IPM News and Events Roundup 06/20/2025
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.
Connect with the Northeastern IPM Center
Website | YouTube | IPM Insights Newsletter | Impact Statements | Find a Colleague | Northeast Priorities | Annual Reports | IPM Wheels Poster | "The IPM Toolbox" Webinar Series
Northeastern IPM Center News
MISSION
The Northeastern IPM Center fosters the development and adoption of integrated pest
management, a science-based approach to dealing with pests that result in economic,
environmental, and human health benefits. We engage stakeholders in agricultural, urban,
and rural settings to work with us in identifying and addressing regional priorities in
research, education, and outreach. The Center is committed to engaging all stakeholders
in the adoption of IPM. We encourage all individuals, institutions, businesses,
organizations, and communities to contribute to development and adoption of IPM
practices.
EPA / FDA / USDA / NIFA News
Fire Ants May Offer Insight Into Crippling Honey Bee Disease (ars.usda.gov)
ARS scientists are getting a better understanding of Deformed Wing Virus (DWV), a major pathogen that can debilitate honeybees and adversely affect entire colonies. They found that the virus also affects fire ants, which could aid in spreading the virus to other species, including bees.
Pesticide Tolerances; Implementing Registration Review Decisions for Certain Pesticides (Capric (Decanoic) Acid, Caprylic (Octanoic) Acid, and Pelargonic (Nonanoic) Acid) (federalregister.gov)
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or Agency) is finalizing 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.
Research in the news
Mycorrhizal symbioses and tree diversity in global forest communities (science.org)
Unraveling the mechanisms underlying the maintenance of species diversity is a central pursuit in ecology. It has been hypothesized that ectomycorrhizal (EcM) in contrast to arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi can reduce tree species diversity in local communities, which remains to be tested at the global scale. To address this gap, we analyzed global forest inventory data and revealed that the relationship between tree species richness and EcM tree proportion varied along environmental gradients. Specifically, the relationship is more negative at low latitudes and in moist conditions but is unimodal at high latitudes and in arid conditions. The negative association of EcM tree proportion on species diversity at low latitudes and in humid conditions is likely due to more negative plant-soil microbial interactions in these regions. These findings extend our knowledge on the mechanisms shaping global patterns in plant species diversity from a belowground view.
In situ foliar augmentation of multiple species for optical phenotyping and bioengineering using soft robotics (science.org)
Precision agriculture aims to increase crop yield while reducing the use of harmful chemicals, such as pesticides and excess fertilizer, using minimal, tailored interventions. However, these strategies are limited by factors such as sensor quality, which typically relies on visual plant expression, and the manual, destructive nature of many nonvisual measurement methods, including the Scholander pressure bomb. By automating more intimate interactions with foliage in vivo, it would be possible to inject chemical and biological probes that reveal more phenotypes—such as water stress in response to varying environmental conditions and visible gene expression to measure the success of gene engineering applications. To address this, we developed a soft robotic leaf gripper and stamping-injection method to improve foliar delivery of nanoscale synthetic and biological probes. This allows for nondestructive, in situ, multispecies applications.
Evaluation of an Integrated Management Program in Partially Resistant Processing Pumpkin Breeding Lines to Manage Powdery Mildew, 2023 (apsjournals.apsnet.org)
Cucurbit powdery mildew, caused by the fungus Podosphaera xanthii, is a common disease of pumpkin in North America. This report evaluates the efficacy of integrating biorational fungicides with partially resistant processing pumpkin germplasm for the management of powdery mildew. The trial was conducted in 2023 in Geneva, NY, on Cucurbita moschata breeding lines. Results from this trial are expected to help in managing powdery mildew of cucurbits.
Common soil invertebrate (Collembola: Isotomiella minor) reduces weed biomass and alters weed communities (sciencedirect.com)
Highlights
- Isotomiella minor decreased total aboveground weed biomass production by up to 23 %.
- Powell amaranth (55 %) and waterhemp (32 %) biomass were most decreased by I. minor.
- minor directly increased yellow foxtail germination in lab study.
- Seed coat composition may influence the outcomes of seed-Collembola interactions.
Climate change is imposing a profound effect on health conditions triggered by environmental exposures. Climate change has affected aeroallergens in numerous ways, including: (1) changes in the vegetation microbiome distribution, (2) increases in C4 grasses globally, (3) increased occurrence of acute weather events, (4) increases in ambient temperature that amplify fungal spore concentration and pollen season duration, and (5) increased allergenicity of pollen and fungi due to exposure to higher levels of carbon dioxide, ozone, and diesel exhaust particles. In addition, greenhouse gases and air pollutants disrupt the epithelial barrier, trigger eosinophilic inflammation, and serve as adjuvants that stimulate IgE-mediated responses. All of these factors have influenced the prevalence and morbidity of allergic rhinitis, nonallergic rhinitis, and chronic rhinosinusitis.
Can tropical forests beat the heat? (science.org)
As global temperatures climb and ecosystems are hit by heat waves, the question of how plants respond to extreme heat has taken on practical importance. Perhaps the biggest challenge confronting plants will be in the tropics, where temperatures are already high—and are projected to rise as much as 4°C by the end of the century if more isn’t done to curb climate change. “They’re the hottest forests,” says ecologist Kenneth Feeley. “So, the question is: What happens when we go into unprecedented heat?”
Ticks carry decades of history in each troublesome bite (theconversation.com)
When you think about ticks, you might picture nightmarish little parasites, stalking you on weekend hikes or afternoons in the park.
Your fear is well-founded. Tick-borne diseases are the most prevalent vector-borne diseases – those transmitted by living organisms – in the United States. Each tick feeds on multiple animals throughout its life, absorbing viruses and bacteria along the way and passing them on with its next bite. Some of those viruses and bacteria are harmful to humans, causing diseases that can be debilitating and sometimes lethal without treatment, such as Lyme, babesiosis and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
‘Buzz me in:’ Bees wearing itty bitty QR codes reveal hive secrets (psu.edu)
Several hundred bees in rural Pennsylvania and rural New York are sporting tiny QR codes on their backs. More than the latest in apiarian fashion, the little tags serve a scientific purpose: tracking when bees go in and out of their hives to better understand how long honey bees spend foraging for food outside of their hives. The work, a collaboration among entomologists and electrical engineers at Penn State, is the first step in solving a long-standing mystery of how far bees travel from their hives to collect pollen and nectar.
Report Stresses Findings of Pesticide Contamination of Largest U.S. Estuary Shared by Six States, Chesapeake Bay (Beyond Pesticides)
A report by the Maryland Pesticide Education Network highlights the ongoing stress to the Chesapeake Bay Watershed from pollutants, particularly pesticides, focusing primarily on the herbicide atrazine, the neonicotinoid insecticide thiamethoxam, and per- and polyfluorinated compounds (PFAS). The Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the contiguous United States, and nearly 13 million people get their drinking water from the watershed.
An Old Trick for a New Pest: Well-Timed Hilling Stymies Soybean Gall Midge (entomologytoday.org)
A new invasive species can create a scramble for entomologists. In the rush to respond, researchers may throw a mix of tactics at the problem—chemical, cultural, mechanical—hoping something sticks. But sometimes, the simplest methods yield the most surprising results.
Is it better to neglect your garden? (bbc.com)
When she's not leading garden-based learning at Cornell University's School of Integrative Plant Science in New York, Ashley Louise Miller Helmholdt is a mum who likes to garden. She has a few different gardens on her property, as well as a patch of lawn for her son to play on where clover occasionally crops up. "I have a little plot that's just wild," she says. "I have a native plant and pollinator garden. So I have a little bit of everything."
Miller Helmholdt doesn't consider herself a master gardener by any means. Still, she has "a bit of background in this" and knows that a biodiverse, native plant-based garden, even with some so-called "weeds" in it, bolsters the biodiversity in her local ecosystem.
Jean Bonhotal: combating bird flu, supporting NY farmers and communities (cals.cornell.edu)
As bird flu rages across the country, it’s not just spiking egg prices, it’s creating a waste management nightmare: In the last quarter of 2024 alone, 20 million egg-laying chickens in the U.S. died or were euthanized because of highly pathogenic avian influenza. Properly disposing of all those carcasses is critical to stop the spread of disease.
Webinars, seminars, meetings, and more
Newly featured this issue
REGISTRATION IS OPEN FOR THE 2025 UMASS TURF RESEARCH FIELD DAY!
Date: Wednesday, July 23, 2025
Location: UMass Joseph Troll Turf Research Center
23 River Road, South Deerfield, MA
The day will feature:
- Take a guided research tour with presentations and demos
- Hear about and see projects in the field
- Talk turf with UMass faculty and staff
- Network with colleagues in a festive atmosphere
- Meet with industry exhibitors at the on-site trade show
- Enjoy a continental breakfast and a hearty BBQ lunch
Get pesticide and professional re-certification credits
Previously featured
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.
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.
Register By: July 9, 2025
Wednesdays
July 9 - August 20, 2025
(7:00 PM-8:00 PM)
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
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
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
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
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.
- 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
Previously featured
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.
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
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
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.