IPM News and Events Roundup 06/13/2025

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

EPA / FDA / USDA / NIFA News

EPA Updates Maps to Protect Endangered Species and Provide Flexibility to Farmers

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is publishing refined interim core maps identifying areas important to 12 threatened or endangered (listed) species and their critical habitats as designated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). These maps are used for developing pesticide use limitation areas (PULAs) and will allow EPA to protect listed species from the use of pesticides through geographically specific mitigations. The maps identify areas where listed species are likely to be located and areas where they are not, which ensures that measures to protect listed species are only required in these areas where the species are located. By publishing these refined maps, EPA is taking another important step to reduce potential impacts to farmers while continuing to protect endangered species.

EPA Announces Proposed Registration of Pesticide Trifludimoxazin

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released for public comment its proposed registration for one technical and five end-use products containing the new active ingredient trifludimoxazin, a broad-spectrum herbicide used for control of broad leaf and grass weed species. Among five end-use products, three are formulated with trifludimoxazin as the only active ingredient while the other two are co-formulated products with saflufenacil, an already approved active ingredient. This new active ingredient would give farmers an additional tool to help manage crops and increase yields in order to provide a healthy and affordable food supply for our country.

Research in the news

Managing for climate and production goals on crop-lands (nature.com)

The assumption that crop-land natural climate solutions (NCS) have benefits for both climate change mitigation and crop production remains largely untested. Here we model GHG emissions and crop yields from crop-land NCS through the end of the century. We find that favourable (win–win) outcomes were the exception not the norm; grass cover crops with no tillage lead to cumulative global GHG mitigation of 32.6 Pg CO₂ equivalent, 95% confidence interval (29.5, 35.7), by 2050 but reduce cumulative crop yields by 4.8 Pg, 95% confidence interval (4.0, 5.7). Legume cover crops with no tillage result in favourable outcomes through 2050 but increase GHG emissions for some regions by 2100. Crop-lands with low soil nitrogen and high clay are more likely to have favourable outcomes.

Fruit flies exploit behavioral fever as a defense strategy against parasitic insects (science.org)

Behavioral fever, a thermoregulatory response in which ectothermic animals seek warmer environments to elevate body temperature and combat parasite infections, is well documented against microparasites. However, its role and mechanisms against macroparasites remain largely unknown. Here, we show that Drosophila hosts use behavioral fever to defend against Leptopilina parasitoid wasps. This thermal preference increases wasp mortality and enhances host survival. We find that behavioral fever is mediated by up-regulation of Heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) genes in infected hosts as Hsp70 loss abolishes behavioral fever, whereas its overexpression induces heat-seeking behavior. We further find that behavioral fever up-regulates immune genes in infected hosts, including 12 antimicrobial peptide (AMP) genes, which disrupt the gut microbiota homeostasis of parasitoid wasps and, in turn, lead to substantial wasp mortality. Our findings elucidate the detailed mechanisms of behavioral fever in Drosophila hosts, advancing our understanding of ectothermic animal defenses against macroparasites.

Mapping pesticide-induced metabolic alterations in human gut bacteria (nature.com)

Pesticides can modulate gut microbiota composition, but their specific effects on it remain largely elusive. In our study, we show that pesticides inhibit or promote the growth of various gut microbial species and can be accumulated to prolong their presence in the host. Pesticide exposure also induces significant alterations in gut bacterial metabolism, as reflected by changes in hundreds of metabolites. We generate a pesticide-gut microbiota-metabolite network that not only reveals pesticide-sensitive gut bacteria species but also reports specific metabolic changes in 306 pesticide-gut microbiota pairs. Using an in vivo mouse model, we further demonstrate the interactions of a representative pesticide-gut microbiota pair and verify the inflammation-inducing effects of pesticide exposure on the host, mediated by microbially dysregulated lipid metabolism.

Acute toxicity of neonicotinoid insecticides to ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) from Pennsylvania (academic.oup.com)

Predatory soil arthropods are under-represented in insecticide toxicity studies, severely limiting our understanding of how insecticides affect soil-invertebrate communities in agroecosystems. As a step toward addressing this issue, we conducted novel acute oral, topical, and soil-based toxicity assays on 9 ground beetle species (Coleopetera: Carabidae) in response to the neonicotinoid insecticides clothianidin, thiamethoxam, and imidacloprid. From these assays, we calculated 24?h TD₅₀, TC₅₀, LD₅₀, and LC₅₀ values, measured 24?h feeding activity, and recorded beetle survival for 7?d after exposure. Field-realistic oral, topical, or soil-based exposure to neonicotinoids rarely led to acute (<24?h) beetle mortality. Field-realistic topical and oral exposure of multiple tested species did, however, lead to significant sublethal effects—changes to mobility and feeding behavior—and decreased week-long survival. Under field conditions, carabids exposed to neonicotinoid sprays or contaminated food will be at higher risk of mortality from other factors (eg predation and starvation) which may affect their ability to contribute to biocontrol in agroecosystems. Similar toxicity assays with other carabid species, immature life stages, and additional taxa of predatory soil arthropods will further improve our understanding of how these insecticides affect soil-invertebrate communities in agroecosystems.

Regional Invasive Species & Climate Change Research to Practice Paper: Climate-Smart Gardening 2.0 (scholarworks.umass.edu)

Gardening with native and near-native plants can help gardens and nearby ecosystems adapt to our changing climate, supporting their future biodiversity and resilience. Here, we provide updated and expanded state lists of “climate-smart” commercially available native and near-native plants that are expected to grow in the Northeast with continued climate change.

In-insect synthesis of oxygen-doped molecular nanocarbons (science.org)

The insertion of oxygen atoms into carbon belt and ring molecules was achieved after feeding the substrates to tobacco cutworm (Spodoptera litura). Usami et al. explored whether insects could process a carbon nanoring, methylene-bridged [6]cycloparaphenylene, through a xenobiotic pathway. Of those tested, only S. litura survived, and examination of its excretions showed that it converted this molecule to an unusual oxylene derivative in 10% yield. For [n]cycloparaphenylenes, oxygen atoms were inserted into the bonds between phenyl groups. —Phil Szuromi

Critical thermal limits of the seasonal migrant, Euxoa auxiliaris (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) (academic.oup.com)

The larval stage of the army cutworm, Euxoa auxiliaris (Grote), is an agricultural pest in the Great Plains region of North America. Adult migration to alpine aggregation sites to escape extreme summer temperatures and depleted food resources provides a critical food resource for the grizzly bear, Ursus arctos horribilis (Linnaeus, Carnivora: Ursidae), in the Rocky Mountains. However, little is understood about the ecological consequences of the thermal tolerance of adult E. auxiliaris.

News

Educational Resource & Outreach Initiative Nomination Form (sare.org)

Please help SARE Outreach meet the needs of today’s farmers, ranchers and the agricultural educators that serve them. Submit your ideas for outreach products or projects that SARE should support and develop using the form below. Proposed resources should:

Serve the information needs of farmers, ranchers and/or agricultural educators
Advance sustainable innovations that improve profitability, stewardship and/or quality of life in agriculture
Extend SARE-funded research that addresses a critical information gap
Illustrate principles of sustainable management that can be adapted for widespread practice

Deadly rodent-borne hantavirus is an emerging disease with pandemic potential (news.vt.edu)

Virginia Tech researchers have gained a better understanding of this insidious virus by studying its rodent hosts in North America. Using National Science Foundation data, they found three hotspots of hantavirus circulation in wildlife – Virginia, Colorado, and Texas – and identified 15 rodent species as carriers, including six species that had not previously been identified as hosts of the virus.

Feline Health Center initiative to track avian flu spread in cats (news.cornell.edu)

When cats get sick with H5N1 avian influenza, they get severely ill, and up to 70% of affected cats will die. But little is known about how the virus spreads among cats, whether they serve as a vector to other animals or humans and how common infections are in community cat populations.

Spotted Lanternflies Fare Poorly on Grape-Only Diet (entomologytoday.org)

California vineyard operators who are losing sleep over predictions that the invasive spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) will be devouring grapevines by 2033 can rest easy. That is, if the results of research published in May in the journal Environmental Entomology pans out. It suggests that development and reproduction of lanternflies that feed on grapevines, one of their favorite munchies, are severely limited unless their diet also includes their most-preferred natural host, the tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima), like the lanternfly invasive from China.

Pest Talks (growertalks.com)

What the ...?
Nutrient Deficiencies
2025 Biosolutions Guide
Principle WP Launched

Can Chaff Lining Cut Costs and Corral Weeds in the Canadian Prairies? (growiwm.org)

It can be tricky to find weed management methods that lower herbicide inputs but still work for your production system if you’re in a dry climate and battling herbicide resistance. Dr. Breanne Tidemann in western Canada is investigating if chaff lining could be one answer.

Chaff lining is a low-tech and low-cost D.I.Y. form of harvest weed seed control. The combine filters weed seeds and neatly deposits them in a narrow row behind the combine along with the crop’s chaff residue. Previous research from Iowa has found that chaff lining is capable of corralling 99% of weed seeds into chaff lines representing just 5% of the field, making those weeds an easier target for elimination.

Webinars, seminars, meetings, and more

Newly featured this issue

2025 Webinar Series for Greenhouse, Nursery and Garden Center Professionals.

These monthly webinars address topics of plant health and greenhouse operations and award one New England pesticide applicator recertification credit each.

Monthly, 6:30 – 8:00 PM, $10 each.

Registration and more info: https://extension.unh.edu/blog/2025/01/2025-webinar-series-greenhouse-nursery-garden-center-professionals

June 24 | Choosing and navigating better greenhouse climate control options with Dan Birnstihl, Rimol Greenhouse Systems

July 29 | Bacterial leaf spots: diagnosis and management with Dr. Bo Liu, UNH

August 26 | Ultra low volume sprayers: Are foggers right for you? Calibrating and mixing with Jason Grimmett, Dramm Corporation

September 30 | How to choose pesticides and build effective spray regimens with Jonathan Ebba, UNH

October 28 | How to train employees to water with Jonathan Ebba, UNH

November 25 | A biocontrol starter pack with Jonathan Ebba, UNH

December 16 | In-house root zone testing with Jonathan Ebba, UNH

Pennsylvania Invasive Species: Habitat Restoration

Managing invasive plant populations is only the first step in restoring natural areas—long-term success requires ongoing strategies to suppress invasives and promote native plant growth. Pennsylvania Invasive Species: Habitat Restoration, led by Penn State Extension forestry educators, will explore effective techniques for maintaining control over invasive species while fostering a thriving native plant community. Learn practical approaches to ecological restoration that go beyond removal, ensuring lasting improvements to biodiversity and habitat health.

July 11, 2025
(1:00 PM-2:00 PM ET)

Register By: July 11, 2025
This event is free of charge.

Entomology 101

Insects are essential to healthy ecosystems, contributing to pollination, pest control, and countless other natural processes. Whether you're a naturalist, gardener, educator, or pest management professional, understanding insect biology and behavior can deepen your connection to the natural world and enhance your work with plants, agriculture, or ecology. This seven-part evening series offers a strong foundation in entomology, blending scientific insight with practical knowledge to help participants better appreciate and support these often-overlooked creatures.

See event fee details

IPM Coordinator In-Person Workshop Registration

These trainings will cover all materials needed in order to complete the Comprehensive IPM Exam. You can find all trainings and information on the Training and Events Page of the school IPM website. You are welcome to attend if you are looking to gain continuing education credits as well.

School Comprehensive IPM Training in Waterville at EPMA Conference (no cost)
Waterville Senior High School

1 Brooklyn Ave, Waterville ME

Register by June 23

June 26, 2025

9:00AM - 12PM

Understanding Plant Invasions Using a Traits-Based Framework

The ability to forecast the invasive dynamics (e.g., establishment and impacts) of non-native species is of critical importance to the prevention and mitigation of biological invasions. Over the last thirty years, significant work has been dedicated to identifying species traits that are generalizable enough to consistently predict which species are likely to become successful invaders. Species traits are a useful framework for characterizing invasiveness, as they are measurable proxies for mechanisms involved in resource acquisition, dispersal and reproduction, indicating how an organism interacts with others and its surrounding environment. However, despite an extensive body of research dedicated to this purpose, scientists still lack a reliable framework for traits-based invasion forecasting. In this webinar, learn from Dr. Gabriela Nunez-Mir to learn about her research to resolve this critical gap in invasion theory and practice. Her presentation will explore how her research program addresses the limitations of previous efforts by approaching the study of mechanisms of invasion and their associated species traits macroecologically, which involves investigating the dynamics of hundreds of invasive plant species in different ecosystems across the continental United States.

Presented by:

Dr. Gabriela Nunez-Mir, Assistant Professor

?University of Illinois, Chicago

Date - June 24, 2025

Time - 01:00 PM in EST

Previously featured

Local Economic Considerations for Large Scale Solar

Large-scale solar development often raises important questions for local municipalities, particularly regarding potential economic impacts. This session will feature insights from the Assessors Association of Pennsylvania, offering guidance on considerations and possible approaches to taxing large-scale solar systems. Additionally, experienced assessors will share their expertise on how solar arrays may affect local property values, providing real-world perspectives on valuation impacts. Understanding these critical factors can equip local residents, officials, and decision makers with the knowledge needed to engage in informed, responsible conversations about proposed solar developments in their communities.

This event is being offered at no charge to participants.

Date: June 26, 2025

Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM EDT

Blue Ridge PRISM Summer Meeting

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

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

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

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!

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.

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

4-H Extension Educator II - Mt. Ida (Hybrid Opportunity)

The 4-H Extension Educator for the Norfolk and Suffolk Counties, located at the Mount Ida Campus, will provide programmatic leadership and management for the Massachusetts 4-H Youth Development Programs. Develop and implement educational programs and resources for youth ages 5-18 while providing support and oversight for collaborating with adult volunteers and partner organizations. The Educator is part of a team that coordinates activities, processes and functions with other 4-H educators and administrators across the state.

Previously featured

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.

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.

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.