IPM News and Events Roundup 07/25/2025
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
- Zap On Over to GROW's New Weed Electrocution Page
- Cornell Integrated Pest Management: Bringing Safe and Sustainable Pest Management to New Yorkers for 40 Years
- IPM Institute Welcomes Christopher Stevenson as Executive Director
- Working at the Intersection of IPM and Organic
- Northeastern IPM Center Releases 2024 Annual Report
EPA / FDA / USDA / NIFA News
Scientists Leverage Computer Modeling to Help Farmers Hedge Their Bets Against Weeds
Just like the weeds they target, herbicides are also sensitive to the weather—before, during, and after application. Now, with the aid of computer modeling and one of the largest databases yet, a team of scientists is working to refine the outlook for herbicide use in corn and soybean crops amid extreme weather events. The resulting data, in turn, will help inform farmers decisions on where, when, and how best to apply the chemicals and safeguard crop yields.
Led by Christopher Landau, a postdoctoral research agronomist with the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in Urbana, Il, the computer models leverage historical data gleaned from more than 10,000 herbicide evaluation trials conducted by land-grant universities across the United States.
Scientists Find a “Silver Lining” to Adult House Flies’ Filthy Behavior
Researchers at USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) are investigating the microbial communities carried by house flies to enhance disease monitoring and reduce the risk of disease transmission by fly-borne pathogens in livestock, ultimately protecting our food supply and public health.
House flies play a crucial role in transferring harmful bacteria, viruses, and other microbes among cattle. They also have the potential to spread these pathogens from farms to nearby livestock operations and residential areas.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is releasing for public comment its proposed registration for three end-use dicamba products for broadleaf weed control in dicamba-tolerant cotton and dicamba-tolerant soybean. EPA has conducted a robust human health risk assessment for these proposed products and has not identified any human health or dietary risks of concern. Additionally, the agency is proposing to put several measures in place to protect against the ecological risks found in EPA’s assessment. These new products 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.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or “Agency”) is seeking public nominations of scientific and technical experts that EPA can consider for service as ad hoc reviewers assisting the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act Scientific Advisory Panel (FIFRA SAP) for the review of design considerations for genetically engineered (GE) mosquitoes for mosquito control and for the review of information on the absence of novel proteins in the saliva of GE female mosquitoes. EPA currently anticipates selecting approximately 6-9 ad hoc reviewers and plans to make the list of candidates under consideration as prospective ad hoc reviewers for this review available for public comment. EPA is also announcing that a virtual public meeting of the FIFRA SAP is scheduled for November 3-5, 2025. In late August 2025, EPA plans to release the white paper to the FIFRA SAP for peer review, along with all background documents, related supporting materials, and charge questions provided to the FIFRA SAP. At that time, EPA will publish a separate document in the Federal Register to announce the availability of and solicit public comment on the draft documents and provide instructions for submitting comments and registering to provide oral comments at the November 3-5, 2025, meeting.
Black Vulture Relief Act Advances Through House Committee (southeastagnet.com)
The House Natural Resources Committee has advanced the Black Vulture Relief Act of 2025, bringing cattle producers one step closer to improved protection for their herds. The bill is a response to growing concerns over black vulture attacks on newborn livestock across the southeastern United States.
The U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking public comments on a new, streamlined approach for how the agency plans to track the adoption of bilingual pesticide labeling. The agency is also announcing updates to the Bilingual Labeling Questions and Answers (Q&A) webpage, which provides guidance on bilingual labeling requirements for various types of pesticide products.
Acetamiprid; Pesticide Tolerances
This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of acetamiprid in or on multiple spice commodities that are identified and discussed in this document. Under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), the American Spice Trade Association submitted a petition to EPA requesting that EPA establish a maximum permissible level for residues of this pesticide in or on these commodities.
Hiring Deputy Director
Impacts for Producers
Farmer-Rancher Research Report
Climate Grief Podcast
Innovative Sliding Electric Fence System for Pastured Poultry
The Problem
Every day, as part of their rotational grazing strategy, these farmers move their hens, to fresh pasture. Faced with the labor-intensive task of fencing and moving their pastured poultry daily, the Gutschenritters and Power embarked on a mission to find a more efficient solution, leading to the development of their new sliding electric fence system.
The Solution
With support from a $24,498 NCR-SARE Farmer Rancher grant, they designed and built the HenPen sliding electric fence system. Attached to the poultry coop and mounted on lightweight plastic pipes, the fence slides along with the coop as it moves. Gutschenritter designed the system around the PrairieSchooner chicken coop but noted it can be adapted to fit any large skid-style coop. He uses a 75 hp tractor to move the HenPen, as a lighter 30 hp tractor was damaging the pasture.
Research in the news
Teen bats are spawning new viruses—here’s why scientists are paying close attention (sciencedaily.com)
New research from the University of Sydney sheds light on how coronaviruses emerge in bat populations, focusing on young bats as hotspots for infections and co-infections that may drive viral evolution. By analyzing thousands of samples over three years, scientists discovered that juvenile bats frequently host multiple coronaviruses simultaneously—offering a real-time window into how new strains might arise. These findings, while involving non-human-infecting viruses, provide a powerful model to forecast how dangerous variants could eventually spill over into humans, especially as environmental pressures bring bats closer to human habitats.
Integrated pest management: state infrastructure status after 50?yr of Federal support (1973 to 2023) (academic.oup.com)
Integrated pest management uses a variety of tools coupled with historical, current, and projected information for economical pest protection of crops and other resources while accounting for risk to humans and the environment. Following the 1972 US Federal IPM Policy, funding for integrated pest management programming has continued for 50+ yr. However, multifaceted changes during this time have significantly affected state-level integrated pest management infrastructure, prompting a comprehensive survey to assess conditions, limitations, and growth potential of US integrated pest management programs. A survey was sent to 50 US states and 3 territories with integrated pest management programs in November 2022.
ER Visits for Tick Bites at Highest Levels Since 2017, CDC Says (pctonline.com
Emergency room visits for tick bites are spiking across the United States this summer, reaching levels not seen since 2017, according to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
CDC statistics, compiled with local and state health departments, show that July has already recorded the highest number of tick-related ER visits in eight years. The Northeast is reporting the most cases, followed by the Midwest and Southeast.
A Cover Crop Selection Tool for Northeast US Farmers (extension.psu.edu)
The Northeast Cover Crops Council, in cooperation with Precision Sustainable Agriculture (PSA) host a Cover Crop Decision Support Tool that can help explore cover crop choices. The web-based app allows you to explore the function and characteristics of cover crop species suited to the Northeast and provides recommendations for cover crops based on user-defined inputs.
Underground Army: How Soil Invertebrates May Help Farmers Manage Weeds (growiwm.org)
Could those creepy crawlies underneath the soil actually be helping farmers battle weeds?
New research suggests that soil microarthropods, specifically the springtail species Isotomiella minor, can decrease weed biomass by up to 23%, according to Virginia Tech’s Dr. Ashley Jernigan. That effect did follow increased weed emergence in the first two weeks of treatment, before emergence decreased in the last two weeks of the trial, potentially due to differences in weed seed coats. While the findings are promising, a combination of unexamined soil-biological factors could be influencing the results, Jernigan and co-author Dr. Lynn Sosnoskie caution.
Managing Pesticide Resistance in Greenhouse Crops (onfloriculture.com)
With July being the beginning of poinsettia season, as well as the time growers are starting many tropical plants for next spring, it’s time to be thinking about managing pesticide resistance. Pesticide resistance readily develops in populations of key greenhouse pests, including Bemisia whitefly, spider mites, and more. So how do we avoid an uphill run on the resistance treadmill?
Hannah Fraser, Horticulture Entomologist with OMAFA, shared her decades of experience battling resistance issues in fruit crop pests in a GrowON webinar recorded last summer. For those that missed it, I thought now would be a good time to post the video on the blog. (As always, you can find all of our previous GrowON webinars on the ONFloriculture Youtube channel.) Keep reading to watch the video as well as links to other resources on resistance management.
Pest Talks (growertalks.com)
JC Saw SLF
Mums Under Heat
Mum Diseases
Mum Pests
Irrigation Course
Native Plant Survey
Breakthrough discovery shows that moths listen to plants — and avoid the noisy ones (cnn.com)
When a plant is stressed, it doesn’t keep quiet about it. You won’t hear the plant’s cry because it’s in the ultrasonic range — too high-pitched for human ears — but, for decades, scientists have been using special devices to listen in.
For the first time, a team of researchers in Israel has documented that insects can hear and interpret plants’ acoustic distress signals.
‘Robo-Bunnies’ Are the Newest Weapon in the Fight Against Invasive Burmese Pythons in Florida (smithsonianmag.com)
Wildlife biologists in Florida are doing everything they can to eradicate invasive Burmese pythons, from hosting public hunting challenges and hiring bounty hunters to affixing tracking devices to male “scout” snakes that can lead them to large, reproductive females.
Scientists at the University of Florida are deploying the so-called “robo-bunnies” throughout South Florida in hopes of drawing Burmese pythons out of their hiding places so they can be euthanized, reports Kimberly Miller for the Palm Beach Post. By luring the pythons to the rabbit look-alikes, biologists can save time that might otherwise be spent searching through the swamp for the snakes.
Participation Requested
Regional IPM Centers Proposal Reviewer Sign-up
Every year, the four Regional IPM Centers run IPM proposal review panels. There is a need for reviewers with applied experience in IPM or related fields to serve on these panels. This is a great opportunity for an early career professional to learn how the review process works and for more experienced professionals to share their wisdom.
Review panels are typically virtual and meet in January. Reviewers typically serve on panels outside of their own region to avoid Conflicts of Interest. For example, reviewers volunteering from the Southern region may serve in the North Central Region. The review panels are typically a 3-4 hour virtual meeting and panelists are typically asked to review between 6-9 proposals.
If you are interested in being a reviewer on a Regional IPM panel, please fill out the attached form. If you have previously completed this form, you do not need to submit it again. If your expertise aligns with a panel’s needs, you may be contacted. A list of reviewers will be shared with all four regional centers.
Webinars, seminars, meetings, and more
Newly featured this issue
Adam Osgood, Joel Voron and Richard Pollack, three experts and leaders of the MuseumPests community will be presenting a free webinar From Awareness to Action: Advocating for Integrated Pest Management in Cultural Spaces on August 27, 2025 at 1:00-2:00pm ET
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an important part of protecting collections in cultural institutions. This webinar will provide a brief overview of IPM and focus on how to build support for it within your institution. Attendees will learn which tasks can be handled by staff and when it’s necessary to bring in a pest management professional (PMP). The session will also cover what to expect from a PMP contractor, how to write contracts that reflect your institution’s IPM goals, and how to work with service providers to ensure they deliver effective and collection-safe pest management. This webinar is ideal for anyone looking to start or improve an IPM program with strong institutional backing and contractor support.
Sunday, August 10th, 9:00am - 5:00pm
Baltimore, MD
This workshop provides a crash course on ectoparasites and vectors, crucial for both human and animal health. Participants will gain practical, hands-on experience in identifying common ectoparasites (including ticks, fleas, mites, and lice) and will learn about techniques for safely collecting ectoparasites from animal hosts and vector surveillance methods. A key focus will be assessing vector-borne disease risks and developing strategies to prevent bites and disease transmission. This interactive training is designed to equip professionals with the skills to enhance vector surveillance and mitigation efforts in their respective fields.
Register here! https://entsoc.org/events/ecoparasite-workshop
Previously featured
NYS Food Systems Curriculum application for the 2025/2026 eCornell cohort!
Engage in the following sections of each module:
- Watch the "Ask the Expert" videos
- Create the specific section of the "Action Plan" tied to that module and come ready to discuss
- Participate in the module forum and respond to at least two cohort member's posts with a thoughtful response
Participate in the 10 scheduled zoom check-ins to debrief content and learn from others in the cohort - time commitment of ~4-6 hours/week of time
Apply the knowledge learned throughout the curriculum into your county work through conversations with stakeholders, connections with others across the state, and enhanced programming
The application is rolling, but will close one month prior to each cohort period (August 29th, 2025 & Dec 23rd 2026) at which point all applications will be reviewed by the CCE Food Systems Curriculum committee. All applicants will be notified of their acceptance within two weeks of that time period. Payment for participation in the cohort experience will occur through Cornell Cooperative Extension of Broome County invoices.
Actively participate in the cohort experience from the period of one of the following:
Sept 12th - Nov 14th, 2025 (Fridays at 9am via zoom)
January 6th - March 10th, 2026 (Tuesdays at 1pm via zoom)
March 18th - May 20th, 2026 (Wednesdays at 9am)
Enhance your knowledge of blueberry production by joining our four-part webinar series, featuring leading experts who will share research-based strategies for managing common challenges in blueberry cultivation. Each session will focus on a key topic: disease management with Dr. Bill Cline (September 30), insect management with Dr. Rufus Isaacs (October 7), weed pest management with Dr. Thierry E. Besançon (October 14), and fertility and nutrition with Kathy Demchak (October 21).
Register By: September 29, 2025.
Tuesdays
September 30, 2025, and October 7, 14, & 21, 2025
(1:00 PM-2:00 PM)
See event fee details
Northeast Greenhouse Conference and Expo
Save the Date
2025 Northeast Greenhouse Conference & Expo
November 12 & 13, 2025
Doubletree by Hilton Manchester Downtown Hotel and Expo Center
Join us for the 2025 Maine Rodent Academy in Portland (or virtually!)
Join us for a Rodent Integrated Pest Management (IPM) training (Rodent Academy) led by nationally recognized rodentologist Dr. Bobby Corrigan, hosted by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. This engaging, credit-approved training takes place August 28–29 in Portland, Maine (virtual option available on August 28) and offers up to 11 Maine pesticide credits (6 credits for virtual attendees). Pre-register at this link to be the first to hear when registration opens. Slots fill up very quickly!
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)
Events to offer IPM Strategies to Protect Corn and Soybean Seeds in the Absence of Neonicotinoid Insecticide Treatments
- July 30, 2025 from 11 a.m.to 1 p.m., “IPM Strategies to Protect Corn and Soybean Seed in New York State,” Hamburg, NY
Save the Date!
New York State Agritourism Conference
November 10 and 11, 2025
Saratoga Springs, NY
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
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.
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
Research Foundation - Biodiversity Data Researcher (Research Scientist)
The New York Natural Heritage Program (NYNHP) is seeking a Biodiversity Data Researcher to assess the impacts of invasive species on native biodiversity for a short-term, project-based appointment. In collaboration with NYNHP science staff and regional invasive species managers, the Biodiversity Data Researcher will analyze decades of data collected on rare species, significant natural communities, and invasive species in New York State to quantify impacts to biodiversity and provide information to stakeholders that aids in strategic invasive species management decisions.
NYNHP has been documenting conditions of and threats to rare species and significant natural communities across the state for 40 years. NYNHP has also been managing invasive species data from all stakeholders for the state for 15 years. Throughout New York State, there are currently over 17,000 documented locations of rare species and over 350,000 observations of invasive species. An initial spatial analysis of these extensive spatial datasets shows that 28% of documented rare species occurrences are co-located with invasive species observations. However, not all species intersections will be impactful depending on species' biology or site-characteristics.
Biological Science Laboratory Technicians
We’re seeking qualified candidates based in Ames, IA; Manhattan, KS; and Orient Point, NY. A recruitment or relocation incentive may be offered.
In this role, you will organize and manage a wide variety of standard techniques in performing diagnostic tests, reagent production, developmental studies, and training assignments related to animal pathogens having significant economic importance to the livestock industry. Specialized experience varies based on the grade candidates are applying for.
Previously featured
IR-4 Project Executive Director
The primary function of the North Carolina Agricultural Research Service (NCARS) unit is to develop the knowledge and technology needed to improve productivity, profitability and sustainability of industries in agriculture and the life sciences; develop ways to conserve and improve the state’s natural resources and environment; improve the health, well-being and quality of life of North Carolina’s citizens; and provide the science based research for academic and extension programs.
The IR-4 Project is a national Federal/State partnership research program to assist farmers of fruits, vegetables, nuts, herbs, ornamentals, and other specialty crops by facilitating registration of safe and effective chemical and bio-based pest management products. The IR-4 Project is needed because the crop protection industry focuses their research efforts on major crops such as corn, soybean, and cotton that provide the companies adequate return on their development investment. The IR-4 proactively identifies available and emergent products to provide strategic pest-management tools to enhance profitability and sustainability outcomes for farmers of specialty crops. IR-4 Project Headquarters provides national leadership, coordination and regulatory compliance for the IR-4 Project research activities performed by approx. 125 scientists at over 20 public sector research farms and four analytical laboratories throughout the United States.
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.
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.