IPM News and Events Roundup 05/30/2025

IPM News and Events Roundup

A weekly collection of IPM news, webinars, employment, funding opportunities, and more from the Northeastern IPM Center

If you have IPM-related research, events, or other IPM news you would like to have included, please email Jerrie Haines at jlh472@cornell.edu . If you would like to subscribe to the weekly Roundup, please email northeastipm@cornell.edu. Past Roundups are archived on our website.

This work is supported by The Northeastern IPM Center, project reward Grant #2022-70006-38004, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
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.

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Northeastern IPM Center News

The May 2025 issue of IPM Insights

Eco-Friendly IPM Approaches for Codling Moth Management

June 3, 2025 – 2 p.m. EDT

Register at cornell.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_BXHLUG6RQomtOM1lmTJ--Q#/registration

The webinar will be recorded for anyone unable to attend the live session.

Description

This presentation will cover integrated pest management strategies for codling moth control, including:

Monitoring techniques using lures and camera traps
Establishing biofix and tracking degree days
Attract-and-kill systems for effective population suppression
Biological control methods, highlighting the residual effects of Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Bt) on codling moth larvae

Ajay Giri

Ph.D. candidate, Stockbridge School of Agriculture, University of Massachusetts Amherst

Ajay Pratap Giri’s doctoral research focuses on evaluating eco-friendly biocidal drift reduction adjuvants using essential oil emulsions. Ajay holds a master’s degree in Plant and Soil Science from UMass Amherst, where he studied the attractiveness of semiochemicals to multiple tortricid pests in apple orchards. He has published 7 peer-reviewed journal articles and more than 15 Extension articles, contributing significantly to the advancement of sustainable agriculture and integrated pest management. With extensive experience in applied research, Extension, and outreach, his work primarily supports innovative and eco-friendly pest management strategies.

EPA / FDA / USDA / NIFA News

EPA Registers Products with New Active Ingredient Florylpicoxamid

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered three products containing the new active ingredient florylpicoxamid, a broad-spectrum fungicide that can be used on food crops and golf courses. Florylpicoxamid targets several fungi that cause damage and financial loss, giving farmers an additional tool to help manage crops and grow more food for our country.

All the supporting documents related to florylpicoxamid are available in docket EPA-HQ-OPP-2020-0449?at?www.regulations.gov.

EPA Proposes to Register New Pesticide for Varroa Mite Control

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed to register one technical and two end use products containing the new active ingredient Vadescana, a double stranded RNA (dsRNA), for control against Varroa mites (Varroa destructor) in honey bee hives.

To read more about the proposed registration of these products and to comment, see docket ID EPA-HQ-OPP-2023-0558 at www.regulations.gov. The public comment period will be open for 15 days, closing on June 12, 2025.

EPA Announces Virtual Pesticide Program Dialogue Committee Meeting

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Pesticide Programs will hold a virtual public meeting of the Pesticide Program Dialogue Committee (PPDC) on June 17, 2025, from 11:00AM – 5:30PM (EDT). The PPDC provides feedback to EPA on pesticide regulatory, policy and program issues and includes representatives from environmental groups, pesticide manufacturers, trade associations, academia and federal and state agencies.

NIFA Awards Nearly $23M to Thwart Devastating Citrus Greening Disease

NIFA has invested nearly $23 million in 14 projects as part of the Emergency Citrus Disease Research & Extension (ECDRE) program. This program brings the nation's top scientists together with citrus industry representatives to find scientifically sound solutions that combat and prevent citrus greening (HLB) at the farm-level. This year’s awards include one coordinated agricultural project utilizing gene editing technologies to speed up the development of non-transgenic HLB tolerant citrus varieties. Other awarded grants will focus on improving ongoing oxytetracycline injection treatments in HLB infected citrus, investigating therapeutics and their delivery into the citrus phloem, development of novel Asian Citrus Psyllid antifeedant insecticides, and molecular characterization of HLB susceptibility genes, among others.

Pesticide Tolerances; Implementing Registration Review Decisions for Certain Pesticides; Diphenylamine, et al (federalregister.gov)

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or Agency) is proposing to implement several tolerance actions under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) that the Agency previously determined were necessary or appropriate during the registration review conducted under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). During registration review, EPA reviews all aspects of a pesticide case, including existing tolerances, to ensure that the pesticide continues to meet the standard for registration under FIFRA. The pesticide tolerances and active ingredients addressed in this rulemaking are identified and discussed in detail in Unit III. of this document.

Research in the news

Ox-eye daisy, bellis and yarrow: Flower strips with at least two sown species provide 70 percent more natural enemies of pests (sciencedaily.com)

They may look good in the landscape, but are they, in fact, useful? This is a subject of frequent debate. In recent years, flower strips along fields and ditches have become popular both in Denmark and abroad. One of the purposes of the strips is to attract more predatory insects that can naturally control pests in the fields, rather than relying on pesticides. The EU aims to reduce pesticide use by 50 percent by 2030.

Mosquito Genes Linked to Insecticide Resistance Vary in Activity by Time of Day, Study Shows (entomologytoday.org)

The success of treating mosquitoes with insecticide at one time of day versus another can be as different as night and day—literally. Permethrin-resistant wild Aedes aegypti mosquitoes observed during a study in Florida were most susceptible to the insecticide from the witching hour to sunrise. Resistance then rose during the day, when the mosquitoes are most active, peaking around dusk and in the first half of the night.

A Soil-Borne Virus Modifies the Root System Architecture of a Plant Host via a Single Amino Acid and Influences Nematode Transmission (apsjournals.apsnet.org)

Grapevine fanleaf virus (GFLV) is the main causative agent of fanleaf degeneration disease. Transmission of GFLV is exclusively accomplished by the ectoparasitic dagger nematode Xiphinema index in a non-circulative, non-propagative mode. Previous studies of GFLV-host interactions revealed strain- and viral amino acid-specific changes to the root system architecture (RSA) in Nicotiana benthamiana. Here, a two-step assay first revealed the suitability of N. benthamiana in comparison to Vitis sp. for the transmission of GFLV by X. index.

News

May 2025 Central Issue

In honor of Lyme Disease Awareness Month, this is the Tick Special Issue, featuring news and research about ticks and their diseases. Other highlights include a collection of pest identification tools and a podcast about noxious weed--sniffing dogs.

Don't get ticked (cals.cornell.edu)

Learn about ticks so you can better protect yourself, your family, and your pets from tick-borne illness.

Be Tick Free (dec.ny.gov)

Ticks are very small bugs that can spread Lyme and various other diseases through their bites. Deer ticks live in shady, moist areas at ground level. They will cling to tall grass, brush and shrubs, usually no more than 18-24 inches off the ground. They also live in lawns and gardens, especially at the edges of woods and around old stone walls.

Emerging threats and opportunities for conservation of global pollinators

Pollinators like bees, hoverflies, butterflies, moths, and some birds and bats, are vital to nature and our food supply. Nearly 90% of flowering plants and over 75% of the world’s main food crop types depend on them.

New Bioinsecticide Available from BioWorks

BioWorks just launched Principle WP, a bioinsecticide with Beauveria bassiana as the active ingredient.

It’s labeled for thrips, aphids, whiteflies, beetles, caterpillars, crickets, grasshoppers, leafhoppers, planthoppers, flies, mealybugs, plant bugs and psyllids. The mode of action is penetration and infection of the target pest cuticle, which is said to reduce the risk of insecticide resistance to zero. The label allows for use on vegetables, nursery crops, ornamentals, fruits, vines, hemp and more.

Get ready for several years of killer heat, top weather forecasters warn (apnews.com)

Get ready for several years of even more record-breaking heat that pushes Earth to more deadly, fiery and uncomfortable extremes, two of the world’s top weather agencies forecast.

There’s an 80% chance the world will break another annual temperature record in the next five years, and it’s even more probable that the world will again exceed the international temperature threshold set 10 years ago, according to a five-year forecast released Wednesday by the World Meteorological Organization and the U.K. Meteorological Office.

Forget rats or roaches—bedbugs were the first urban pest (science.org)

Bedbugs may have beaten other unwelcomed guests to urban areas, according to a new study tracing their evolutionary journey alongside humans. By analyzing the genomes of two lineages of the common bedbug—one that feeds on bats and another exclusively on humans—scientists found that human-associated bedbugs began to thrive around 13,000 years ago, coinciding with the rise of permanent human settlements.

Slow the Cycle: Targeting Perennial Weeds with Weed Electrocution (growiwm.org)

What’s a bigger nightmare than weeds guaranteed to come back each year? Perennial weeds can be particularly irksome for farmers to deal with, but weed electrocution could change that. Oregon State researchers are conducting a long term study in blueberry production to understand how the Zasso XPS and Thor machines affect perennial weed control above and below the soil.

Will your car hit that deer? Depends on your headlight bulbs—and the deer’s personality (science.org)

I know this isn’t really “IPM” related but found it interesting and figured almost every reader has had a run in or two.

When driving down a dark road at night, few sights are scarier than suddenly finding a deer’s eyes reflecting back at you. Paradoxical though it may seem, this quick “deer-in-the-headlights” response is actually a good thing because it means the deer has spotted you and registered you as a threat. But if the animal freezes for too long, it can spell doom for both it and your car.

Now, researchers report that two different factors determine whether these split-second moments end with a crash. For one, not all cars’ headlight bulbs do an equally good job at catching deer’s attention, with halogen headlamps more likely to trigger a deer-in-the-headlights glance than LED bulbs.

Webinars, seminars, meetings, and more

Newly featured this issue

Small-Space Gardening

June 4, 10am, virtual. Small yard? No yard? No problem. Learn tips and techniques to make the most of your garden—no matter how limited your space!

Blue Ridge PRISM Summer Meeting

"Working Together: How Neighborhood Associations Can Address Invasive Plants"

Wednesday, July 16
11:30 am to 1 pm, via Zoom

Join us for a panel-style webinar when three neighborhood association leads will share how their communities address invasive plants in their neighborhoods. They will share stories, discuss the hurdles, and give tips on how to organize and train a group to work together as a community.

There will be a Q&A with audience questions at the end of the program.

You can submit your questions beforehand (during registration) to our panel of experts, or ask them live.

This is a free online event and includes a question & answer period with the audience. Those who register will receive access to the recording.

To register or for more info: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1320623794319?aff=oddtdtcreator

Previously featured

Pests at the Perimeter: How Landscape Design Influences Indoor Pest Intrusion

Cornell IPM Annual Conference

Join us for our annual conference on the link between outdoor landscapes and indoor pest issues. Experts will share science-based strategies to manage environments around buildings, reducing pest intrusion. Ideal for Master Gardener Volunteers, educators, professionals, and community members, this event offers practical insights for landscape and pest management.

June 17, 2025

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.

June 18: Cover, Smash, Trap: Non-chemical Methods for Pest Management
July 17: Wild World of Wasps!

Spongy Moth: Managing a Tree-Devastating Pest

The spongy moth (formerly known as the gypsy moth) poses a significant threat to our shade trees, with recent resurgences reported in some areas. These caterpillars feed voraciously on tree foliage, and during peak activity, their falling droppings can even mimic the sound of rainfall!

In this program, we’ll explore how to identify this pest, understand its life cycle, and assess the damage it can cause. We’ll place particular emphasis on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques, as well as pesticide treatments, to help manage these pests effectively using environmentally friendly approaches. We’ll also talk about the natural biocontrols that can help manage future outbreaks.

Thursday, June 5, 2025, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM *Zoom*

DEC Credits: 1 credit in 3a, 25, 6a and 9

ISA Credits: Available upon agency approval

Flyer: spongy moth

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 2025 What’s Bugging You First Friday schedule is available on the program’s website, and you can register for multiple events using our registration form.

June 6: Spotted lanternfly update | Recognizing wild parsnip

July 4: Grow green lawns with overseeding | Beech leaf disease

August 1: Making a mosquito bucket trap | Feeding Friendly Insects: Pick plants

September 5: Top 5 rodent exclusion tips | Feeding Friendly Insects: Get ready to plant

October 3: Winterize your home orchard | Feeding Friendly Insects: Fall is for planting

November 1: Understanding indoor cockroaches | Invasive tawney field cockroach

December 5: IPM for clothes moths and pantry moths

Employment Opportunities

Newly featured this issue

EIQ and Neonicotinoid Economics Support Specialist

The New York State Integrated Pest Management Program (NYSIPM) at Cornell AgriTech is part of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS). The Program/Extension Aid III will provide support to the improvement of the EIQ, a web-based decision support tool that consolidates potential pesticide risks to farm workers, consumers, and non-target organisms into a single metric. As a critical tool for promoting sustainable pesticide use and mitigating environmental and human health risks, the EIQ requires ongoing maintenance and enhancement. With the availability of new pesticide exposure data, there is a need to refine the calculation methodology to improve its accuracy and applicability. This person will support the expansion and improvement to strengthen the NYSIPM scientific rigor, usability, and impact of the EIQ, ensuring its continued role as a valuable resource for sustainable pesticide management in New York and beyond.

Previously featured

Program Associate I (Fruit IPM)

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a Program Associate I (Fruit IPM) for the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences. This position reports to the Fruit IPM Agent in the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Rutgers NJAES Cooperative Extension (RCE). The position provides leadership and support, in collaboration with the Fruit IPM Agent, other county faculty and specialists, in identifying and conducting integrated pest management (IPM) program needs, coordination and general program support for commercial tree fruit, grape and other fruit growers.

Posting Open Date 05/12/2025

Posting Close Date 06/12/2025

Seasonal Job Opportunities with the Finger Lakes PRISM

Temporary Field Assistant with the New York State Integrated Pest Management Program

The New York State Integrated Pest Management (NYSIPM) Program at Cornell AgriTech is seeking a Temporary Field Assistant to support applied agricultural research focused on sustainable pest management. This in-person, seasonal position (May through September 2025) involves hands-on fieldwork with crops and pests, data collection, and assisting with outreach activities. The role offers a collaborative, inclusive work environment and is a great opportunity for students or recent graduates interested in agriculture or environmental science. Start and end dates are flexible to accommodate academic schedules.

https://cals.cornell.edu/integrated-pest-management/about-nysipm/career-opportunities/temporary-field-assistant-needed

Watercraft Inspection Steward

Under the supervision of Finger Lakes Institute (FLI) at Hobart and William Smith Colleges staff, Watercraft Stewards will offer watercraft and trailer inspections as well as educational materials
at public boat launches throughout the Finger Lakes region. Stewards will collect data on inspections, launch users, and invasive species findings. Watercraft inspections entail visual examination and removal of plants or other organic material from boats and trailers and identifying aquatic invasive species. Stewards will help disseminate critical conservation messaging and initiatives to the public. Qualified candidates will be considered for watercraft decontamination or lead steward duties.

Aquatic Invasive Species Technician

Under the supervision of Finger Lakes Institute (FLI) at Hobart and William Smith Colleges staff and Finger Lakes Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (FL PRISM), AIS Technicians will assist in fieldwork, outreach, and education related to high-priority and emerging aquatic invasive species (AIS) including hydrilla, water chestnut, starry stonewort, fanwort, parrotfeather, and more. AIS Technicians will primarily participate in aquatic plant surveys around the Finger Lakes region. Techs will also work with managers to physically remove high-priority species such as water chestnut. Gain valuable experience, enjoy the outdoors, and contribute to regional conservation efforts through seasonal work.

Terrestrial Invasive Species Technician

With assistance from Finger Lakes Institute (FLI) and Finger Lakes Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (FL PRISM) staff, Terrestrial Invasive Species (TIS) Technicians will assist in fieldwork, outreach, and education related in terrestrial ecosystems around the Finger Lakes Region. Technicians will work as a team to survey for emerging invasive species, control high priority invasive species populations, participate in invasive species removal events, and collect data relating to plant communities. TIS techs will also be responsible for representing the FLI/FL-PRISM at public events to educate the public on the importance of invasive species. Gain valuable experience, enjoy the outdoors, and contribute to regional conservation efforts through seasonal work.

Full-Time Job Opportunities with the Finger Lakes PRISM

Aquatic Invasive Species Program Manager

This position will play a critical role in protecting the Finger Lakes region. The Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Program Manager will develop and administer programs to support the goals of the Finger Lakes Institute and the Finger Lakes Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management. AIS programs will address the prevention, monitoring, and treatment of aquatic invasive species across the 17-county Finger Lakes PRISM region in New York. This position will serve as a regional expert AIS by providing technical and scientific support to partners.

Terrestrial Invasive Species Program Manager

This position will play a critical role in protecting the Finger Lakes region. The Terrestrial Invasive Species (TIS) Program Manager will develop and administer programs to support the goals of the Finger Lakes Institute (FLI) and Finger Lakes Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management. TIS programs will address the prevention, monitoring, and treatment of terrestrial invasive species across the 17-county Finger Lakes PRISM region in New York. This position will serve as a regional expert in TIS by providing technical and scientific support to local, regional, and statewide partners.

Invasive Species Education & Outreach Program Manager

This position will play a critical role in protecting the Finger Lakes region. The Education and Outreach (E/O) Program Manager will develop and manage public-facing, regional programs to support the goals of the Finger Lakes Institute (FLI) and the Finger Lakes Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISM). Examples of such programs include those focused on watercraft inspection stewards and citizen science. The Finger Lakes Watercraft Inspection Steward Program places staff at public boat launches regionally to educate boaters and inspect watercraft for invasive species. Citizen science programs train volunteers to support the monitoring and early detection goals of the Finger Lakes PRISM.

Aquatic Invasive Species Fieldwork Coordinator

The Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Fieldwork Coordinator will support the Finger Lakes PRISM in a critical role overseeing major aquatic programs. They will help to plan, supervise, and coordinate program-specific efforts that address prevention, monitoring, and control of AIS throughout the Finger Lakes PRISM region. Working under the supervision of Finger Lakes Institute (FLI) staff, the AIS Fieldwork Coordinator will support the supervision of the Finger Lakes Institute’s Watercraft Inspection Steward Program (WISP), and their macrophyte monitoring program

Park Ranger

The Tifft Nature Preserve Ranger’s primary responsibility is to maintain a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for guests, staff, and other patrons and ensure the security of BSNS property and facilities. The individual in this position will monitor Tifft Nature Preserve on-site through routine patrols of the property on foot and in a BSNS provided utility cart in a variety of weather conditions while being a resource of information for Tifft’s visitors. The Ranger will also assist with trail and grounds maintenance. This position will be scheduled Thursday – Monday, 37.5 hours per week, with holidays as scheduled, shifts to change seasonally. Summer hours for this position are 12pm-8pm.

Note: this position is unarmed and is not a sworn law enforcement officer

Tifft Discovery Camp Counselor

The Tifft Discovery Camp Counselors provide oversight of campers enrolled in Tifft Nature Preserve’s

Summer Discovery Camp programs. Counselors will work collaboratively with the Camp Director,

Facilitators of Learning, Volunteers, and other Counselors to provide memorable and engaging

experiences and a safe and fun summer for all campers. This position requires a friendly and positive

individual who is energized by working with children ages 3 – 10. Ideal candidates will possess an

interest in nature and enjoy being outdoors. The ability to be adaptable, proactive, and problem-solve

is also key. To maintain a safe environment, the Discovery Camp Counselors will understand and

adhere to the Department of Health Children’s Camp and other camp guidelines at all times

IT Coordinator

University of Maryland College Park

The IT Coordinator supports all aspects of computer and technical support in the Department of Veterinary Medicine. The IT Coordinator responds to requests for service on all UM computers and peripherals; sets up and records when needed video conferences; installs and troubleshoots hardware and software issues; sets up and manages user accounts, user groups, shared drives, folders and calendars. Works with faculty and Executive Coordinator to add content to and maintain the department web page. Maintains database of all AV/IT capital equipment plus full inventory of all UM tagged inventory (computers, screens, peripherals) and purchases new software and equipment as needed. As the Systems Administrator, the IT Coordinator maintains all user accounts and performs regular virus scans and data backups. The coordinator also stays up to date with technological changes by attending classes, workshops and webinars annually. Performs other duties as they are assigned and needed.

Extension Educator II - Turf Landscape (Hybrid Opportunity)

The Turf and Landscape Educator II will be an integral part of UMass Extension’s Commercial Horticulture group, supporting the development and implementation of educational resources and programming; including organization, presentation, and delivery of relevant research-based information to meet the needs of horticultural stakeholders statewide, with the enhancement of economic, human, and environmental health and sustainability of relevant industries as priorities. This position will support and deliver turf and landscape management and cross-commodity programming in collaboration with Extension staff and faculty, and other internal and external collaborators.

Coordinator, Nutrient Management Advisor

University of Maryland Extension (UME) Agriculture and Food Systems (AgFS) Program seeks candidates for a 12-month Agricultural Nutrient Management Program (ANMP) Nutrient Management Advisor. ANMP Nutrient Management Advisors develop nutrient management plans for agricultural producers to balance nutrient inputs with crop requirements, thus optimizing production potential, improving farm profitability, reducing excess nutrient inputs into the Chesapeake Bay and enabling producers to comply with the State of Maryland’s Water Quality Improvement Act of 1998.

Agent (Extension Specialist – Entomology in Ornamental Horticulture IPM)

University of Maryland Extension (UME) invites applications for a 12-month tenure-track position at the Agent or Senior Agent level to conduct applied research, provide educational programming, and offer entomology expertise in integrated pest management (IPM) in the commercial ornamental horticulture industries and UME personnel throughout Maryland. Specifically, the Extension Specialist will provide IPM leadership in entomology and delivery of educational programming in insect pest management to Maryland’s green industries including nursery, greenhouse, cut flower, arboriculture, Christmas tree, and landscape maintenance industries. The Extension Specialist will be expected to respond to a broad set of entomology needs within ornamental horticulture production and maintenance including delivery of information on IPM, biological insect management, evaluation of novel insecticide delivery options, monitoring and disseminating information on emerging pests, and other topics.

Agent Associate - Home Horticulture Educator & Master Gardener Coordinator

University of Maryland College Park

The Home Horticulture Educator and Master Gardener Coordinator is a part-time (.6 FTE - 24 hours per week) position that will work in support of the Baltimore City Home Horticulture Extension Program, which falls under UME’s Environment and Natural Resources (ENR) program area. The mission of ENR is to strengthen and improve individuals’ knowledge, skills and aspirations to make changes in their lives and the lives of others that positively affect the economy, the environment and the associated natural resources for current and future generations. The Educator will support the ENR programmatic area by educating the public on the research-based best practices regarding home and non-commercial horticulture.

Director Administrative Services

University of Maryland College Park

Provide financial oversight for the department to include administration of the state, revolving, and research budgets, presently totaling approximately $6.2 M; prepare and administer memoranda of understanding with various federal and state agencies; administer faculty grant funding accounts and provide account balance updates to each faculty at regular intervals. Managing the departmental budgets and ensuring the financial integrity of the department. Maintain long-term financial plan and projections for the department. Oversee administrative functions to ensure efficient and consistent operations. Assist faculty in preparing grant proposals, including a review of proposed budgets, cost-share justifications, and routing forms. Supervise support personnel to fulfill budgetary, computer hardware/software, word processing, office logistics, travel, personnel, and secretarial needs for the faculty, staff, and students.