IPM News and Events Roundup 09/05/2025
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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EPA Updates Aquatic Life Benchmarks for Registered Conventional and Antimicrobial Pesticides
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released an updated version of the?Aquatic Life Benchmarks. These benchmarks are estimates of the concentrations below which pesticides (including conventional and antimicrobial pesticides) are not expected to present a risk of concern for freshwater organisms.
Register for EPA’s Webinar on Mitigation Measures to Protect Endangered Species from Pesticides
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will hold a public webinar on September 16, 2025, at 2:00 PM ET to provide information on the ecological runoff/erosion and spray drift mitigation measures that can be used to protect endangered species from pesticides. These measures are part of EPA’s online menu of mitigation measures pesticide users can choose from depending on their crop, region, agronomic practices, and the individual field to protect endangered species. The mitigation menu approach is intended to improve flexibility for pesticide users by providing options that work best for their situation, while still achieving an appropriate level of mitigation.
Research in the news
Postemergence Herbicides for Crop Safety and Weed Control in Pearl Millet Hybrids (cambridge.org)
Greenhouse and field experiments were conducted at Hays, KS, to test various POST herbicides for crop safety and weed control in pearl millet. Five pearl millet hybrids (Hyb1 to Hyb5) in the greenhouse and three hybrids (Hyb1, Hyb-2k, Hyb-3k) in field experiments (site 1 and 2) were evaluated. All herbicides were safe (1 to 5% injury) on all pearl millet hybrids in the greenhouse and field experiments at 28 days after application (DAA), except imazamox and nicosulfuron (22 to 35% injury). At site 1, 2,4-D, dicamba, bromoxynil + pyrasulfotole, 2,4-D + bromoxynil + fluroxypyr, and dicamba + 2,4-D effectively controlled Palmer amaranth (88 to 91%) and reduced density (2 to 4 plants m-2) compared to nontreated (18 plants m-2) at 42 DAA. The least control (60 to 65%) and greater density (8 plants m-2) of Palmer amaranth was observed with imazamox and nicosulfuron.
Insect frass fertilizer upregulates maize defence genes and resistance against an invasive herbivore pest (nature.com)
The black soldier fly frass fertilizer (BSFFF) has gained global attention as a multipurpose input for soil fertilization and pest and disease management. However, there are limited studies that have examined its effects on insect pest resistance and the underlying mechanisms. We investigated the impact of amending soil with BSFFF on maize growth, defense gene expression and resistance to a polyphagous insect herbivore, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) through larval feeding assay. Maize growth was evaluated by measuring plant height, chlorophyll concentration, and biomass accumulation in soils amended with BSFFF, synthetic fertilizers (Di-ammonium phosphate and Calcium ammonium nitrate) and unfertilized soils at various growth stages. Larval feeding assays were conducted using leaf discs from maize plants grown in different amended soils.
News
Tree-killing, invasive fungal disease reaches NY (syracuse.com)
An invasive fungal disease that targets trees and shrubs in the laurel family was detected for the first time in New York in July, according to the state Department of Environmental Conservation.
The disease, called laurel wilt, was discovered in the village of Northport, Long Island, when a homeowner sent a sample of their dying sassafras tree for testing at Cornell University’s Plant Disease Diagnostic Clinic.
Could Insect Viruses Open New Doors in Biological Pest Control? (entomologytoday.org)
What if the most powerful allies in biological pest control aren’t just the insects released into the field but the viruses quietly living inside them? A team of entomologists from Israel’s Agricultural Research Organization (ARO) and the University of Haifa asked this bold question and found fascinating results.
In a field dominated by studies about bacterial symbionts, the researchers at ARO are breaking new ground by shifting their focus to viruses. Specifically, those that reside within the cells of beneficial insects, such as Anagyrus vladimiri, a wasp widely used to control mealybug pests across the globe. In their recent study, published in June in the Annals of the Entomological Society of America, Yehuda Izraeli, Ph.D., Einat Zchori-Fein, Ph.D., and their team recently discovered a double-stranded RNA virus, Anagyrus vladimiri Reovirus (AnvRV), in the ovaries of female wasps.
Wyoming Develops an IPM Program to Combat Insecticide Resistance in Alfalfa Weevil (westernipm.org)
It’s a simple fact of pest management: overuse any one control technique and the pest will eventually develop resistance to it.
It’s exactly what happened with the alfalfa weevil in Wyoming.
“Alfalfa is the number one crop in Wyoming both in terms of cash value and acreage,” explained Tyler Jones, the farm manager at the University of Wyoming’s Sheridan Research and Extension Center. “In 2019, Montana was noticing reduced efficacy of the one available insecticide for alfalfa weevil and started testing for resistance. They asked us to send weevils to test and found high levels of pyrethroid resistance.”
“Very high levels of resistance,” added Beth Fowers, the research scientist at the center.
Could Cereal Rye Be the Next Johnsongrass or Kudzu? (growiwm.org)
It’s easy to understand why cereal rye makes up 44% of all U.S. cover crop acreage. It produces large amounts of biomass, reduces soil erosion, and suppresses weeds. But could the same traits that make it a popular cover crop also make it a future weed problem? Researchers at Auburn University compiled an overview of previous research to provide an answer.
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
IPM, Pesticides, and Risk: Musing on Messaging
Speaker
Dan Wixted is retiring after 34 years as a pesticide safety educator, first with the Pesticide Applicator Training program at the University of Wisconsin and then with the Cornell Pesticide Safety Education Program. He’s served on the Cornell Integrated Pest Management Program’s Community IPM Coordinating Council, the New York State Department of Health’s School Environmental Health Program Steering Committee, and EPA’s Certification and Training Assessment Group. Dan received the Outstanding Accomplishment in Extension Award as part of Cornell’s Pollinator Health Team, the Excellence in IPM Award from the Cornell IPM Program, and the Professional Recognition Award for Risk Communication from the American Association of Pesticide Safety Educators.
Date: September 10, 2025
Time: 11:15 am - 12:15 pm
Location: Zoom (meeting link will be sent to you upon registration)
Ornamental Tree and Shrub ID & Insect Walk
UMass Extension's Ornamental Tree & Shrub ID & Insect Walk is on Wednesday September 10th!
Join Dr. Mandy Bayer, Horticulturist and Landscape Plant Specialist, and Tawny Simisky, UMass Extension Entomologist, for a walk around the grounds at one of Massachusetts’ beautiful botanic gardens. This 2-hour walkabout will focus on trees and shrubs with seasonal interest as well as insect pests that are active and suggestions for management. Dress for walking; held outdoors rain or shine. For more information and to register, visit our Event's page!
Register for EPA’s Webinar on Mitigation Measures to Protect Endangered Species from Pesticides
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will hold a public webinar on September 16, 2025, at 2:00 PM ET to provide information on the ecological runoff/erosion and spray drift mitigation measures that can be used to protect endangered species from pesticides. These measures are part of EPA’s online menu of mitigation measures pesticide users can choose from depending on their crop, region, agronomic practices, and the individual field to protect endangered species. The mitigation menu approach is intended to improve flexibility for pesticide users by providing options that work best for their situation, while still achieving an appropriate level of mitigation.
Urban and Community Webinar Series
Host: UC IPM Program
This monthly webinar series focuses on pest identification, prevention and management around the home, garden and landscape. Dates and topics below, all begin at noon Pacific.
- September 18: When Wildlife Become Pests
- October 16: Tree and Shrub Pests
- November 20: Autumnal Antagonists: Pests during Fall
Seeds of change: Assisting gene flow for climate adaptation Coffee Talk
Join authors Eve Beaury (New York Botanical Garden), Matt Brincka (New York State Parks), Grace Gutierrez (University of Massachusetts Amherst), and Bethany Bradley (University of Massachusetts Amherst) to learn more about the newly published NE RISCC Research to Practice Paper "Seeds of change: Assisting gene flow for climate adaptation". Following a presentation on the conceptual background and a case study, we’ll answer questions and host a facilitated discussion with event participants. Anyone interested in climate adaptation and seed sourcing strategies is welcome to join this free event. This event is co-hosted by the Northeast Regional Invasive Species and Climate Change Management Network (NE RISCC) and the Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center (NE CASC).
Date & Time
September 25, 2025, 10:00 AM in EST
Previously featured
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
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.
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
“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
WNY PRISM is currently seeking a new Terrestrial Invasive Species Program Manager to join our team!
The Terrestrial Invasive Species Program Manager (Program Manager) will be responsible for the coordination and further development of WNY PRISM’s terrestrial and early detection species management efforts, which involves a broad, and challenging scope of work. Primary responsibilities will include coordination of field operations such as invasive species surveys, site assessments, removal and habitat restoration, ensuring project data is both complete and accurate, coordinating regional collaborative efforts, and communicating WNY PRISM information through meetings, workshops and additional outreach activities. Core programs include WNY PRISM’s Crew Assistance Program, where WNY PRISM assists partners with various management activities, and WNY PRISM’s Early Detection and Response Program, which has WNY PRISM leading regional efforts to survey, monitor and remove priority early detection species. The Program Manager will produce program reports, manage and analyze data, manage stewardship equipment and inventory, and ensure all necessary permits, permissions and insurance documents are in place for stewardship activities. The Program Manager will also hire, train and supervise a Field Crew Leader and the WNY PRISM Crew.
For more information, to view the full job description, and to apply, please visit: https://www.wnyprism.org/about/job-opportunities/.
This is a full-time position located in Buffalo, NY. The deadline for applications is Friday, September 26, 2025. Please follow all applications instructions, failure to do so may disqualify you from the position.
Questions about this position may be directed to Andrea Locke, WNY PRISM Coordinator, lockeas@buffalostate.edu. No phone calls, please.
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.
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 Opportunities
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