IPM News and Events Roundup 07/03/2025

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 

Strategic Plan 2025

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

Shining a Light on How to Save Strawberries

Have you ever opened a package of ripe red strawberries only to see the fruits spoiled by gray fuzz?

Gray mold and other fungal pathogens, like powdery mildew and anthracnose, are big postharvest problems that are traditionally solved by applying fungicides to fruits. For organic producers, however, these chemicals are not an option. 

Luckily, ARS scientists with the Appalachian Fruit Research Station have developed a special ultraviolet-C irradiation (UV-C) technique that may keep strawberries mold-free without chemical fungicides.

 

Honey’s Sweet Benefits

Foodborne pathogens, which can encompass viruses, bacteria, and parasites, can cause foodborne illnesses when consuming a meal that has been contaminated. There are an estimated 48 million cases of foodborne illnesses every year. A commonly known pathogen that fits into this category is Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), which infects the small intestine causing diarrhea and other consequences to the person infected.

ARS scientists, in collaboration with the National Honey Board, are examining the way honey affects the gut microbial community and possibly assists it in resisting infection by the foodborne pathogen ETEC. To begin their studies, both pathogen and honey were put through a model of the stomach to better represent how the study components would interact with each other during human consumption. ETEC has a tolerance to acidic environments and honey is naturally acidic, as is the stomach. Therefore, all of honey’s bioactive compounds and anti-microbial components are used to working in that kind of environment.

 

The Buzz Around Hydration

“For insect pollinators like bumble bees to survive and reproduce, they need to maintain an adequate hydration level,” said Karl Roeder, Research Entomologist at the North Central Agricultural Research Lab in Brookings, SD. “Erratic weather patterns have the potential to increase the rate at which insects lose water. This increased desiccation stress may lower survival rates, but more work is needed to link individual physiology to the dynamics of wild and managed bee populations.” 

 

Research in the news

Entomopathogens for control of Asian longhorned beetles (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) (academic.oup.com)

Asian longhorned beetles, Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky) (ALB), are native to China and Korea but invasive populations now threaten hardwood forests in North America and Europe where eradication is the main tactic. In North America, invasive ALB were first found in the New York City area in 1996 and, since then, infestations were detected in 5 additional states. Beginning in 1998, studies of fungal entomopathogens for ALB control were begun, followed by studies with entomopathogenic nematodes, Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner, and microsporidia. Studies with entomopathogenic fungi initially focused on a commercialized method used for application of Beauveria asiatica against adult cerambycids in Japanese orchards: cerambycids walk across bands covered with infective spores of entomopathogenic fungi that are attached around trees.

 

Rapid polygenic adaptation in a wild population of ash trees under a novel fungal epidemic (science.org)

Polygenic adaptation, in which selection acts on many variants at once, may serve an important role in adaptation, but it is harder to detect than selection acting on few loci of large effect. Metheringham et al. looked at genomic changes in the European ash, Fraxinus excelsior, the numbers of which have been decimated in recent decades by a fungal pathogen, Hymenoscyphus fraxineus. They found that a previously generated list of about 8000 potential variants showed significant differences in allele frequencies between juvenile and adult trees, and these differences were larger than randomly selected variants. This result suggests that polygenic adaptation may indeed be occurring in this population and that some of these variants may point to intervention targets. —Corinne Simonti

 

Scientists identify culprit behind biggest-ever U.S. honey bee die-off (science.org)

According to a preprint posted to the bioRxiv server this month, nearly all the dead colonies tested positive for bee viruses spread by parasitic mites. Alarmingly, every single one of the mites the researchers screened was resistant to amitraz, the only viable mite-specific pesticide—or miticide—of its kind left in humans’ arsenal.

 

Environmental data provide marginal benefit for predicting climate adaptation (journals.plos.org)

Climate change poses a major challenge for both natural and cultivated species. Genomic tools are increasingly used in both conservation and breeding to identify adaptive loci that can be used to guide management in future climates. Here, we study the utility of climate and genomic data for identifying promising alleles using common gardens of a large, geographically diverse sample of traditional maize varieties to evaluate multiple approaches. First, we used genotype data to predict environmental characteristics of germplasm collections to identify varieties that may be pre-adapted to target environments. Second, we used environmental GWAS (envGWAS) to identify loci associated with historical divergence along climatic gradients. Finally, we compared the value of environmental data and envGWAS-prioritized loci to genomic data for prioritizing traditional varieties.

News

Africanized Honey bees Detected in Alabama (southeastagnet.com)

The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries has confirmed the presence of Africanized honey bees in Barbour County earlier this week. The identification was confirmed after local beekeepers collected a feral swarm. The swarm was humanely euthanized in an effort to protect Alabama’s honey bee populations.

 

CNS Researchers Find That a Donkey Skin Secretion Naturally Repels Deer Ticks (umass.edu)

Researchers from the College of Natural Sciences have made a promising discovery that could lead to the development of a natural and effective tick repellent. They have shown that a naturally occurring compound secreted by the skin of donkeys effectively repels adult Ixodes scapularis ticks—the most frequent human-biting tick in the U.S. Commonly known as the deer tick, this species of arthropods is responsible for spreading Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and babesiosis—bacterial infections that can sometimes cause serious and long-lasting illness. 

 

Invasive Adirondack smallmouth bass evolve to counter control efforts (news.cornell.edu)

Decades of efforts to eradicate invasive smallmouth bass from a midsized Adirondack lake have led to a surprising result: The bass rapidly evolved to grow faster and invest more in early reproduction, leading to an even larger population of smaller fish.

 

A surprising ally in the fight against the spotted lanternfly: Ants (news.vt.edu)

Virginia may have a new ally in the fight against one of the most invasive insects threatening trees, crops, and other commodities.

Virginia Tech researchers, led by Assistant Professor Scotty Yang, in the Department of Entomology in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, have found a new way to use ants and determine if spotted lanternflies have invaded a new area.

 

Strategies and Guidelines for Herbicide Application During Outdoor Fall Crop Production (e-gro.org)

Effective weed management in outdoor mums and fall floriculture crop production requires proactive removal strategies, integrated weed control, and when necessary, careful herbicide application to protect surrounding sensitive plants from injury.

 

Digitized Optical Counting Reduces Sample Errors in Mosquito Surveillance (entomologytoday.org)

Numerous mosquito species can spread disease, including Culex species that spread West Nile virus and Aedes species that spread dengue virus and Zika virus. To estimate risk and plan control measures for mosquitoes, municipalities conduct mosquito surveillance. To be effective, this surveillance needs to process data quickly and accurately, because delays or undercounting could lead to an increase in the presence of pathogens, and overcounting could lead to over-expenditure on control measures. Current mosquito sampling techniques face limitations in terms of speed, accuracy, and resource intensiveness.

 

Corn rootworm’s secret weapon: How a genetic ‘pause’ helps a billion-dollar pest survive winter (research.uky.edu)

A study from the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment offers fresh insights into a billion-dollar problem for U.S. corn producers each year. New research shows how two notorious pests, western and northern corn rootworms, survive cold winters and return the following year to wreak havoc on corn yields.

 

Survey

2025 Grower & Extension Needs Survey

This survey is the best way to tell IR-4 how we can help ornamental growers successfully manage pests and produce healthy crops. Please fill out the form below to help us learn which disease, pest, and weed control issues are primary concerns for the green industry, both regionally and nationally. 

In addition to this survey, the Project Clearance Request form is the best way to seek IR-4's assistance when you know which product you would like to see registered for a specific pest problem. Another effective way to share and discuss your needs is by contacting your IR-4 Regional Field Coordinator (RFC).

The deadline for submitting a survey for 2026/2027 research is August 29, 2025.

 

The Ohio State University researchers are seeking voluntary input from individuals or businesses that propagate and grow native plants. 

This 5-minute industry survey aims to identify research and Extension priorities focused on native plant propagation and production.

Except for your time, there are no risks or conflicts of interest associated with participation in this study and participation is voluntary. All responses will remain confidential. Your anonymous input for the survey will help identify research and Extension priorities in the United States. 

If you or your business currently grow or are interested in propagating and growing native plants, and are willing to participate in this short survey, please click on the link below.

Take Survey

 

We need your feedback!

Dr. Danielle Tufts is an Assistant Professor at the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Public Health. He is reaching out to invite you to take part in a quick, 5-minute survey that could help protect Pennsylvania livestock from invasive ticks and the diseases they may carry.
If you raise cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, or a combination of these animals, your insights are incredibly valuable! We want to hear about your experiences with ticks, your knowledge of tick-borne diseases, and the steps you take (if any) to protect your animals.
By participating, you’ll be contributing to vital research that can help inform better protection strategies for farmers like you. Your responses are completely anonymous and used solely for research purposes. We are also seeking individuals who would allow us to sample their pastures and animals for ticks. If you are interested, please provide your contact information at the end of the survey.
Ready to share your experience? Click the link below to take the survey:
https://qualtricsxmyq2cqwt77.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3qrl6kTpZJDzlI2

 

Webinars, seminars, meetings, and more

Newly featured this issue

Events to offer IPM Strategies to Protect Corn and Soybean Seeds in the Absence of Neonicotinoid Insecticide Treatments

 

Join a GROW Farmer Forum on Weed Electrocution in the Field

GROW will be hosting a Farmer Forum on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at 11 a.m. ET.

The forum’s farmer panel and moderator will explore how electrical weed control units fit into a weed management program. 

Listen in and bring your questions as farmers from Maryland and Ohio discuss their in-the-field experience with the Weed Zapper! CCA CEU credits will be available.

Farmer Panel:

Moderator:

Registration is free! Sign up here

 

 

Save the Date!

New York State Agritourism Conference

November 10 and 11, 2025

Saratoga Springs, NY

 

Communicating with Farmers Under Stress

Join Extension Educators for this event for professionals who serve the agricultural industry and work with farmers and their families. This webinar will help ag professionals recognize the signs of stress and how to communicate with and respond to farmers and their family members when they need assistance.

Who is this for?

  • Ag Professionals
  • Farm Employees

What will you learn?

  • How to identify signs of stress
  • Discover tips for handling stress on the job and when working with clients
  • Become aware of resources available for you or your clients

Register By: August 18, 2025 | This event is free of charge. 

August 19, 2025
(1:00 PM-3:00 PM ET)

 

Previously featured

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. 

 

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. 

 

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.

Register By: July 9, 2025
Wednesdays
July 9 - August 20, 2025
(7:00 PM-8:00 PM)

See event fee details

 

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

 

Employment Opportunities

Newly featured this issue

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Specialist

The IPM Specialist is responsible for overseeing all Integrated Pest Management activities at the cultivation site. This role plays a key part in protecting crop health by conducting routine scouting, coordinating preventative treatments, and leading sanitation tasks—particularly the scheduling and execution of irrigation line sanitation to prevent waterborne pathogens. The IPM Specialist works closely with Flower, Veg, and Harvest Tech 2’s and is accountable for ensuring timely execution of all IPM-related tasks in alignment with the Cultivation Plant Schedule.

This position is hands-on but also requires collaboration and strong communication. The IPM Specialist may perform tasks directly or escalate support needed by wider cultivation team through partnership with the cultivation manager. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable working cross-functionally with cultivation leadership.

 

Pest Management Rep III

Inspects and responds to concerns in all University of Rochester facilities regarding evidence of structural pests (animals, birds, insects and the like) and applies pesticides as directed utilizing Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies and in accordance with policies and state and federal regulations. Independently selects control measures and maintains detailed logs of all work performed. Coordinates and assigns the work of others in the absence of supervisor.

 

Previously Newly featured this issue

Temporary Field Assistant

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.

 

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

 

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.