IPM News and Events Roundup 08/29/2025
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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Rutgers Scientists Uncover New Spray that Finally Beats Back Bed Bug Resistance
Rutgers University researchers have identified a new pesticide that killed every bed bug it touched — including those that thwarted today’s leading products — and stayed lethal for at least a month.
The active ingredient, isocycloseram, belongs to a new class of chemistries known as isoxazolines. In lab tests, scientists funded by USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture found that two liquid formulations knocked down 100% of bed bugs within three to four days, whether the insects were sprayed directly or crawled across a treated surface. The faster-acting “45 SC” version worked slightly better than its higher-concentration cousin, “400 SC”.
Harnessing the Power of AI to Accelerate Breeding Programs
ARS scientists are employing artificial intelligence (AI) to accelerate breeding for new plant varieties that will greatly benefit farmers. Traditional plant breeding is often a slow, laborious process that includes many steps of manual assessment whose quality depends on individual observers. AI offers a promising alternative by automating these steps.
Research in the news
Changing dynamics of Aedes aegypti invasion and vector-borne disease risk for rural communities in the Peruvian Amazon (journals.plos.org)
Aedes aegypti, the primary vector of dengue virus, is predominantly considered an urban mosquito, especially in the Americas, where its reemergence began in cities after the end of continent-wide eradication campaigns. The results of our study diverge from this narrative, demonstrating the recent and widespread rural invasion of Ae. aegypti along major shipping routes in the northern Peruvian Amazon between the major cities of Iquitos, Pucallpa, and Yurimaguas. Using prokopack aspirators to conduct indoor mosquito collections, we identified Ae. aegypti populations in 29 of 30 sites surveyed across a rural to urban gradient and quantified Ae. aegypti adult metrics. In multiple instances, adult Ae. aegypti indices in rural villages were equal to or greater than indices in dengue-endemic cities, suggesting the entomological risk level in some rural areas is sufficient to support dengue transmission. Fourteen rural sites were sampled in transects from the community river port into town. In seven of these sites, houses closer to the port were significantly more likely to be infested with Ae. aegypti adults than houses further from the ports, and four additional sites showed a similar trend.
Organic management and local genotypes for elevating yield and seed quality to confront climate change challenges (sciencedirect.com)
Drought, exacerbated by climate change, is a challenge in agricultural production, especially in connection with nutrient-rich legumes like common beans, essential for sustainable food security. Selecting drought-adapted genotypes across various agricultural managements is a viable strategy to mitigate the impact of drought. This study aimed to evaluate different common bean genotypes, locally adapted and commercial ones, under different environmental factors, management practices, and water regimes to understand how the various growth conditions impact their performance and seed biochemical composition. We conducted a pioneering three-year field experiment with twelve genotypes grown under irrigated and rainfed conditions within conventional and organic farming systems.
News
North Central IPM Center August Newsletter
Highlights
- AFRI Funding
- Southern Corn Rust outbreak
- West Nile Virus Spread
- IPM Status and Support Needs in the US
Solar farm shade in the fall reduces radish and radicchio yields (news.cornell.edu)
A series of studies by Cornell researchers is testing how crops might grow when planted between rows of solar panels on a solar farm in New York state.
By acquiring real data, researchers may provide farmers and policymakers with important information, as growing crops between rows of solar panels to maximize dual land use will be increasingly critical, especially since New York’s utility-scale solar farms cover roughly 9,300 acres of land.
Dengue-transmitting mosquitos spread from cities to villages in Amazon (news.cornell.edu)
The Aedes aegypti mosquito that transmits dengue virus has mostly been considered an urban mosquito, but a new study of rural communities in the Peruvian Amazon suggests that pattern appears to be shifting.
A Cornell-led team identified Ae. aegypti populations in 29 of 30 sites in urban and rural communities that were surveyed along major river shipping routes between the port cities of Iquitos, Pucallpa and Yurimaguas in the northern Peruvian Amazon.
Take the Guesswork Out of Precision Spray Tech with this ROI Calculator (growiwm.org)
Are you interested in precision spray technology, but not sure that you can afford it? Well, you’re not alone. That’s why Montana State University’s Precision Ag Program just unveiled their precision spray return on investment (ROI) calculator.
The Smart Spray Annual ROI Calculator provides return on investment estimates for annual conventional sprayer costs versus precision sprayer costs. The calculator, which went live in May 2025, allows farmers to specify 11 factors in their production to estimate their potential returns on precision spray technology.
East Coast vineyards threatened by invasive spotted lanternflies (pbs.org)
They’re on pavement, in gardens and in parks. If you’re in the Northeast, you’ve probably seen a spotted lanternfly this summer. The invasive species has spread to 19 states where they chow down on dozens of plants, especially grape vines. Deema Zein reports.
Pest Talks (growertalks.com)
Fusarium on Mums
BTM in Maryland
Summer Pests
Scale Insects
Weed in Perennials
First human case of screwworm parasite found in U.S. in person who traveled to El Salvador (nbcnews.com)
The first human case of the flesh-eating parasite "New World screwworm" has been detected in the United States in a person who had recently traveled to El Salvador. NBC News medical contributor Dr. Kavita Patel talks about the risks to humans, and the implication of the parasite's presence can mean for cattle and agriculture in the U.S.
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
New York State School Environmental Health Conference 2025
Join us for a full day of learning and networking as we address indoor air quality topics and concerns for schools in New York State. Whether you are school facilities staff, a teacher, administrator, or health professional, this conference is perfect for anyone passionate about school environmental health.
Get ready to engage with expert speakers and connect with others who share your commitment to student and staff well-being. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and resources to enhance the health and resilience of your school community. Learn about the different factors that influence indoor air quality, see how schools across the state have improved their indoor air, and so much more!
Thursday, November 6 · 7:45am - 4pm EST
Best Western Plus Kingston Hotel and Conference Center
503 Washington Avenue Kingston, NY 12401
The Cut Flower Program Work Team has a monthly webinar series with some IPM content. Information is at https://cals.cornell.edu/cornell-cooperative-extension/work-teams/cut-flower-industry/events (You might note that the September date is really September 17 – which I am trying to get fixed).
Previous webinars can be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/@ccecutflower/videos
Now through September 10th, at the SUNY Oswego Rice Creek Field Station: Help Monitor EAB Biocontrol at Rice Creek Field Station
Join us for a guided nature walk at the stunning Salmon River Falls Unique Area in Richland, NY!
- Location:185 Falls Road, Richland, NY,
- Date: Friday, September 26th
- Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
We’ll gather in the parking area before heading out on the Upper Falls Trail, a scenic one-mile path along the north side of the river to Dam Road. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking views of the gorge and the iconic 100-foot waterfall.
IPM Network – Measuring Capacity, Framing the Future
Abstract: This presentation highlights the continued need for Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and outlines strategic goals for strengthening the public IPM enterprise. Despite shifts to competitive funding following the 2008 Farm Bill, a national network of 53 state programs and 4 regional centers has been maintained. The focus now is on enhancing collaboration, improving infrastructure, increasing IPM awareness, and expanding involvement beyond traditional pest disciplines. Efforts such as capacity benchmarking and infrastructure surveys aim to identify current assets and opportunities for improvement. By delivering timely, relevant information and investing in education and outreach, the IPM network seeks to protect people and the environment more effectively.
Presenter: Dr. Daren Mueller
September 17, 2025, at 1:00 pm ET (12:00 pm CT)
2025 Invasive Insect Certification Program from UMass Extension
Registration for UMass Extension's Invasive Insect Certification Program is now open.
This six-day webinar series looks at the characteristics of invasive insects, the impacts and costs they have regionally and nationwide, and highlights the biology, ecology, and identification of some of the most disruptive insects. Pesticide and association credits are available. Attendees may choose to attend all 6 webinars to receive certification or mix and match based on their interests and needs. Register by September 19th to attend all six days on Sept. 24, 25, Oct. 8, 9, 22 & 23rd.
Review a detailed agenda to learn more here: https://www.umass.edu/agriculture-food-environment/landscape/events/2025-invasive-insect-certification-program.
Previously featured
Biocontrol Blitz: Fundamentals for Using Good Bugs in the Greenhouse
UNH and UVM collaborating
In Person! Hands-on!
Six New England Pesticide Applicator recertification credits will be awarded.
Using biocontrols in the greenhouse to help manage common pests of ornamental plants can reduce sprays and increase salability, but it can be challenging to know where to start. Some of us may have dabbled in using biocontrols and were unsatisfied with the results. At this day-long, hands-on workshop, not only will we learn how to use, plan and select biocontrols, but we will leave with a game plan for Spring 2026 that includes numbers, organisms and methods to start (or restart!) your biocontrol program.
October 9, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
DS Cole Growers
251 N. Village Road, Loudon
Cost: $80 per person
Lunch is provided
Learn more, full schedule and registration link: https://extension.unh.edu/event/2025/10/biocontrol-blitz-fundamentals-using-good-bugs-greenhouse
2025 New York Invasive Species Expo
The 2025 New York Invasive Species Expo returns to Saratoga Spa State Park as New York’s premier conference on invasive species. Transcending conventional conference formats, the Expo creatively uses the park’s scenic outdoor spaces and historic buildings to offer dynamic, hands-on experiences alongside traditional presentations and posters. Connect with leading resource experts to explore and learn the latest updates and advancements in invasive species management.
September 14 - 16, 2025
Saratoga Spa State Park / Saratoga Springs, NY
CHAINSAW SAFETY, OPERATION AND CUTTING TIPS
This workshop will dive into the parts of the chainsaw that need to be fully operational in order to comply with safety regulations as well as go over necessary PPE, body posture, and cutting tips to enable you to address falling trees, limbing, bucking and cutting in general.
Fee: $140
Wednesday, September 3, 2025, 9:30 AM - 2:30 PM
*RAINDATE: SEPTEMBER 4, 2025
Flyer: Chainsaw Program
Register: Chainsaw Safety, Operation and Cutting Tips
“Best Picks for '26”
Which new flower introductions does Sue Adams recommend? She visits trials at Lucas Greenhouses, Penn State, Pleasant View Gardens and D.S. Cole, conducts her own trial and has worked with S.U.N.Y. Cobleskill to establish a trial at their campus.
September 9, 2025, 7 pm
Meeting id 891 4723 5779 Passcode 741953
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89147235779?pwd=hhJKHo3j64EF279uQr9DUtrbvzmVFw.1
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
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
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.
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
Department of Agriculture
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
Marketing and Regulatory Programs
In this position you will serve as an Entomologist with responsibility for performing specialized and difficult taxonomic work, and providing taxonomic, biological and regulatory expertise in support of plant quarantine program activities. The incumbent reviews, evaluates and suggests modifications of inspection or trapping methodologies and approaches as an enhancement to plant pest and plant disease surveillance systems.
Department of Agriculture
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
Marketing and Regulatory Programs
As a Plant Protection Technician, you implement domestic programs within an assigned geographic area to prevent the establishment and/or artificial spread of plant pests and diseases into new areas. If selected, you provide support to Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) Officers with surveys; control measures; biocontrol and biotechnology activities; and export of regulated agricultural commodities within PPQ, Field Operations (FO).
Previously featured
Invasive Plant Species and Ecosystem Restoration Specialist
Organization: Swamp Yankee Earthcare
Location: Currently based in Westbrook, work to performed throughout Connecticut
Position Type: Part time, up to 40 hours a week (contract dependent)
Position Overview:
We are seeking a motivated and skilled individual to join our team as an Invasive Plant Species and Ecosystem Restoration Specialist. This position plays a crucial role in our efforts to restore native habitats by managing invasive plant species without the use of pesticides. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in invasive species management, native plant species, and/or natural resource management, coupled with a passion for conservation and ecological restoration.
Coastal Mountains Land Trust
The Stewardship Coordinator is responsible for organizing monitoring of Land Trust’s preserves (fee owned) and conservation easements; maintenance of stewardship records; recruitment and engagement of stewardship volunteers; and the overall management of the conservation easement program. The position is highly collaborative, working with a dynamic team of full-time staff, seasonal staff, and volunteers to achieve Land Trust’s goals, and reports to the Stewardship Director.
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.
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.
Funding
The Finger Lakes PRISM (Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management) and Finger Lakes Institute at Hobart and William Smith Colleges, has officially released its 2025 Request for Bids (RFB) for pesticide control of hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae). See details below.
Request for Bids: Pesticide control of Adelges tsugae in the Finger Lakes Region.
Download here: HWA RFB 2025
Release Date: Monday, August 25, 2025
Due date and time: Friday, September 12, 2025 at 5:00 PM
- Project Title
Pesticide control of Adelges tsugae in the Finger Lakes Region.
- Project Description
In fall 2025, the certified commercial pesticide applicator will perform pesticide treatment of Adelges tsugae in Watkins Glen State Park (~106 acres).
- Project Term
Start September 14, 2025, End November 14, 2025
Details of the Request for Bids is available on the Finger Lakes PRISM website.
For more information and any questions, please contact Sam Beck-Andersen at BECK-ANDERSEN@hws.edu
Agriculture and Food Research Initiative - Foundational and Applied Science Program
The AFRI Foundational and Applied Science Program supports grants in six AFRI priority areas to advance knowledge in both fundamental and applied sciences important to agriculture.
The six priority areas are:
- Plant Health and Production and Plant Products
- Animal Health and Production and Animal Products
- Food Safety, Nutrition, and Health
- Bioenergy, Natural Resources, and Environment
- Agriculture Systems and Technology
- Agriculture Economics and Rural Communities.
Research-only, extension-only, and integrated research, education and/or extension projects are solicited in this Request for Applications (RFA). See Foundational and Applied Science RFA for specific details.
Estimated Total Program Funding
$300,000,000