Project Research Symposium: Food Crops will be held on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, from 1-4 pm ET. During this virtual event, presenters will share research results from Integrated Solutions and Product Performance trials on food crops. Results from these trials are used to identify potential pest management solutions for specialty crops and to support product registrations. We hope you’ll join us!
An agenda with presentation topics will be available closer to the event. View the 2023 Research Symposium presentations here.
Joint Spring Meeting of NH Arborists Association, NH Landscape Association, and UNH Extension
Tuesday, March 19, 2024, Concord, NH
A full day of educational sessions, networking, and fun at the Joint Spring Meeting. Learn about the latest updates in tree pests and diseases, shoreland protection rules, ANSI standards, and OSHA regulations. Hear from tree care and landscape industry colleagues on topics including construction planning and damage mitigation, right plant/right place, and integrated landscape design.
For more information and to register.
Email Amy Papineau at amy.papineau@unh.edu with any questions.
2024 Webinar Series for Greenhouse, Nursery & Garden Center Professionals
Join UNH Cooperative Extension and other experts to sharpen and refresh plant production skills. These monthly webinars on a variety of topics are intended to provide practical training for greenhouse, nursery and garden center professionals, although all are welcome to attend. One New England pesticide applicator recertification credit has been applied for each event.
Register for one, multiple or all of the interactive, Online Classes
2024 Class Dates:
March 26 - Mixing a Spray Tank - Jonathan Ebba
April 30 - Mycorrhizae - Dr. Anissa Poleatewich
June 25 - Growing Media (types, components, attributes) - Jonathan Ebba
July 30 - Considerations for Growing with Wood Fiber - Jonathan Ebba & Mark Sanford
August 27 - Thielaviopsis Control - Dr. Bo Liu
September 24 - Injecting a Drench - Jonathan Ebba
October 29 - Renewable Energy Sources for Greenhouse Environmental Control - Dr. Md Sazan Rahman
November 26 - Mealybug - Dr. Amber Vinchesi-Vahl
December 17 - Fertilizer Selection Basics/Water Analysis - Jonathan Ebba
If you have questions or would like assistance registering for or accessing the webinars, including language access, please contact Jonathan at Jonathan.Ebba@unh.edu
2024 International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certification Training
Dates:
Wednesday, March 13, 2024, 12:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Wednesday, March 20, 2024, 12:30 PM - 3:30 PM
This training program is designed to assist green industry professionals in obtaining the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist designation. All Sessions are in person and include a snow-date. (See Dates and Sessions Descriptions Below)
Attendees of this program will gain an increased knowledge of practices pertaining to the care of trees including tree biology and identification, proper pruning, and safety, soils, tree health and diagnosis. ISA Certified arborists may also attend select sessions for review and qualify for Continuing Education Units (CEUs). DEC Pesticide recertification credits have been applied for but have not yet been granted for sessions. This training may be eligible for Landscape Architect CEUs. A Certificate of Attendance will be issued. Contact the NYS Dept. of Ed for further information.
LOCATION: Carmel, NY (Putnam County)
Registration: Registration Options (donorperfect.net)
Invasive Plant Management Workshop
Register here: Planting Westchester Invasive Species Workshop Registration (arcgis.com)
Date: March 20, 2024
Time: 8:30am until 12:30pm
Location:
Westchester County Center
198 Central Ave
White Plains, NY 10606
8:30am to 9:30am- Matthew Aiello-Lammens
In this talk, he’ll be going over basics of invasive species, some impacts of invasive species, the invasion curve that shows how cost of management increases as in invasion spreads, etc.. Examples I use are pretty high level, but include glossy buckthorn (near and dear to my heart), kudzu, barberry (because of the connections to lyme disease), and likely SLF and EAB. He talks about the impacts of climate change and fragmentation, and he wraps up on some planning tools that are available to managers to help decide which invasive species and/or land areas to prioritize.
9:45am to 10:45am -Kristy King
Public engagement in habitat restoration and invasive species management in NYC
10:45am to 11am- Blind Brook High School
Case Study on removing invasives from Blind Brook HS property
11:15am to 12:15pm- Taro Ietaka
Early Detection/Eradication of Invasive Plant Species in Westchester County with the following examples:
- Incised fumewort along the Bronx River
- Yellow Archangel @ Silverlake
- Chocolate vine and Kalopanax at Read Sanctuary
- Paper mulberry and Western Ragweed at Croton Point (ongoing)
- (ongoing) Toringo Crabapple at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation
- Fanwort at Cranberry Lake (currently a failure but it hasn’t spread. Yet.)
Talk would include how we survey, partner with outside organizations esp. LHPRISM’s Invasive Strike Force, work within County’s restrictions on pesticide use, etc.
12:15pm to 12:30pm- Q&A all speakers
NEVBD is accepting applications to the 2024 Vector Biology Boot Camp! This no-cost program provides hands-on training in tick and mosquito biology, behavior, ecology, taxonomy, and more. Ideal program applicants include non-academic professionals with limited experience in key components of tick or mosquito surveillance and/or control, whose job duties specifically involve vector surveillance and/or control.
Applications are required. Lodging and meals provided. Attendees responsible for own travel; assistance may be available on an individual basis.
WHEN: Tuesday May 21 – Thursday May 23, 2024
WHERE: MaineHealth Vector Ecology Lab, 81 Research Drive, Scarborough, ME 04074
HOW TO APPLY: Submit an application by Friday March 1, 2024. There is no fee to apply or register.
You can access the application form here or visit our Vector Biology Boot Camp website at https://www.neregionalvectorcenter.com/vector-biology-boot-camp.
MUSEUMPESTS WORKING GROUP PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT
We are excited to meet with in-person again this year. We are grateful to Jessica Pace and NYU Libraries for their ability and willingness to host us in New York.
The program is scheduled for 2.5 days, beginning with a half-day of presentations and a behind the scenes tour of Bobst Library on the afternoon of Wednesday, March 20th. On March 21 and 22, 9-5:00 U.S. Eastern we will focus on developing online content for the MuseumPests.net website and planning a virtual presentation session with UK Pest Odyssey colleagues. Our goal is to integrate a few online Zoom check-ins with colleagues who are unable to attend in-person. Projects and goals for the work sessions will be posted on the MuseumPests.net Blog with more details provided after registration.
As in past years, there is no fee for attending the program, but participants are responsible for their own travel, room, and board. RSVP’s will be accepted through March 8, 2024 or until spots are filled. Priority will be given to returning participants on a first-come, first-served basis and to new participants who are actively involved in an IPM program in their institution. Please RSVP via Google Forms.
Please note: The MPWG meetings do not teach IPM and are only appropriate for individuals working with an active IPM program. For more information on the working group meetings please contact MPWG Co-Chairs Adam Osgood or Rachael Arenstein at chair@museumpests.net with “MPWG 2024 Meeting” in the subject line.
Penn State's Southeast Agricultural Research & Extension Center - Summer Research Assistant
The SEAREC Internship is a comprehensive experiential learning program. Each summer, 3 to 6 individuals are invited to work beside educators and faculty to conduct research and produce crops from May through August.
Participants in the program support vegetable, small fruit, floriculture, industrial hemp, field crop and environmental research and education. Students matriculated at any college or university may apply for the position.
Enrichment programming is provided through invited guest lectures, field trips, professional development, and events throughout the summer. Past topics have included environmental health and safety, self-mentorship, plant nutrition, biological control, permaculture, resume building, and ag careers. Past interns have gone on to successful positions in natural resource management, non-profit farm management, floriculture, agricultural industry support, public service, and post-graduate study.
Employment Opportunities
Part-Time Program Assistant - Pennsylvania IPM (Integrated Pest Management) Program
The Pennsylvania IPM (Integrated Pest Management) Program, based in the Dept. of Entomology at Penn State, seeks a bilingual (English/Spanish) Outreach Specialist to work in urban communities in Philadelphia and beyond to implement IPM programs and maintain and develop relationships with PA IPM partners. The successful applicant will work as part of a team to support and sustain IPM using face-to-face and online activities to teach the public how to control pests (bed bugs, cockroaches, mice, rats, etc.) in structures in urban communities, including single family homes, row houses, schools, commercial buildings, and other settings. The successful applicant will conduct public outreach including attending community and task force meetings, and events such as health and community events. Latinx residents make up over 15% of Philadelphians, and even higher proportions in some collar-counties (e.g., Latinx make up over 23% of Berks residents). This is an important and growing constituency for IPM outreach and adoption, and will be a major focus for this position. Spanish speaking, reading, and writing fluency is required. Additionally, one must be a trusted worker who is respected by the people they serve and able to apply their own unique understanding of the experience, socio-economic needs, language, and/or culture of the communities served.
Environmental Horticulture Program Manager
The IR-4 Project seeks an Environmental Horticulture Program Manager to join its Headquarters team based on North Carolina State University’s Centennial Campus.
Reporting to the Executive Director, this role will coordinate research and pesticide (bio-based and chemical) registration activities on non-food, ornamental plant species. This position is aligned with the IR-4 Project mission to facilitate regulatory approval of sustainable pest management technology for specialty crops, including ornamental crops and other environmental horticulture uses. This is a full-time (40 hours per week), EHRA non-faculty position.
Visit our Careers page to learn more about the role and apply.
The American Chestnut Foundation (TACF) seeks to hire a full-time Orchard Manager at its flagship
Meadowview Research Farms in Southwest Virginia. The Orchard Manager will work both
individually and as part of a team on essential land management tree breeding and seed harvest tasks
year-round. Reporting to the Director of Land Management, the ideal Orchard Manager will bring
skills, knowledge and willingness to learn in areas such as vegetation management, safe operation of
heavy agricultural equipment, handling and organization of biological samples, and natural resource
conservation. Knowledge and experience pertaining to plant biology and breeding is a plus. As a staff
member of Meadowview Research Farms, the Orchard Manager will interface professionally with
members of the public, connecting specific tree breeding and land management projects with TACF’s
overall mission.
Position: Orchard Manager
Position Type: Full-time permanent position with a robust benefits package
Position Location: Meadowview Research Farms, Meadowview, VA
Reporting to: Director of Land Management
Salary Recruitment Range (DOE): $21.19-$23.08 per hour - TACF is a living wage employer.
Many fantastic job opportunities with open calls for applications related to aquatic work happening in and around SLELO PRISM
- SUNY Oswego and USGS GLSC : In collaboration with the United States Geological Survey Great Lakes Science Center, SUNY Oswego is hiring three aquatic biologists who will help support ongoing native fish restoration efforts. The three hires are focused on expanding collaborations with our regional partners, the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe (SRMT) and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), to research topics associated with native fish (e.g., Atlantic salmon and coregonines) restoration efforts. If you know of any potential candidates, please share this information with them. The full job descriptions, which include the links to apply, can be viewed via the linked job titles below:
Director - UMass Cranberry Station / Extension Associate/Full Professor
The University of Massachusetts is seeking an experienced scientist, innovative leader and Extension educator to serve in a full-time, 12-month appointment as Extension Associate or Full Professor and Director of the UMass Cranberry Station located in East Wareham, Massachusetts. The Director will provide: 1) vision, support, and coordination in planning, developing and implementing departmental programs in research and extension in accordance with the Land Grant Mission; 2) leadership in recruiting and fostering academic growth and professional development of faculty, staff, and students; 3) administration of human, physical and financial resources; and 4) promotion of external funding opportunities. The successful candidate will report to the Director of the Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment.
Please submit applications by March 1, 2024 in order to ensure priority consideration. Applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled. Questions about the position may be directed to averill@eco.umass.edu.
Postdoctoral Associate – Center for Research on Programmable Plant Systems (CROPPS) – Plant Bioengineering Team - Ithaca • Van Eck Laboratory
A postdoctoral associate position is available at The Boyce Thompson Institute, located on the Cornell University campus in Ithaca, NY. The postdoctoral associate will be part of an exciting NSF-funded Science and Technology Center (CROPPS) (
) that is an interdisciplinary and interinstitutional initiative focused on innovative technologies and approaches for two-way communication with plants to be realized.
The postdoctoral associate will be part of a team involved in development of innovative, efficient, and high-throughput plant genetic engineering methodologies, including robotics and automation approaches, especially for the crops (tomato, cotton, maize) that are the focus of CROPPS. A high priority goal is development of in-planta (non-tissue culture) transformation and gene editing approaches that do not require plant tissue culture methods. In parallel with this effort will be investigation of novel plant cell delivery methods. The successful candidate will have opportunities to collaborate with groups at the participating institutions along with gaining leadership and mentoring skills as part of CROPPS. Projects will involve collaboration with a vibrant group of engineers and biologists, including roboticists (https://www.mae.cornell.edu/faculty-directory/robert-f-shepherd), biomolecular engineers (https://chemistry.cornell.edu/christopher-alabi) and researchers whose work builds on synthetic biology.
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Entomology
Applied Entomology Laboratory at the University of Maine is looking to hire a postdoctoral research associate to conduct research on insects of economic importance to the potato industry. Responsibilities include performing field, laboratory, and greenhouse experiments on the University of Maine campus in Orono and on Aroostook Research Farm in Presque Isle, curating and analyzing data, and preparing manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals. Education associated with a Ph.D. degree in Entomology, Biology, Zoology, or related field is required by date of hire. This position is grant-funded for one year, with an extension possible for a total duration of up to 4.5 years, depending on satisfactory performance and funding availability.
Detailed job description and application instructions are available at https://umaine.hiretouch.com/job-details?jobid=83758. Screening of applications will start on March 15 and continue until a suitable applicant is found. For questions about the search, please contact search committee chair Andrei Alyokhin at alyokhin@maine.edu or 207-581-2977.
WNY PRISM is currently seeking a new Aquatic Invasive Species Program Manager to join our team!
The Aquatic Invasive Species Program Manager (Program Manager) will work to engage the public and partners in aquatic invasive species spread prevention and management. The primary role for the Program Manager is to coordinate WNY PRISM’s Watercraft Inspection Stewardship Program which includes up to 13 public boat launches staffed weekends from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The Program Manager will be responsible for all aspects of WISP including partner communications, permissions, hiring, training and supervising Boat Stewards, data management, and reporting. Additional program responsibilities will include early detection and response efforts, additional AIS survey and removal efforts, facilitation of the WNY Water Chestnut Working Group, and collaboration with partners on regional priorities.
For more information, to view the full job description, and to apply, please visit: https://www.rfhiring.com/JobDesc.asp?JobID=237.
This is a full-time position located in Buffalo, NY. The position will remain open until filled. Please follow all applications instructions as failure to do so may disqualify you from the position.
Questions about this position may be directed to Andrea Locke, WNY PRISM Coordinator, at lockeas@buffalostate.edu. No phone calls, please.
Virginia Tech - Invasive Species Working Group (ISWG)
Virginia Tech is seeking applicants for seven tenure track positions associated with the Invasive Species Working Group (ISWG). These new faculty positions will be housed within several colleges and academic units across campus as part of a large university wide interdisciplinary investment (Destination Area Phase 2) to make Virginia Tech a center of excellence in the science, policy, and management of invasive species at state, national, and international levels.
The collaboration amongst new hires and existing faculty is paramount, and will enhance flagship programs in a broad range of disciplines and build on the broad foundation developed by the ISWG. This long-term vision will create a strong interdisciplinary team of Virginia Tech faculty working on one of the top five global threats, addressing invasive species research, teaching, and outreach. We are seeking individuals who possess the skills to bridge disciplinary divides, drive innovative solutions, and engage in team science to apply for the following positions (associated college homes are indicated).
Please note that positions will be announced throughout the 2024 calendar year.
Environmental Law and Policy – Closes March 15th, 2024
Invasive Species Research and Extension – Closes April 8th, 2024
Community Science Coordinator, Native Plant Trust (Wayland, MA)
Native Plant Trust
We seek a Community Science Coordinator to work with two of Native Plant Trust’s core initiatives—the New England Plant Conservation Program (NEPCoP) and the Plant Conservation Volunteer (PCV) program—which engage professional and community volunteers in rare species monitoring, habitat management, reintroduction and augmentation projects, and long-term conservation planning. We work closely with Natural Heritage programs and conservation organizations in all six New England states.
Position Summary
The Community Science Coordinator is responsible for developing and administering the Plant Conservation Volunteer (PCV) program and managing data on the conservation of plants in New England.
WNY PRISM is Hiring! All 2024 Summer Positions are Open!
Join the WNY PRISM team and spend the summer gaining valuable experience in invasive species management! Multiple positions are open with varying responsibilities, time frames and necessary qualifications, so take a look and see what interests you!
For more information, including full job descriptions and to apply, visit https://www.rfhiring.com/jobs.asp.
Education and Outreach Assistant
The WNY PRISM Education and Outreach Assistant will work closely with WNY PRISM staff and partners to implement and expand our education, outreach and community science programs, and will report directly to the WNY PRISM Community Science and Engagement Program Manager. Education efforts are essential to the success of the partnership and are integrated into nearly all aspects of WNY PRISM’s work. The selected candidate will help maintain the WNY PRISM social media accounts and Listserv, prepare e-newsletters, develop invasive species educational materials and content for the website, upload and organize photos, organize and lead education events, maintain detailed records, and communicate with partners. In addition, the Education and Outreach Assistant will assist with invasive species management activities such as invasive species surveys, removal and habitat restoration projects, as needed.
The deadline for applications is Friday, March 15, 2024.
Invasive Species Management Assistants
The WNY PRISM Invasive Species Management Assistants (3) will work closely with the WNY PRISM Terrestrial Program Manager, Field Crew Leader and partners to implement invasive species prevention, early detection, management, and habitat restoration projects within the 8-county WNY PRISM region. The selected candidates will conduct invasive species surveys and assessments, assist with priority invasive species removal and restoration projects, provide project reports and may assist with outreach events such as tabling at farmers’ markets. Invasive species removal efforts will include use of both manual and chemical (herbicide) methods. This is primarily a field position, and the selected candidates can expect to spend the majority of their time working outdoors in remote locations and will experience inclement weather conditions.
The deadline for applications is Friday, March 22, 2024.
Watercraft Inspection Steward/Environmental Educators
The WNY PRISM Watercraft Inspection Steward Program is designed to prevent the transport, spread and establishment of aquatic invasive species while increasing public awareness of this threat. WNY PRISM Watercraft Inspection Steward/Environmental Educators (Stewards) are an essential component of this program and will represent WNY PRISM while working toward improving environmental health. Stewards will interact daily with the public at boat launches performing boat inspections to remove visible aquatic plants and animals from all types of watercraft and will be responsible for public education and distribution of educational materials. Removal of aquatic plants and animals will help to prevent the transport and spread of aquatic invasive species. Stewards will also have the opportunity to assist with invasive species survey and removal projects, such as early detection/rapid response and control efforts, to monitor and reduce established populations of both aquatic and terrestrial invasive species. This is a field position and candidates should expect to spend the majority of their time outdoors.
WNY PRISM is hiring 11 Stewards and 2 Lead Stewards. Lead Stewards will assist the Program Manager with training, scheduling, supervision and reporting for the Watercraft Inspection Stewardship Program.
Applications will be accepted until all positions are filled. Applications will be reviewed beginning Friday, March 22, 2024.
WNY PRISM is seeking a Field Crew Leader to assist with the successful implementation of WNY PRISM field activities and to provide supervision for seasonal staff. WNY PRISM works on high priority invasive species management projects involving prevention, early detection and rapid response, management, and habitat restoration for both terrestrial and aquatic species. Projects involve multiple partners and represent the diversity of environmental interests and unique habitats across the region. The WNY PRISM Field Crew Leader will work with the Terrestrial Program Manager, and additional Program Managers, to coordinate and implement invasive species management projects involving invasive species surveys, site monitoring, invasive species removal and habitat/native plant restoration projects throughout the 8-county WNY PRISM region.
The Field Crew Leader will be primarily responsible for ensuring the successful implementation and tracking of WNY PRISM field activities including invasive species surveys, removal projects, and habitat restoration efforts. To achieve this, they will supervise and work with the WNY PRISM Crew, a three-person seasonal stewardship team that works May – September.
This is a full-time, temporary position with an expected timeframe of April 15 – November 1, 2024 (40 hours/week, $23.00/hour). Occasional weekend and evening hours will be required, and some projects may require 10-hour days – will not go over 40 hours/week. Some overnight travel, as well as use of personal vehicles, will also be required. Position is dependent upon final approval of funding.
Position comes with paid holidays and sick leave and is based out of the WNY PRISM Office on the SUNY Buffalo State University Campus in Buffalo, NY.
For more information, to view the full job description, and to apply, please visit: https://www.rfhiring.com/jobDesc.asp?JobID=241.
The deadline for applications is Friday, March 15, 2024.
Want to work for the EPA? The agency is preparing for a substantial hiring push in 2024
The Environmental Protection Agency is looking to bring on 1,000 new employees and interns this year as it attempts to continue growing its rolls after years of staffing reductions.
The agency launched a new campaign—”BeEPA”—and is holding a series of outreach events throughout the country this week to raise awareness of the job postings. EPA has openings at its Washington headquarters and each of its 10 regional offices, officials said, and the roles include scientists, engineers, grant managers, attorneys and IT professionals.
Invasive Species Strike Team Technician
The Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership (CRISP) is looking to hire 3 motivated & reliable Invasive Species Strike Team Technicians to join us in controlling invasive species throughout the Catskills this season:
One Aquatic Strike Team Technician & 2 Terrestrial Strike Team Technicians.
Postdoctoral Scholar- Lieurance Invasion Science Lab
We are hiring a postdoctoral scholar in the Lieurance Invasion Science Lab at Penn State University to work on projects related to improving our understanding of the invasion risk of nonnative species to enhance the way we inform invasive species prevention and management. My research program utilizes techniques to measure plant chemistry, photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, and other traits to advance our understanding of why some nonnative species become invasive and how biological invasions are affected by climate change. This is a term appointment in the Department of Ecosystem Science and Management funded for one year from date of hire, with excellent possibility of funding for a second year.
Emergency Citrus Disease Research and Extension Program Pre-Applications
NIFA requests pre-applications for the ECDRE program to address priorities identified by the Citrus Disease Sub-committee (CDS) of the National Agricultural Research, Education, Extension and Economics (NAREEE) Advisory Board through projects that integrate research and extension activities and use systems-based, trans-disciplinary approaches to provide solutions to U.S. citrus growers.
The overarching goals and desired outcomes for the ECDRE program are:
- To combat Huanglongbing (HLB) and its disease complex in order to continue to be able to farm citrus in a financially sustainable way through collaborative approaches and knowledge;
- Transition from component-focused research to deploying research outcomes and conclusions on farms; and
- Encourage research teams to bring knowledge together to find grower solutions to combat and prevent HLB infection.
The ECDRE program will address these needs through the promotion of collaboration, open communication, the exchange of information, and the development of resources that accelerate application of scientific discovery and technology to farm-level solutions for HLB.
Proposals funded by the ECDRE program in FY 2024 will provide a plan for addressing one or more of the nine priority needs (priorities listed in order of importance) to target grower needs with a focus on producer implementation.
The technical assistance webinar related to this FY 2024 funding opportunity is now scheduled. Please see details about the webinar, including the registration link, date, and time, via the technical assistance webinar button below. The recording and supporting documents will also be posted to this page after the event.
Apply For Grant Download RFA Technical Assistance Webinar
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Partnership and Graduate Student Research Grant Programs Call for Proposals Two Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) grant programs are calling for 2024 proposals. Northeast SARE’s Administrative Council has allocated $750,000 for Partnership Grants and $500,000 for Graduate Student Research Grants. Northeast SARE – including funding decisions – is guided by its outcome statement: “Northeast agricultural communities honor the holistic connection among land, water, air, and all living beings. Agriculture in the Northeast is accessible, sustainable, and just, addressing historic and current inequities so all farmers and farm employees can steward resources to ensure sustainability, resilience, economic viability, and a high quality of life.”
Partnership Grants fund researchers, educators and agricultural service providers working in direct partnership with farmers in the Northeast. Funded projects will design and implement innovative solutions to agricultural sustainability challenges, and strengthen connections between farmers and agricultural service providers. Partnership Grant proposals are capped at $30,000; about 30 projects will be awarded. Proposals are due April 9, 2024, 5:00 p.m. EST. View the Partnership Grant Call
Graduate Student Research Grants fund students conducting research under the supervision of a faculty advisor on sustainable agriculture topics of importance to Northeast farmers, agricultural researchers, and farm support professionals. Graduate Student Research Grant proposals are capped at $15,000; about 30 projects will be awarded. Proposals are due April 16, 2024,5:00 p.m. EST. View the Graduate Student Research Grant Call
Live question and answer sessions for both the Graduate Student Research and Partnership grant programs will take place throughout March and into April. These sessions are a great opportunity for potential applicants to learn if a Northeast SARE Grant is right for them. They are also a chance to build understanding around how to successfully write and manage Northeast SARE grants.
Partnership Grant Q&A sessions will take place March 5, 13, 19, and 27 from noon-1:00 p.m. EST. Register for a Partnership Grant Q&A Session
Graduate Student Research Grant Q&A sessions will take place March 12, 20, 26, and April 3 from noon-1 p.m. EST. Register for a Graduate Student Grant Q&A Session
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