IPM News and Events Roundup 03/20/2026
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.
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.
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.
Connect with the Southern IPM Center
YouTube | Newsletter | Center Impacts | Evaluation Resources | Signature Programs | IPM Data | IPM Hour| Priorities
- SERA3 2026 IPM Priorities
- Grant Report: Incorporating allelopathic cover crops, soil steaming, and biochar herbicide protection pods (HPPs) for integrated weed management and improved soil health in tomato.
- Friends of IPM 2026: IPM Communicator Dr. Sriyanka Lahiri, University of Florida
- Weekly IPM Roundup is BACK!
- 2026 Funded Grant Projects
- IPM Hour Webinar Series Returns in April
- New Executive Director Named at IR-4
- Bugwood Summit
Connect with the North Central IPM Center
YouTube | Newsletter | Center Impacts | Pest Alerts | Regional Priorities | IPM Data | Podcasts
February 2026 North Central IPM Issue
Check it out to access:
- New World Screwworm Resources,
- A new tool for detecting Herbicide Resistance
- Precision agriculture, Smart Spray Calculator
Connect with the Western IPM Center
YouTube | Newsletter | Impact Assessment | Priorities | Signature Programs | IPM Data | PMSPs and Crop Profiles
The Western Front Newsletter of the Western Integrated Pest Management Center
- Announcement of Western IPM Center Grant Recipients
- Promising New Biocontrol Option for Controlling Wheat Stem Sawfly
- New Spanish-Language Resources Published
Regional Centers 2026 Funding Updates
IPM Centers Announce Recipients of 2026 Northeastern IPM Partnership Grants
In 2026, the Southern Integrated Pest Management Center at North Carolina State University will temporarily administer the Northeastern IPM Partnership Grants Program on behalf of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The annual competitive grants program addresses important IPM issues in the northeastern region.
The grant program received 18 proposals totaling $520,874 in requested funds. Of those, five projects were selected for funding, including two working groups, totaling $149,489. Disciplines range from entomology, human health, plant pathology, and weed science. Contracting states include Maine, Massachusetts, New York, and Vermont. When including cooperating states, 8 of the 13 Northeastern states are represented.
Follow link to see list of 2026 recipients.
For the 2026 funding year, SIPMC received 31 proposals totaling $994,848 in requested funds. Of those, nine projects were funded, 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.
Follow link to see list of 2026 Southern IPM grant recipients
North Central IPM Funded Projects
Government Agency News
Effective immediately, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), in cooperation with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), is expanding the area quarantined for sweet orange scab (SOS) in the Van Nuys area of Los Angeles County in California. SOS is a disease caused by the fungus Elsinöe australis. APHIS is expanding the quarantined area by 80 square miles in Los Angeles County. APHIS is taking this action because of SOS detections in plant tissue samples collected from residential properties in Los Angeles County. This expansion does not impact commercial citrus.
If you have ever been hangry (a portmanteau for hungry and angry), then you know what it is like to be irritable, bad-tempered, or easily annoyed. While being hangry may seem like an excuse for unpleasant behavior, research shows that hunger can cause shifts in our hormones, brain processes, and nervous system that result in negative emotions like anger.
Cucurbit crops such as watermelon (Citrullus lanatus), melon (Cucumis melo), cucumber (Cucumis sativus), and squash and pumpkin (Cucurbita spp.) contribute a variety of nutritious and colorful fruits, vegetables, seeds, and decorations to our plates and homes. In the United States, watermelons and melons (e.g., muskmelon/cantaloupe, honeydew) are generally consumed fresh, cucumbers are eaten fresh in salads or processed into pickles, and squashes and pumpkins are most frequently served as cooked vegetables, processed into products such as pie fillings, or sold as decorations in autumn. Cucurbit crops are grown throughout the United States with a farm gate production value of ∼$1.8 billion (https://www.nass.usda.gov/). Production of watermelons and melons is primarily in warm southern and southwestern regions such as Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Arizona, and California. While Florida, California, and Georgia are also primary producers of fresh market cucumbers and summer squash (e.g., zucchini), significant production of processing cucumbers, winter squash (e.g., butternut, acorn), and pumpkins occurs in Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, and several other midwestern, eastern, and northwestern states.
Anastrepha serpentina (Sapote Fruit Fly): APHIS Establishes Quarantines in Texas
On February 23, 2026, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) established two sapote fruit fly (Anastrepha serpentina) quarantines, one in Rio Hondo and a second in Harlingen, Cameron County, Texas, designated the Rio Hondo and Harlingen quarantines, respectively. On March 4, APHIS and TDA established an additional sapote fruit fly quarantine in Alamo, Hidalgo County, Texas, designated the Alamo quarantine.
Research in the news
Christmas Tree Scouting Reports March 19, 2026
Welcome to the Christmas tree scouting report where you will find weekly updates on pests and growing conditions around the state. If you are interested in contributing scouting information on any pest impacting raising Christmas trees, please email Kelly Piccioni at keg200@psu.edu.
Improving the implementation of disease forecasting systems and an alternative management program to mitigate regulatory concerns with multi-site fungicides for apple scab management (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
Apple scab, caused by Venturia inaequalis, requires regular fungicide applications to achieve adequate disease control. Multi-site fungicides such as mancozeb and captan are integral to chemical management programs due to resistance concerns. To reduce reliance and mitigate regulatory concerns with multi-site fungicides, there has been increased demand for more sustainable solutions. We attempted to use disease forecasting to enhance potential for alternative programs replacing multi-site fungicides with biopesticides to manage apple scab in plantings of cvs. Jonagold and Empire apples. Programs included: untreated control, 'grower-standard' program of conventional multi-site fungicides alternated with single-site fungicides on a calendar schedule, a program where biopesticides alternated (in place of multi-sites) with single-sites on calendar schedule, several programs where biopesticide alternated (in place of multi-sites) with single-sites timed using one of three different disease forecasting tools (NEWA, RIMpro, or Weather services). Programs were carried out for standard and extended season management trials.
Integration of biopesticides into apple scab management programs using disease forecasting and modern planting systems (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
Apple scab, caused by Venturia inaequalis, requires regular fungicide applications to achieve adequate disease control. Multi-site fungicides such as mancozeb and captan are integral to chemical management programs due to resistance concerns. To reduce this reliance on multi-site fungicides and mitigate regulatory concerns, there has been increased demand for more sustainable solutions. We attempted to integrate biopesticides into management programs with single-site fungicides using disease forecasting to better time applications. Disease incidence on terminal leaves and fruit was rated at the end of the season; mean incidence was calculated and analyzed. No significant differences (P > 0.05) were observed among management programs suggesting that integrated programs would be viable and that forecasting-based timing can be just as effective as a calendar schedule. While the results seem promising, we can't be certain whether the multi-sites fungicides or biopesticides were effective rotational or simply not needed without additional controls. Regardless, growers will want to apply something for fungicide resistance management and to maintain a modicum of coverage and during low-risk infection periods.
Susceptibility of Long-day Onion Cultivars to Stemphylium Leaf Blight in New York (journals.ashs.org)
Stemphylium leaf blight (SLB), which is caused by the fungus Stemphylium vesicarium, is the most common foliar disease affecting onions (Allium cepa) in the northeastern United States. It causes severe necrosis and premature defoliation, thus reducing the photosynthetic area, and may deleteriously affect bulb size. Onion production in New York relies on multiple fungicide applications for foliar disease control because no information regarding the susceptibility of the locally suitable and commercially available long-day onion cultivars to SLB is available. In this study, both replicated controlled environment and field trials were conducted to evaluate the susceptibility of selected long-day onion cultivars to SLB using S. vesicarium isolates representative of the New York population. The severity of SLB was estimated at regular intervals and used to calculate the area under disease progress curve (AUDPC) to reflect epidemic progress. Yield, average bulb size (ABS), and average bulb weight (ABW) of eight cultivars tested in the field trial in 2024 were also recorded. In the controlled environment trials, there were small differences in susceptibility among cultivars, with the lowest AUDPC for SVNY1610 and Redwing. In the field trial, AUDPC was also significantly lower for all cultivars except for Patterson and Candy. Yield, ABS, and ABW were significantly higher for ‘SVNY1608’ than for ‘Candy’ and ‘Red Spring’. These findings may assist the design of integrated disease management strategies for SLB and foliar disease control programs and inform breeding programs for SLB resistance in onions.
Structural innovation in the evolution of plant chemical defense (pnas.org)
This work provides the strongest empirical test to date of how structural innovation in plant metabolism creates an evolutionary axis of novel defensive bioactivity and ecological opportunity. In this case, biosynthetic modifications to cardenolide toxins introduce new functional groups, adding a nitrogen and sulfur (N,S) heterocycle, thereby modifying the existing chemical scaffolds. We show that these plant toxins evolved through repeated gains of novel structural attributes, challenging models of directional evolutionary escalation. In milkweeds, the independent evolution of N,S-cardenolides illustrates how structural innovation can restore potency against adapted herbivores such as monarch butterflies. The evolution of structural innovation in chemical toxins thus offers a general mechanism by which defenses diversify, gaining or regaining potency, under natural selection by herbivores.
Fighting Against Invasive Species Through Global and Stakeholder Partnerships—A Case Study of Boxwood Blight (apsjournals.apsnet.org)
Boxwood blight, caused by the fungus Calonectria pseudonaviculata, is an emerging destructive disease in the United States that has destroyed numerous crops and plantings including many of historic significance. To help the environmental horticulture industry and the public effectively manage this disease, the Boxwood Blight Insight Group organized a series of International Boxwood Seminars with invited speakers primarily from Europe and New Zealand, areas where this disease was studied for more than a decade before its 2011 discovery in the United States. These seminars reached all sectors of the industry and other major stakeholder groups in 46 states as well as Washington DC.
First Report of Prunus Necrotic Ringspot Virus in Stone Fruit Trees in Azerbaijan (apsjournals.apsnet.org)
Prunus necrotic ringspot virus (PNRSV, Ilarvirus PNRSV, genus Ilarvirus, family Bromoviridae) is an economically important virus with a wide host range, including stone fruit trees. The virus causes severe symptoms on leaves, shoots, flower buds, and fruits of infected plants, substantially reducing yield and damaging crop quality. Since no information is available on the occurrence of PNRSV in Azerbaijan, the aim of this research was to survey Azerbaijani stone fruit orchards for PNRSV. A total of 134 leaf samples were collected in 2018 to 2019 from 49 plum (Prunus domestica), 8 apricot (P. armeniaca), 13 almond (P. amygdalus), 22 peach (P. persica), 25 sweet cherry (P. avium), and 17 cherry plum (P. cerasifera) trees displaying typical leaf necrotic spots and shot hole symptoms (Oliver et al. 2009).
Rapid evolution predicts demographic recovery after extreme drought (science.org)
Extreme weather events are occurring more frequently due to climate change, stressing many species. Plants are particularly vulnerable given their sensitivity to changes in moisture and temperature. Anstett et al. examined 19 populations of scarlet monkeyflower (Mimulus cardinalis) along the west coast of the United States and Mexico over 8 years, including during the most extreme drought on record in this region (see the Perspective by Urban and Balstad). Although several of their monitored populations went extinct locally, the authors found that variants associated with climate shifted frequency in some populations, and populations with more substantial shifts toward alleles favored in hot, dry conditions recovered more quickly. These results suggest that although evolutionary rescue in response to climate stressors is possible, it is not guaranteed. —Corinne Simonti
Trends in the representation of research on model organisms in scientific literature (biorxiv.org)
Research using model organisms to tackle questions in life sciences and biomedical sciences has been in the spotlight of scientific literature for the better part of the twentieth century. This attention has perceptibly faded over the last twenty years, at least. We set to document this process by examining the publication trends of 48 journals encompassing a broad range of topics and impact factors for eight classic model organisms. We found that the representation of model-organism research has been in continuous decline in the last three decades, with a significant acceleration since 2010. We investigated the origin of the change, from the size of research communities to the shifts in topics and in use of model organisms.
News
From Coast to Coast, Pests Are Coming Early: Experts Forecast Heightened Activity This Spring and Summer (pestworld.org)
After a winter marked by plunging temperatures and unusual precipitation patterns, experts at the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) are warning Americans to brace for an active pest season. NPMA’s latest Bug Barometer® forecast predicts pests could emerge sooner and in greater numbers across the country – driven by erratic weather that allowed more pests to survive while creating ideal breeding conditions ahead.
Milkweed evolves ‘mind-blowing’ tactic to fight monarchs (news.cornell.edu)
Milkweed has found a new strategy in its epic evolutionary battle with monarch butterflies: upgrading its toxins to outmaneuver the monarch’s resistance.
In a new study, published March 12 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers find that adding a small structural element containing nitrogen and sulfur to milkweed’s toxins circumvents monarchs’ ability to block them. The research sheds light on an underappreciated evolutionary tactic for plants: that not only can they increase their levels of toxicity, they can also structurally innovate to create new classes or subclasses of toxins.
Updated Agronomic Fungicide Efficacy Tables (extension.psu.edu)
Along with stocking our seed and prepping our planters, another way to prepare for the season ahead is to update our integrated pest management tools. Some of the most valuable resources are free! These include the fungicide efficacy tables published annually at Crop Protection Network. These tables are the product of dozens of site years of fungicide trials conducted by university pathologists across the country. These helpful charts include active ingredients, product names, rates, common diseases, harvest restrictions, and other notes. They are updated each year to reflect the newest data, including new products, label changes, and reduced efficacy due to pathogen resistance. If a product you are looking for does not appear in these documents, it may be due to insufficient university data to date. While we always include these tables in The Penn State Agronomy Guide for your convenience, we recommend downloading the latest versions to stay current.
Farmers Crown Waterhemp “Worst Weed” at Commodity Classic (growiwm.org)
For three days, a trio of weeds fought fiercely for the title of “Worst Weed’ at the 2026 Commodity Classic in San Antonio, Texas, but only one took home the title – waterhemp.
In truth, the outcome was clear from day one. That’s when the first stream of farmers from the Midwest visited GROW and Take Action’s tradeshow booth, and started staking out the battlefield (a foamboard map titled “What’s Your Worst Weed?”) with tiny orange pins representing waterhemp.
Rapid evolution can ‘rescue’ species from climate change (news.cornell.edu)
A potted scarlet monkeyflower would die within a few days without water. But multiple natural populations of the species survived an extreme, four-year drought in California, and researchers now know why: The flowers were rescued by their own rapid evolution.
Managing Soil Nutrients in an Era of Fertilizer Price Volatility (extension.psu.edu)
Fertilizers are inherently sensitive to price shocks. They are energy-intensive to manufacture, rely on complex global supply chains, and are often sourced from regions with geopolitical risk. As a result, periodic fertilizer price spikes should be viewed not as anomalies, but as an expected part of modern farm management. Proactive fertility planning that anticipates these disruptions can help farms remain resilient when prices rise suddenly.
Farmers need science (farmprogress.com)
When diagnosed with rheumatic fever at age 11, my dad was ordered to refrain from physical activity and sleep next to the coal stove in the kitchen, the warmest room in a farmhouse lacking electricity.
Stuck inside for nearly a year, he watched out the kitchen windows as his father and siblings hitched up the horses to the plow for a day of work in the surrounding fields.
Research guides apple growers beyond synthetic fungicides (cals.cornell.edu)
Two new studies (see above) from Cornell AgriTech demonstrate that apple growers can maintain effective control of apple scab while reducing their reliance on synthetic multisite fungicides. Combined with modern high-density planting systems and disease-resistant varieties, the research offers New York growers a practical framework for transitioning to more sustainable disease management.
Lemon Eucalyptus Oil Effective as Tick-Repellent Fabric Spray, Study Shows (entomologytoday.org)
Ticks, including the blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis)and the American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis), are vectors of several serious human diseases, including Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Repellent compounds, including chemicals applied to clothing fabrics, can help reduce the spread of these pathogens. In the U.S., permethrin, a chemical derived from chrysanthemums, is a popular fabric application. But whereas permethrin can kill ticks on contact, it is not strongly repellent. And in Canada, though permethrin is available on clothing that is factory treated with the compound, it is not available as a liquid or spray for consumers to apply to clothing.
General Announcements
NCR-SARE Administrative Council Application
The North Central Region - Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (NCR-SARE) is seeking nominees for a seat on its Administrative Council (AC):
- One state Department of Agriculture representative
NCR-SARE Administrative Council members must live and work in one of the 12 states that make up the North Central SARE region. Those states are IL, IN, IA, KS, MI, MN, MO, ND, NE, OH, SD, and WI.
To apply for a seat on the NCR-SARE Administrative Council, submit the following information using our online form at: https://tinyurl.com/SAREACform. Applications are due by 4pm central on March 31, 2026.
Webinars, seminars, meetings, and more
Newly featured this issue
Identifying Characteristics: how to take a good photo for your iMap records
Identifying Characteristics: how to take a good photo for your iMap records
Records submitted to iMapInvasives come in as unconfirmed until reviewed by an expert, which makes quality photos crucial for each record. Join iMapInvasives as we review how to take quality photos, and what sort of characteristics may be unique to invasive species commonly found in New York. This will mostly consist of terrestrial plant features, with some information about aquatic plants and animal species.
Wednesday, March 25, 2026 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Previously featured
Banishing Pests from Multi-Unit Apartment Buildings: A Primer for Property Managers
A three-year collaboration between scientists, property managers, nonprofits and government agencies has produced a new bundle of integrated pest management resources specifically for managers of multi-unit apartment buildings. Dr. Chris Geiger, former San Francisco IPM Program Manager, will present the basics of IPM for property managers and introduce the audience to these new resources, which include video trainings, templates, policies, posters and other materials.
Who should attend: Property managers of multi-unit housing
March 26, 2026
Time: 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Cost: Free
Join a GROW Farmer Forum on Using Cover Crop Mixes for Weed Suppression (growiwm.org)
GROW will be hosting a Farmer Forum on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at 11 a.m. EDT / 10 a.m. CDT. The forum’s farmer panel and moderator will discuss their experience using cover crop mixes to suppress weeds and achieve other cropping goals.
Listen in and bring your questions as the farmer panel from Illinois and Virginia discuss their long-time experience selecting, seeding, managing and terminating cover crop mixes, with weed management in mind. CCA CEU credits will be available.
Biting Pests: A Pet Owner's Guide
Learn how fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes can impact the health of your pets in this educational webinar designed for pet owners. Participants will gain a clear understanding of vector-borne diseases that affect dogs and cats, including how these illnesses are transmitted, the most common diseases associated with each vector, and practical steps that can be taken to reduce risk and support pet health.
This event is being offered at no charge to participants.
Space is limited.
When: April 1, 2026
(12:00 PM-1:00 PM ET)
UNH Cooperative Extension 2026 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. Each webinar costs $10.
Topics include:
- March 31 Sanitation
- April 28 Spider mites
- June 30 Weed management
- July 28 Broad mites and cyclamen mites
- Aug 25 Botrytis
- Sept 29 Growth regulation
- Oct 27 PGR applications
- Nov 24 Root rot
- Dec 15 Pesticide labels
Register for as few or as many as you like. See the whole lineup, get more details and register here: https://extension.unh.edu/blog/2026/01/2026-webinar-series-greenhouse-nursery-garden-center-professionals
The Southern IPM Hour presents research, issues, and programs in Integrated Pest Management from the Southern Region of the United States. The IPM Hour typically takes place on the first Wednesday of the month at 1pm Eastern, but some sessions are special sessions at different days and times.
PIs: Paret Mathews and Abdul Kader Jailani Amirudeen
April 1, 2026
Keep Moving Forward with Saffron
Saffron, the stigmas of a fall-blooming crocus flower, is the most expensive spice and medicinal herb in the world. It is now grown in many areas of North America by small, diversified farmers and could strengthen sustainable agriculture. Are you thinking of growing it for the first time? Have you been growing it for several years? The North American Center for Saffron Research and Development at the University of Vermont (UVM) and Rodale Institute in Pennsylvania are hosting the 10th annual workshop on Saffron on Thursday April 2, 10:00 am – 3:30 pm Eastern Daylight Time. The event will be held online and recorded for all registrants. There are presentations for both beginning and experienced growers.
Growers and researchers from the US and beyond will share their knowledge about growing, fertilization, quality testing, genetics and of course selling this precious crop. Registration is $70. To learn more about the workshop and register, go to:
https://na.eventscloud.com/ereg/index.php?eventid=874061&
Pennsylvania Invasive Species: Two-Spotted Cotton Leafhopper
The two-spotted cotton leafhopper (Amrasca biguttula) is an emerging insect pest with the potential to impact agricultural and specialty crop systems. This webinar will explore its origin and introduction, current distribution and spread in the United States, identification features, biology, management considerations, and recent research to support early detection and informed decision-making.
When: April 17, 2026 (1:00 PM-2:15 PM ET)
Register By: April 16, 2026
This event is free of charge.
Pennsylvania Invasive Species: Spotted Lanternfly
The spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula), an invasive planthopper native to Asia, has rapidly spread across the northeastern United States, threatening agriculture, forestry, and residential landscapes. Feeding on more than seventy plant species, including grapevines, maples, and fruit trees, it weakens plants and produces sticky honeydew that fosters mold growth and attracts nuisance insects. This webinar will cover identification at all life stages, the insect’s life cycle and host preferences, and the factors behind its swift spread. Participants will learn about its current distribution, the damage it causes, and available tools for monitoring and management, equipping growers, landowners, and residents in quarantined areas with the knowledge to take effective action.
April 3, 2026 (1:00 PM-2:15 PM ET)
Register By: April 2, 2026
This event is free of charge.
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 24, and 31, 2026 (12:00 PM-1:15 PM ET)
Registration fee: $20.00
The Bugwood Summit
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.
Webinars are hosted by the North Central IPM Center and are held virtually on 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
- 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.
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
Kiran Gadhave
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.
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
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Specialist
Hilltop Hanover Farm & Environmental Center is a 60 acre working farm and educational center that uses organic practices to grow produce and flowers for a market-style CSA, on-site farm stand, and native plant nursery. The farm welcomes school groups throughout the year and the farm property is open to the public free of charge.
The IPM Specialist will work closely with the field crew leader, farm management team, and Licensed Pesticide Applicator Technician, to manage and minimize pest damage on all vegetable production crops and seedlings in order to prevent crop loss. Applicants should love getting dirty and take pleasure in a hard day’s work! This position is extremely physical, requiring long hours of repetitive motions and heavy lifting. The most successful candidates know how to push themselves and also practice self-care. Additionally, successful candidates should be team players and must be flexible as everyday can be different depending on the weekly and daily farm work plan. The IPM Specialist will work 3 days a week and perform sprays or applications weekly on Thursdays. This position will start in May and run until the end of November.
Previously featured
This position:
- Manages the New Jersey Pesticide Safety Education Program by providing pesticide and regulatory information to a variety of audiences, including farmers, landscapers, pest management professionals, master gardeners, and the public.
- Develops, delivers, and distributes PowerPoint presentations, NJAES factsheets and bulletins, training manuals, and websites under the auspices of the Rutgers Pest Management Office website.
- Creates material on pesticide safety and regulations for grower production recommendation guides.
The complete description and eligibility requirements for applicants are detailed online at https://jobs.rutgers.edu/postings/270387.
Junior Forest Technician Crew Leader
The National Audubon Society is looking to employ a dedicated Crew Leader to supervise the activities of our Junior Forest Technician (JFT) program. The Crew Leader’s responsibilities include managing a team of five or more high school agriscience students, supervising daily work in the field and planning activities with the Land Manager. To be successful as a Crew Leader you should demonstrate strong leadership and management skills and have experience in the field of natural resources and environmental sciences.
The JFT program at the Bent of the River Audubon Center reinforces and enhances technical high school curriculum with real-world applications in the forest conservation field. Students pursue forestry-related curriculum at school, and then complete direct forest conservation work with Audubon as part of their school Student Agricultural Experience (SAE) work requirement. Students complete much of the SAE experience with Audubon in the summer months with opportunities throughout the year for JFT’s to meet, work with, and be guided by their Audubon mentors, both in the field and through enhanced classroom curriculum materials.
The Bent of the River Audubon Center (BOTR) is looking for students interested in fulfilling their SAE hours through the Environmental Sciences and Conservation fields.
The Junior Forest Technician (JFT) program at the Bent of the River Audubon Center reinforces and enhances technical high school curriculum with real-world applications in the forest conservation field. Students pursue forestry-related curriculum at school, and then complete direct forest conservation work with Audubon as part of their school Student Agricultural Experience (SAE) work requirement. Students complete much of the SAE experience with Audubon in the summer months with opportunities throughout the year for JFT’s to meet, work with, and be guided by their Audubon mentors, both in the field and through enhanced classroom curriculum materials.
Salt Marsh Stewards Coordinator
The National Audubon Society is seeking one Seasonal Salt Marsh Stewards Coordinator to support our New York Coastal Resilience program on Long Island, NY. In 2026, Audubon will launch Year 2 of the NY Salt Marsh Stewards Program, a partnership with SUNY Farmingdale State College’s Science & Technology Entry Program (STEP) that engages 5-9 high school students from Title I schools in hands-on conservation and environmental stewardship.
As the Temporary Aquatic Invasive Species Strike Team Technician, you will perform manual aquatic invasive plant removals in collaboration with local stakeholder groups, conduct detailed field surveys of fish, aquatic plants and invertebrates and additional biotic/abiotic factors as assigned following standardized methodology and other duties.
Intern, Community Conservation Programs
The Intern, Community Conservation Programs position will assist staff with bird conservation, habitat enhancement, and conservation science activities and events at Montezuma Audubon Center (MAC), and the Montezuma Wetlands Complex. The role includes engaging community groups, working with volunteers, enhancing various habitats, assisting staff with conservation science projects, and education programs. Most of the activities take place either at the MAC, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation areas, and US Fish and Wildlife Service properties, and reach a range of ages from two to adult. Strong candidates will take a thoughtful approach to bird conservation and public empowerment. While the focus is on the MAC’s conservation projects, the Intern, Community Conservation Programs also provides help with MAC management including animal care, staffing the front desk, and greeting visitors.
VCE seeks an experienced director of development to help fulfill our mission to advance wildlife conservation in the Northeast and internationally through scientific research and community engagement. This position presents an opportunity to lead a growing development program at a respected organization with a passionate staff and committed donor base. The successful candidate will manage a strategic, relationship-based fundraising program with a focus on expanding major gifts, growing the annual fund, and ramping up our planned giving program. A regular presence in the office is required. This position offers health, dental, vision, and retirement benefits plus generous paid time off.
Careers in Environmental Conservation
NYS Department of Environmental Conservation offers career opportunities in many fields related to environmental protection and natural resource management. The following are some of our occupational groupings and titles with links to a brief duties description, statement of minimum qualifications, and other pertinent information.
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.
Closing on: Apr 26 2026
Funding Opportunities
Previously featured
USDA NIFA's Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative (OREI) program funds projects that enhance the ability of producers and processors who have adopted organic standards to grow and market high quality organic agricultural products. Priority concerns include biological, physical, and social sciences, including economics. OREI is particularly interested in projects that emphasize research, education, and outreach that assist farmers and ranchers with whole-farm planning by delivering practical research-based information.
Three Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOFOs) are now available under OREI – each with its own application:
- OREI Planning Projects for Assistance in Development of Future OREI Proposals Requiring Multiregional or Regional Coordination
- OREI Research Projects with Extension and/or Education Components
- OREI Workshop Projects
Access the NOFOs from the OREI Program page.
Deadline: May 14, 2026
Partnership Grant Program 2026 Call for Proposals
The Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program offers competitive grants to farmers, educators, service providers, researchers, nonprofit staff, graduate students and others to address key issues affecting the sustainability of agriculture throughout our region. Northeast SARE is one of four regional SARE programs funded by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).
By law, projects that Northeast SARE funds must help improve farming in at least one of the following
ways:
- Maintain and enhance the quality and productivity of the soil;
- Conserve soil, water, energy, natural resources, and fish and wildlife habitat;
- Maintain and enhance the quality of surface and ground water;
- Protect the health and safety of persons involved in the food and farm system;
- Promote the well-being of animals; and
- Increase employment opportunities in agriculture.
These goals come from the federal legislation that guides all Northeast SARE grants. Every proposal must
show how it supports one or more of these priorities. Reviewers will use this list when scoring proposals,
and projects that don’t align with these priorities may not be funded.
Proposal Due Date: Tuesday, April 14, 2026, 5:00 pm ET
Proposals must be submitted online at: projects.sare.org
Southern SARE 2026 Graduate Student Grant Call for Pre-proposals Now Open
The Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SSARE) program has released the 2026 Call for Proposals for Graduate Student Grants.
Southern SARE Graduate Student Grants are open to Master’s and PhD students, enrolled at accredited institutions across the Southern region, who are interested in exploring areas of sustainable agriculture through quantitative and qualitative research projects.
Funding amount for grant projects is $22,000 for two-year projects.
Proposal submission deadline is May 8, 2026, at 12 p.m. (noon) EST. Download the Call for Proposals and carefully read the proposal application instructions. All of the guidelines, program goals, review criteria, and the submission process to apply for a Southern SARE Graduate Student Grant can be found within the Call for Proposals.
Southern SARE Graduate Student Grants are very competitive. To be considered for funding, proposals must demonstrate a direct relationship between the approach and methods used in the project and the relevance to sustainable agriculture. Research projects must cover issues related to improving the profitability of farmers/ranchers in the Southern region; sustaining and improving the environmental quality and natural resources base on which agriculture depends; or enhancing the quality of life for farmers and ranchers and the communities they support.
Grant awards are announced in August with the project start date of funded projects beginning September 1st.
This program area priority is designed to rapidly deploy strategies and fill knowledge and information gaps to protect the Nation’s food and agricultural supply chains—and the people who support and rely on them—during and after the emergence or re-emergence of pests and diseases associated with animal production systems and/or the emergence or re-emergence of invasive diseases, insects, and weeds associated with plant production systems and/or toxins affecting the health of either plant or animal production systems.
All applications must directly address 1) effects associated with the emergence or re-emergence of pests and/or disease in animal and/or plant production systems or within the food supply; and 2) one or more of the following emphasis areas:
- One Health
- Plant/Animal Health
- Ecosystem Health
This priority area seeks applications that focus on critical and urgent development of knowledge and/or solutions in rapid response to pest/disease emergence/re-emergence impacts on the food and agricultural systems and/or supply chains. Because rapid response is at the core of this program, applicants must include in their project narrative a statement about the timing, relevance, and impact of the emergence or re-emergence incident to which their proposed project responds.
Grant Types: Standard and FASE (Strengthening Standard): Applications are submitted within 180 days of effects associated with the emergence or re-emergence of pests and/or disease in animal, food, and/or plant production systems, and/or environmental health and productivity within the nation or a specific region, state, area, or industry.
Project types:
- Research
- Extension
- Integrated (research and Extension/outreach)
The grant duration is 12-24 months for Standard and FASE (Strengthening Standard) projects. The maximum award amount, including indirect costs, is $500,000.
For more information and additional resources, including guidance on grant and project types, proposal format, and other details, see AFRI's NOFO Resources.
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 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
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.