IPM News and Events Roundup 06/27/2025
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.
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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
Scientists at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS) are helping American beekeepers solve the mystery behind a widespread honey bee colony collapse and its debilitating effects on U.S. agriculture. Researchers have submitted a manuscript to a scientific journal for peer review based on our research findings that identified high levels of deformed wing virus A and B and acute bee paralysis in all recently USDA-sampled bees.
The US Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced earlier this week that Moore Air Base in Edinburg, Texas will be the site of a new sterile fly production facility in the efforts to eradicate the New World Screwworm. This $8.5 Million facility will help augment the existing sterile fly facility at COPEG, The Panama – US Commission for the eradication and prevention of the Cattle Screwworm.
Boosting Blueberries by Benefitting Bees
Caitlin Rering is a research chemist in the ARS Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology in Gainesville, FL. Recently, she has been exploring ways to combat anthracnose, a disease that is a long-standing enemy of farmers, including those who grow berries. Anthracnose is caused by a number of different fungal species belonging to the genus Colletotrichum. In blueberries, this pathogen infects flowers but remains undetectable until it is too late; when it does finally appear, it has already destroyed the mature fruit.
Research in the news
Deep learning-based laser weed control compared to conventional herbicide application across three vegetable production systems (scijournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com)
Herbicides are the primary weed management method for processing vegetable growers, but challenges such as limited chemical options, herbicide resistance, crop injury risks, regulatory changes, and shifting consumer preferences are driving interest in nonchemical alternatives like laser weeding. In 2024, three research trials in New Jersey and New York evaluated the effectiveness of laser weeding using a commercial unit and comparing it with pre-emergence- and postemergence-applied herbicides on beet (Beta vulgaris L.), spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.), and pea (Pisum sativum L.).
The impact of sugar diet on humidity preference, survival, and host landing in mosquitoes (academic.oup.com)
Mosquito-borne diseases have caused more than 1 million deaths each year. There is an urgent need to develop an effective way to reduce mosquito–host interaction to mitigate disease transmission. Sugar diets have long been linked to abnormal physiology in animals, making them potential candidates for mosquito control. Here, we show the impact of sugar diets on humidity preference and survival in Aedes aegypti (Gainesville) and Culex pipiens (Buckeye). Two-choice assays with high and low relative humidity (80% and 50% RH) show that the impact of sugar diets on humidity preference is species-specific. In comparison to Cx. pipiens, various sugar diets resulted in marked reductions in humidity avidity and preference in Ae. aegypti, which exhibited significant differences. Among the sugar diets, arabinose significantly reduced the survival rate of mosquitoes at low concentrations. Moreover, we found that host landing was not impacted by feeding on different sugar types. Our study suggests that specific sugar treatments could be applied to mosquito control by dampening their humidity preference and reducing their lifespan, thus reducing mosquito-borne disease transmission.
Bed bug risk is more than just their bite (mypmp.net)
Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) remain a common indoor pest that is notoriously challenging to manage. The bed bug resurgence of the late 1990s brought this urban pest to the forefront, but continued outbreaks mean bed bugs can persist in the indoor environment. An infestation can be started with a single mated female and, when left unchecked, can grow to number in the thousands.
Spring fever: early spring predicts Ixodes pacificus (Acari: Ixodidae) activity in northwestern California (academic.oup.com)
In the far western United States, the bacterial agent of Lyme disease, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, is primarily transmitted to humans by the nymphal stage of the western black-legged tick, Ixodes pacificus. Predicting nymphal tick abundance would benefit public health but is complicated by the tick’s complex multi-year life cycle and data limitations. To address this, we used readily available climate data, a long-term dataset from northwestern California, and time lags based on the tick’s life cycle. Our model showed that warmer early spring temperatures during non-drought conditions the year prior predicted higher nymphal tick densities, while hot, dry springs the year prior were linked to earlier peaks in their abundance. Incorporating human-induced climate change projections, we predicted earlier peaks of nymphal tick activity over the next century, with the potential for an initial doubling in questing nymph numbers. This approach provides a valuable tool for public health and offers insights into the changing dynamics of Lyme disease ecology in the far-western US.
Identification of the pan-allergen tropomyosin from the common bed bug (Cimex lectularius) (nature.com)
Tropomyosin is a muscle contraction protein documented across all animal life. Despite its ubiquity, its unique structure in invertebrates leads to allergic responses in humans that vertebrate tropomyosin does not. High degrees of homology can explain cross-reactivity between tropomyosin derived from distantly-related arthropod species and establishes tropomyosin as a panallergen. Given this cross-reactivity and that they are commonly found in high numbers indoors, research on the potential of the common bed bug (Cimex lectularius L.) to contribute tropomyosin to the indoor environment is needed. Therefore, we investigated tropomyosin homology between bed bugs and known tropomyosin allergens from other taxa, tropomyosin in bed bug bodies, feces, and exuviae (cast skins), tropomyosin persistence over time, and impacts of common bed bug treatment strategies on detectable tropomyosin.
How are biopesticides brought to market around the globe? (informa.turtl.co)
This article discusses the regulation of biopesticides in India, China, Africa (Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya), Latin America (Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Peru, Ecuador, Columbia, and Chile) and United States. Our overview outlines registration times, required information, and the organizations involved, as well as highlighting market trends in each territory.
Rethinking jaundice (science.org)
Malaria continues to be among the major devastating infectious diseases in the world (1). It is caused by a protozoan parasite of the genus Plasmodium that is transmitted by mosquitoes in the Anopheles genus. Unfortunately, resistance to drugs and insecticides, as well as climate change, are threatening progress in malaria prevention, control, and treatment over the past decades. Certain human genetic traits confer some protection against malaria and are prevalent in malaria-endemic regions. On page 1181 of this issue, Figueiredo et al. (2) report a genetic trait that may provide protection from the disease—the decreased expression of a bilirubin conjugation enzyme. As a result, unconjugated bilirubin concentrations increase, which has antimalarial effects.
The June issue is full of interesting topics:
- News and research related to pollinators
- Updates on Asian longhorned tick spread
- Webinars about insecticide netting, soybean aphid resistance and corn tar spot
AI-powered scouting flags pests before outbreaks, cuts labor costs (hortidaily.com)
In controlled environments, consistency is king, queen, and the entire court. Whether you're growing tomatoes, cucumbers, or ornamentals, even a single outbreak of pests or pathogens can spell the end of an entire cycle. That's exactly the kind of risk Fermata aims to minimize with its AI-powered crop monitoring tool, Croptimus. "Grower’s face three major issues," says Valeria Kogan, Product Manager at Fermata. "One is staying ahead of pests and diseases outbreaks. The other is the cost of crop protection, especially if you are relying a lot on your bio program. And the last one is the cost and speed of manual scouting. That's why we have come up with a solution that automates that process with cameras and AI."
This Harvest Device Catches Corn Kernels and Weed Seeds (growiwm.org)
Harvest weed seed control has proven a successful way to reduce your weed seedbank in small-grain crops, but how effective is it in corn production? Virginia Tech researchers modified a corn header to find out.
Their research found that installing 360 Yield Saver chains to a Geringhoff corn header significantly reduced weed seeds on the ground after harvest, according to Dr. Michael Flessner, a Virginia Tech weed specialist. The brushes on these customized chains are designed to capture extra grain – and thus yield – but they come with the added bonus of also capturing weed seeds. The larger the weed seed, the more likely it was to be caught by the brushes, but there was a catch – those bigger weed seeds were also more likely to end up in the grain instead of the chaff, where they can be managed via HWSC methods.
Japanese Beetles Have Started to Emerge! (onfloriculture.com)
Japanese Beetle (Popillia japonica) adults were caught in pheromone traps yesterday in Vineland, ON, by Cassie Russell, OMAFA’s Nursery and Landscape Specialist. Read on for what the start of the adult emergence period means in terms of pest management for outdoor nursery and floriculture crops.
Terminix Reveals Top 50 Bed Bug-Infested U.S. Cities (pctonline.com)
Terminix has identified the top 50 bed bug-infested U.S. cities with the highest number of bed bug control services, using 2024 service data from more than 300 branches nationwide.
Philadelphia, Pa., takes the top spot for the second year in a row, while New York, and Cleveland/Akron, Ohio, both climb higher into the top five, reflecting continued struggles with these persistent pests.
Pest Talks (growertalks.com)
What the ...?
Box Tree Moth in WV
AFE-Funded Projects
Plasma Activated Water Webinar
Tiger Beetles Show Potential for Biocontrol of Red Imported Fire Ants (entomologytoday.org)
Red imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta) are a problem in many parts of the world. Native to South America, they’re now one of the most invasive and expensive pests worldwide. They damage ecosystems and infrastructure, harm crops and livestock, and deliver a notoriously painful sting, sometimes with severe side effects.
Webinars, seminars, meetings, and more
Newly featured this issue
Native Tree and Shrub Sale Species Overview and Q&A
Transform your yard into a thriving habitat for wildlife while supporting cleaner, healthier waterways—one native plant at a time. Planting native trees and shrubs not only enhances biodiversity but also plays a vital role in improving local stream health and water quality. In this interactive webinar, a Penn State Extension Urban Forester and Master Watershed Stewards will guide you through selecting the right species for your unique landscape conditions. You'll also learn more about the carefully curated selections available in this year’s Annual Native Tree and Shrub Fundraiser, helping you make informed choices that benefit both your backyard and the broader environment.
July 10, 2025
(6:00 PM-7:30 PM ET)
Register By: July 10, 2025
This event is free of charge.
Previously featured
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
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)
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
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
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
Newly featured this issue
Work with a team of innovative researchers and educators to help us conduct applied agricultural research in sustainable pest management. Projects include work on fruit, vegetable, and ornamental crops, as well as insect, plant disease, and weed pests. Work will be done both on research farms in Geneva, and on commercial farms in central and/or western NY (requiring some travel, but no overnight stays). This is a fully in-person position located at Cornell AgriTech in Geneva, NY. Specific tasks may include: helping maintain field trials, measuring field soil data and plant parameters, scouting for insects, entering data, taking pictures, helping with crop harvest, assessing plant quality, and assisting with logistics for educational events (either virtual or in-person). Plant maintenance tasks may include loading and driving supplies to fields in a project assigned pickup truck, mowing with a walk-behind mower, weeding, pruning, and keeping appropriate records of activities and results. You may work with plants that have been treated with pesticides. We will provide all necessary personal protective equipment and training.
Previously 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.
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.