IPM News and Events Roundup 10/03/2025
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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New World Screwworm Eradication Effort Update from USDA
With the recent detection of New World Screwworm within 70 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is ramping up efforts to prevent the pest from entering and threatening American livestock. This proactive approach is being led by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and involves enhanced surveillance, partnerships, and new technologies.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration conditionally approved Dectomax-CA1 (doramectin injection) injectable solution for the prevention and treatment of New World screwworm larval infestations, and prevention of NWS reinfestation for 21 days. Dectomax-CA1 is conditionally approved for use only in cattle.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is releasing the final biological evaluations (BEs) and response to comments received on the draft BEs for the pesticides bicyclopyrone and benzovindiflupyr on federally threatened and endangered (listed) species and designated critical habitats. These final BEs are part of EPA’s efforts to meet its obligations under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
Spring 2025 Unified Agenda of Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) publishes the Semiannual Agenda of Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions online at https://www.reginfo.gov to periodically update the public. This document contains information about:
- Regulations in the Semiannual Agenda that are under development, completed, or canceled since the last agenda; and
- Reviews of regulations with small business impacts under section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA).
Research in the news
Comparative Acquisition, Transmission, and Retention of Distinct Grapevine Red Blotch Virus Isolates in Relation to the Genotype and Sex of Spissistilus festinus, the Treehopper Vector (mdpi.com)
Grapevine red blotch virus (GRBV), the causal agent of red blotch disease of grapevines, is transmitted by Spissistilus festinus, the three cornered alfalfa hopper. Isolates of GRBV belong to two phylogenetic clades (I and II) and S. festinus is a dimorphic insect, with two genotypes found in the western (California, CA) and the southeastern (SE) regions of the United States. The transmission of GRBV by S. festinus is circulative and nonpropagative, yet some parameters of transmission remain to be characterized.
Friend or foe? Conservation and management of common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) (bioone.org)
Common milkweed is a creeping perennial weed that is problematic in row crops and pastures. Its ability to readily reproduce via adventitious root buds enables it to persist, and full control often requires several growing seasons of management. Although it is a troublesome agricultural weed, common milkweed is ecologically important due to its use as a food source for many arthropod species. Declines in common milkweed populations in North America have been correlated with and blamed for declines in monarch butterfly populations. This review summarizes available information on the biology, ecology, and management of common milkweed, as well as its potential uses and provisioning of ecosystem services.
The history of weed science as a discipline has been a topic of interest for decades, but it is rare for researchers to consider publications prior to the 19th century or that were not focused on North America. In this article, the development of weed identification manuals in early modern England is documented out of two genres of premodern scientific writing: agricultural treatises and illustrated herbals. These two forms of writing intersected in the late 18th century with the publication of Thomas Martyn's four-volume Flora rustica, an illustrated guide to plants in British agricultural systems. We argue that the key characteristics of modern North American weed identification guides in English (the use of the term weed to categorize plants, descriptions of plant habitats, and the use of detailed descriptions and/or illustrations of plants for identification purposes) originated in these premodern texts.
Resistance to protoporphyrinogen oxidase inhibitors in giant ragweed (Ambrosia trifida) (scijournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com)
Giant ragweed (Ambrosia trifida L.) is one of the most troublesome weed species in corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] cropping systems. Following numerous reports in 2018 of suspected herbicide resistance in several Ambrosia trifida populations from Wisconsin, our objective was to characterize the response of these accessions to acetolactate synthase (ALS), enolpyruvyl shikimate phosphate synthase (EPSPS), and protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO) inhibitors applied POST.
Associations among weed communities, management practices, and environmental factors in U.S. snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) production (journals.plos.org)
Weed species that escape control (hereafter called residual weeds) coupled with changing weather patterns are emerging challenges for snap bean processors and growers. Field surveys were conducted to identify associations among crop/weed management practices and environmental factors on snap bean yield and residual weed density. From 2019–2023, a total of 358 snap bean production fields throughout the major U.S. production regions (Northwest, Midwest and Northeast) were surveyed for residual weeds. Field-level information on crop/weed management, soils, and weather also were obtained. To determine associations among management and environmental variables on crop yield and residual weed density, the machine learning algorithm random forest was utilized.
An inheritance of long life (science.org)
Like many stressors, food deprivation elicits physiological responses not only in affected individuals but also in their progeny. People descended from ancestors who were exposed to food shortage have been reported to live longer than those from well-fed lineages (1, 2). Similarly, in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, an acute starvation event promotes life-span extension even three generations out from this event (3). Epigenetic mechanisms (heritable changes in gene expression that occur without altering the DNA sequence), including histone modifications, have been implicated in this transgenerational memory (4). Nevertheless, how they are linked to the metabolic state of the parent is not well defined. On page 1353 of this issue, Zhang et al. (5) show that lysosomes, degradative organelles activated by food limitation, stimulate epigenetic changes that contribute to transgenerational longevity in C. elegans. Notably, these changes involve the shuttling of the histone variant HIS-71 from somatic tissue (intestine) to the germ line (reproductive cells).
News
Join the Call: Support Smarter, Safer Pest Management (ipminstitute.org)
The IPM Institute of North America has launched a national campaign calling for $100 million in annual federal funding for integrated pest management research and outreach.
They are inviting organizations nationwide to sign a letter to the U.S. Secretaries of Health and Human Services and Agriculture, urging a $100 million annual investment in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) research and implementation.
Why IPM Matters
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a science-based approach that helps farmers manage pests effectively while reducing reliance on chemical pesticides. IPM protects human health, safeguards the environment, and supports farmer productivity and profitability.
- Diversify Control Options: IPM incorporates biological, cultural, and mechanical strategies along with chemical tools to improve long-term outcomes and mitigate risks.
- Enhance Sustainability: By integrating diverse pest management strategies, IPM promotes long-term ecological balance and resilience.
- Support Farmers: IPM provides growers with tools to manage pests effectively, leading to improved productivity and profitability.
- Protect Public Health and the Environment: Reduced pesticide use lessens exposure risks to humans and wildlife, contributing to healthier ecosystems.
Cornell research powers sustainable Ryder Cup (news.cornell.edu)
This marks the first time the Ryder Cup was played on a state-owned public course in the U.S. The Black Course is one of 23 state park courses and 18 facilities that have benefited from the Cornell Turfgrass Program’s 25-year partnership with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to deliver environmentally responsible practices.
The Fight Against Citrus Greening: Emerging Biologicals Offer Hope (ir4project.org)
Citrus greening (Huanglongbing or HLB) was first seen in Florida in 2005. In just 20 years, the disease has devastated the Florida citrus industry. The statistics tell the story: Florida has experienced a 90% loss of production from about 300 million boxes in 2004 to 20 million boxes in 2024 (14.1 are forecasted for 2025); more than double the production cost; 50 million trees lost; 33,000 jobs gone; and $20 billion in lost revenue. Not to mention the devastation of rural economies.
An Ancient Predator’s Shift in Diet Offers Clues on Surviving Climate Change (rutgers.edu)
Fossil teeth reveal how a 56-million-year-old mammal adapted to global warming and what it means for animals today.
Announcements
New initiative lays the groundwork for broader adoption of ecologically based integrated pest management approaches across key agricultural regions
The IPM Institute’s Sustainable Food Group has received a grant from the Walmart Foundation to conduct a comprehensive landscape analysis to help accelerate the adoption of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices in key U.S. row crop systems. The project will assess the current state of IPM adoption and map networks of trusted advisors to identify key opportunities to reduce reliance on pesticides and improve environmental health.
The initiative will map how farmers make pest management decisions and examine the influence of the university extension agents, crop consultants, agronomists, and agricultural retailers they rely on for guidance. By understanding these networks and the incentives that shape them, the project will provide insight into the best opportunities to expand sustainable practices across agricultural regions.
“The transition to lower-risk, environmentally sound pest management is essential for building a more resilient food system,” said Christopher Stevenson, Executive Director of IPM Institute. “This grant helps us better understand farmer decision-making and pinpoint practical steps that protect ecosystems while strengthening farm businesses.”
Despite proven environmental and economic benefits, IPM adoption in row crops has lagged behind fruits and vegetables. In 2025, corn, soybean and wheat will be planted on over 220 million acres in the United States. A modest increase in IPM practices presents a vast opportunity to reduce pesticide use and risks to farm workers, the environment, and consumers.
“We know that trusted advisors play a key role in shaping the decisions farmers make,” said Ariel Larson, Department Director of the Sustainable Food Group at IPM Institute. “By uncovering where the barriers and opportunities lie, this research will generate practical recommendations to engage advisors and farmers to advance adoption of practices that reduce risk and build resilience.”
Findings will be published in a white paper offering strategic recommendations for future engagement, investment and collaboration. The report will highlight key advisory networks, opportunities to align financial and business incentives, and pathways for scaling sustainable pest management across U.S. agriculture.
Paul Smith’s College is now accepting applications for the Natural Resources Conservation Master’s degree program admitting students in January, May and August 2026. Graduate Certificate students can begin their studies in August or January of each year.
Develop an advanced skillset focused on balancing the essential health and stability of terrestrial ecosystems, water, and biodiversity with the rapidly increasing demands of human society.
The college is also launching a NEW hybrid Masters of Professional Studies in Sustainable Tourism Management in August 2026! Adirondack residents enrolling in this program will be awarded a 15% scholarship to celebrate the first year of the program. Gain essential information and tools to address the rapidly expanding opportunities and sustainability challenges in international and domestic travel and tourism.
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.
Become a Northeast SARE Grant Reviewer
We invite YOU to review grant proposals with Northeast SARE!
Northeast SARE is anticipating the possibility of needing a high number of grant reviewers in the fall and winter of 2025-2026. To account for this, we are welcoming in new reviewers!
Northeast SARE compensates eligible reviewers at a rate of $52.93/hour and most review processes are a total commitment of 20-30 hours spread out over a month.
Our only requirements are: 1) experience with sustainable agriculture in the Northeast and 2) access to reliable internet.
While anyone meeting these requirements is encouraged to apply, we are especially seeking people with the following experience:
- Ability to review research methodology
- Social science
- Aquaculture
- Entomology/IPM
- Agricultural engineering
- Mycology/mushrooms
- Beekeeping
- Agroforestry
- Livestock and/or vegetable and/or fruit production
To apply please:
Review this document for more details and
Fill out the form here
Join Northeast SARE’s Administrative Council
Northeast SARE’s Administrative Council is a 23-member governance body that sets program policies for Northeast SARE, participates in the grant review process, and makes final award decisions for all grant programs. AC members include farmers, agency personnel, Extension, nonprofit staff, researchers, industry representatives and others from across the Northeast.
Currently, Northeast SARE is seeking to fill three open seats:
- A Beginning Farmer (profit/non-profit/cooperative) producing and distributing for local and regional markets.
- A Social Scientist knowledgeable about environmentally efficient agriculture and community development.
- An Agricultural geologist/Agrogeologist knowledgeable about one or more of the following fields: 1. soil formation/properties; 2. mineral applications; 3. land management; 4. water resources; and/or 5. environmental management.
For your nomination to move forward, submit a letter describing your interest and summarizing your relevant experience, plus a brief resume. Our process is that the Executive Committee of the AC will review your information and then send your nomination to the AC for a vote. New members will then join us at the summer meeting.
Webinars, seminars, meetings, and more
Newly featured this issue
Category Six Recertification Training Program being offered in October
Members of the Cornell IPM Pesticide Safety Education Program, in conjunction with the Category Six Training Committee, will host the annual Category Six Right-of-Way Recertification Training Program, October 9 and 10 at the Fingerlakes Mall in Auburn, NY.
The program is designed to advance the knowledge and professionalism of right-of-way managers through hands-on and classroom training.
Advance registration will remain open until the day of the event. Limited space will be available for walk-ins.
In-house Diagnostics for Disease Management/Red Blotch Detection in Grapevines
Host: UC IPM Program
This webinar will provide an introduction to grapevine red blotch virus including its ecology, physiological impacts, symptoms and management. It will discuss the use of loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) to detect the virus in grapevine petiole, cane and trunk tissue.
Date: November 12, 3 p.m. Pacific
National Land-Grant Impacts Database Training
Host: Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities
This training is for new and returning inputters to the National Impacts Database and their administrators. The session will cover the basics of the National Impacts Database, how submitted statements are used, and how to write effective impact statements. The webinar will be recorded and a copy will be sent to all registrants after the training.
Date: October 15, 11 a.m. Pacific
Team-Up webinar: USACE Connecticut River Hydrilla Research & Demonstration Project
Hydrilla verticillata (hydrilla) is an invasive aquatic plant and federally listed noxious weed that is spreading in the Northeast. Dense monoculture infestations can negatively affect water quality, degrade aquatic habitat, increase flood risk, and negatively affect the local economy. In this researcher-manager team up style webinar, Keith Hannon (U.S. Army Corp of Engineers New England District Project Manager) and Benjamin Sperry (U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, Engineer Research and Development Center, Aquatic Plant Control Program) will share a history of the unique strain of hydrilla that originated in the Connecticut River, their public education and outreach efforts, and the research project approach. Additionally, their perspectives on managing hydrilla, and lessons learned from the ongoing research and demonstration project will also be discussed, and they will answer questions from the audience. This free event will be geared toward natural resource practitioners and researchers, but all are welcome to attend.
Thursday, October 9 from 11 am - 12 pm Eastern
Register here: https://umass-amherst.zoom.us/meeting/register/blWhDR7cRcu9LhYTyMnds
Previously featured
2025 Mid-Atlantic Invasive Plant Council Conference
The Mid Atlantic Invasive Plant Council is hosting a conference in Richmond, Virginia on October 20 and 21 at the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens.
The full agenda is finalized and registration is open. We've arranged a fantastic lineup of speakers from local to federal government and from practitioners and academia.
Information about lodging and registration is here: https://invasivesfree.org/maipc-conference/.
Registration is $150 for General Admission and $75 for Students.
CEU's for pesticide licensure (NJ, PA, DE, Md, DC, VA, and WV), and ISA and SAF credits have been applied for.
Sponsorship opportunities are available and are live on the registration page.
Please direct all questions to info@maipc.org with CONFERENCE in the subject line.
NOFA-NY’s - 44th Annual Winter Conference
NOFA-NY’s Winter Conference convenes hundreds of farmers, food system professionals, educators, advocates, homesteaders, and gardeners who are passionate about advancing organic principles that create better food and farming systems. Please stay tuned for more.
Save the Date: January 9-10 at Purchase College
IPM Institute of North America’s Tick IPM Working Group, with support from the North Central IPM Center, is excited to announce that the sixth annual Tick Academy will be held virtually via Zoom on October 15 and 16, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. CDT. The Tick Academy offers participants the opportunity to hear the latest research, explore new tools and strategies and connect with others working to stop the spread of ticks and tick-borne diseases.
The two-day virtual conference features eleven professionals representing a range of organizations and disciplines. Speakers will share new developments and research in the field of ticks, followed by interactive live Q&A sessions. This year’s event offers free registration for students along with a virtual student-poster presentation and an online sponsor trade show each day! For more information and to register, visit: https://ipminstitute.org/services/tick-academy
Please join UVM Ext NWCS and NECCC
on Wednesdays from October 8, 2025 to November 5, 2025, for a webinar series on cover crops, interseeding, and more. Each webinar will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Eastern time. When you pre-register, you will receive a confirmation email that includes the Zoom link information for the webinar.
The dates, topics, and speakers include:
Oct. 8 - National Cover Crop Variety Testing Network: 2024-2025 Trial Results with Etienne Sutton, MU Center for Regenerative Agriculture
Oct. 15 - Cover crops and pest dynamics with John Tooker, Penn State
Oct. 22 - Cover crop interseeding and drone seeding with Jeff Sanders, University of Vermont, and Heidi Reed, Penn State
Oct. 29 - Cover crops and nutrient dynamics with Charlie White, Penn State
Nov. 5 - Cover crops and soil water dynamics with Daniela Carrijo, Penn State, and Cara Peterson, University of Maryland
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.
- October 16: Tree and Shrub Pests
- November 20: Autumnal Antagonists: Pests during Fall
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
- October 15: Planning Your Cut Flower Operation for Next Season
- November 19: Starting Cut Flowers
- December 17: Cut Flower Workshops and Events (Fresh and Dried)
Previous webinars can be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/@ccecutflower/videos
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
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
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.
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
East Stroudsburg University is hiring a Temporary Public Health Assistant
As the Temporary Public Health Assistant, you will need to think creatively and be comfortable supporting the educational outreach program for Lyme disease and tick prevention. You will be an active member of the Dr. Jane Huffman Wildlife Genetics Institute team and will work closely with the Director to identify or report tick species using geospatial analysis technology and communicating this to the ESU Campus Community. You will thrive in this role if you like combining your public health or biology background and clerical experience skills all while serving as the primary point of contact to assist customers for the department. To be successful in this role, you must be self-motivated, organized, and detail-oriented.
Insect Identification Laboratory Manager
This position is responsible for the identification of insect and arthropod specimens submitted to the Virginia Tech Insect Identification Laboratory (VTIIL), including providing information such as recommendations for their control and management when applicable. The incumbent will manage the VTIIL and produce, update, and maintain educational Extension publications, such as fact sheets and pest management guides, to support outreach efforts. Serving as a spokesperson, they will respond to general entomology inquiries from the media and deliver presentations to public audiences to enhance community awareness and understanding.
The incumbent will curate specimens into the VT Insect Collection as appropriate, in coordination with the collection curator. Additionally, they are expected to secure extramural funding (e.g., pest and invasive species surveys) to help support operational needs and activities, alongside managing both internal and external budgets. The incumbent will provide timely and accurate reporting, including annual and quarterly activity reports for VCE Extension and extramural sponsors.
Previously featured
Program Associate, part-time (24 hours/week)
The Cayuga Lake Watershed Network (the Network) seeks a Program Associate to
join our small but mighty team and support our mission of protecting Cayuga Lake and its
watershed. Founded in 1998, the Network advocates for the health of Cayuga Lake and its
watershed in a changing world by building a network of individuals, institutions, and
communities united in the protection of our region’s water resources. We do this through
community engagement, developing researched positions on issues of concern, and
collaborative watershed stewardship activities.
Highlights
-Pay: $25–$29.50/hour (total compensation, includes customizable benefits)
-Based at our Cayuga Nature Center office (some flexibility)
-Great fit for someone passionate about environmental stewardship, community, and collaboration
-Apply today! Open until filled
Postdoctoral Fellow in invasion ecology and biogeography
The New York Botanical Garden is hiring a postdoctoral fellow to work on an NSF-funded project led by Curator Evelyn Beaury. The project focuses on mapping the geography of U.S. plant trade as a driver of biological invasions, using a large dataset of historical and contemporary trade records (https://doi.org/10.1002/ecy.4106) to examine how plant introductions influence species distributions, invasion dynamics, and socioeconomic trade-offs. The research will investigate 1) how spatial and temporal patterns of trade over the past 200 years explains contemporary hotspots of plant invasion, 2) how introduction history informs our fundamental understanding of niche and range dynamics, and 3) how the socioeconomic and cultural benefits of plants in trade compare to the risk of new invasions. Funding includes all research expenses and participation at domestic and international conferences.
Cornell University, Entomology/CALS
The Department of Entomology at Cornell University is seeking applications for a 9-month, full-time, tenure-track position in the area of Field Crops Entomology. The successful candidate will develop an internationally recognized research and extension program focused on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) of grain and forage crops, including corn (>1 million acres in New York State), alfalfa hay (500,000 acres), soybeans (350,000 acres), wheat (150,000 acres), other small grains, and hemp. We seek a highly collaborative scientist who will build trust and communicate effectively with field crop farmers and other stakeholders and will interact extensively with colleagues at Cornell to achieve its Land Grant mission. In this position, research will focus on novel practices that use biological, chemical, physical, and/or cultural control methods to manage important insect pests affecting field crop growers. Research should combine insights from field trials with other approaches, potentially ranging from lab-based analyses to modeling to landscape-scale observational studies, to devise pest management strategies that enhance productivity while minimizing environmental impacts. Extension will focus on developing an impactful program that addresses the needs of industry stakeholders and promotes the adoption of sustainable practices that will reduce pest risks and improve the profitability and long-term sustainability of field crops in New York State. The candidate is expected to work closely with industry and state partners (i.e. NY Corn and Soybean Grower Association, NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets) to understand and prioritize stakeholder needs.
Open Rank Senior (Asst., Associate, or Full Professor) Invasive Species Economist
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) and the College of Science (COS) at Virginia Tech are inviting applications for a 9-month (academic year) research and teaching position at the (Senior) Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor level in applied economics with a focus on invasive and other harmful species. This broadly encompasses any species that pose threats to terrestrial and / or aquatic ecosystems, impact markets, economic decision-making and outcomes. The academic home for this position will be either the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics (in CALS), or the Department of Economics (in COS). The position also carries expectations for funding summer activities through external grants, teaching, or other mechanisms. The successful candidate will have proficiency in theoretical, analytical, and quantitative tools and methods to tackle complex problems as part of a campus-wide invasive species cluster hire. This position requires occasional travel to attend conferences and meetings.
Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences
University of Maryland Extension (UME) seeks candidates for a 12-month tenure-track Extension Educator in the Family & Consumer Sciences (FCS) program. FCS program promotes healthy and economically prosperous Maryland residents at every stage of life through education, research, and outreach programs. The Extension Educator will design, teach, implement, and evaluate interdisciplinary educational programs using research-based information for youth and adult audiences. FCS Programs will focus on improving the health and economic prosperity of residents and communities in Maryland. Specifically, this position will provide leadership and delivery of educational programming related to financial wellness, public housing affordability and eviction prevention and other areas of FCS. The FCS program includes consumer financial education, financial wellness, health literacy, mental health, and other relevant topics. This position will also create and facilitate community partnerships with local and state agencies, nonprofit organizations, school systems, businesses, and others that support extension programs and policy, as well as systems and environmental approaches. The position will conduct applied research and publish results that support the educational program. In carrying out these duties, the educator is responsible to the FCS Program Leader for programmatic leadership. For administrative matters, the individual is responsible to their respective Area or County Extension Director. The Extension Educator will be a faculty member on track for tenure and promotion to a higher rank in accordance with University policy and UME tenure guidelines within a defined timeframe.
Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences
University of Maryland Extension (UME) seeks candidates for a 12-month tenure-track Extension Educator in the Family & Consumer Sciences (FCS) program. The FCS program promotes healthy and economically prosperous Maryland residents at every stage of life through education, research, and outreach programs. The Extension Educator will design, teach, implement, and evaluate interdisciplinary educational programs using research-based information for youth and adult audiences. FCS Programs will focus on improving the health and economic prosperity of residents and communities in Maryland. Specifically, this position will provide leadership and delivery of educational programming related to nutrition education, chronic disease prevention and management, and other areas of FCS. The FCS program includes physical activity, healthy food preparation, consumer food safety and preservation, financial wellness, health literacy, mental health, and other relevant topics. This position will also create and facilitate community partnerships with local and state agencies, nonprofit organizations, school systems, healthcare providers, businesses, and other entities that support extension programs and policies, as well as systems and environmental approaches. The position will conduct applied research and publish results that support the educational program. In carrying out these duties, the educator is responsible to the FCS Program Leader for programmatic leadership. For administrative matters, the individual is responsible to their respective Area or County Extension Director. The Extension Educator will be a faculty member on track for tenure and promotion to a higher rank in accordance with University policy and UME tenure guidelines within a defined timeframe.
Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
University of Maryland Extension (UME) is seeking an Extension Educator responsible for organizing, developing, implementing and evaluating educational programs for youth, families and communities. The Educator would work with volunteers and youth development agencies to provide experiential learning opportunities for youth, leading to the development of life skills for youth. The educator is also responsible for developing an active, ongoing recruitment campaign to involve new volunteers and youth. As a tenure-track faculty member, the Educator will be responsible for providing leadership to develop focused youth development programs in cooperation with colleagues across the county and Lower Shore Maryland cluster. The faculty member will be on track for tenure and promotion to a higher rank in accordance with University policy and UME tenure guidelines within a timeframe defined.
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.
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.
Funding Opportunities
Newly featured this issue
Western IPM Center Grants Open
The 2026 Western IPM Center annual grant program uses a proposal management system that requires information for the proposal body be filled into form fields.
Exceptions are the Application Form, Conflict of Interest and Current and Pending Support forms that are supplied as Microsoft Word documents – project directors should have these filled out and uploaded as PDF files. Electronic signatures are acceptable on the Application Form. If these three forms are not completed in their entirety, the proposal will not receive a review. If you do not have access to the portal to submit your proposal electronically, please contact Matt Baur for assistance (530-750-1271).
Grants available in this RFA include Project Initiation, Work Groups, and Outreach and Implementation. The Planning Documents project type has been moved to a separate RFA that is open all year long. Please see westernipm.org or the newsletter for details.
Proposals are due by 5 p.m. Pacific Standard Time on Friday, December 5, 2025.
For electronic applications, applicants must register at https://grants.ipmcenters.org
The total amount available this year is approximately $320,000. The maximum award for each project is $40,000. Funding of new projects is contingent on continued funding from U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
If you encounter any problems or have questions please contact Western IPM Center
Grant Panel Manager Jill Schroeder at jischroe1@gmail.com.
Key Dates
November 6: RFA Webinar (2 p.m. Pacific Standard Time)
December 5: Completed application due by 5 p.m. Pacific Standard Time
Maine DACF Opens Applications for $3.5 Million in PFAS Research Grants
The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) announced today that the Fund to Address PFAS Contamination (PFAS Fund) is accepting research proposals for $3.5 million in Major Grants and Targeted Grants for the study of PFAS in agriculture.
This is the second round of research grant funding offered by the PFAS Fund to support research to help Maine farmers determine their best options for maintaining and enhancing viability despite the presence of PFAS on their property.
Three million has been set aside for Major Grants that will fund multiple projects valued between $100,000 and $500,000 over two years. The priority research topics are:
- PFAS in Agricultural Settings: Water, Soil, and Plant Studies
- PFAS in Agricultural Settings: Animals and Animal Product Studies
- Understanding and Managing PFAS in On-Farm Agricultural Settings and Products?
Another $500,000 has been allocated for Targeted Grants that will fund projects valued up to $100,000 over 18 months. Targeted Grant proposals should focus on research questions specified within the Request for Applications (RFA). The research questions address topics such as management of waste products (e.g., manure) on a farm, safe sources of food for hogs, effective communication strategies, and the extent of PFAS accumulation in pollinators.
U.S.-based public and private institutions of higher education, public and private nonprofit institutions and organizations, state and local governments, and Tribal governments are eligible to apply. All applicants are encouraged to collaborate with Maine-based producers, agricultural service providers, and/or institutions.
An information session will be held online on October 16, 2025. Mandatory pre-proposals are due November 10, 2025, and full proposals must be received by February 13, 2026. The full Request for Applications can be found at https://www.maine.gov/dacf/ag/pfas/pfas-fund-research.shtml. Questions can be submitted to PFASFund.DACF@maine.gov.
The Northeast SARE Farmer Grant program is calling for proposals.
The Northeast SARE Farmer Grant program provides funds to farmers to explore innovative concepts in sustainable agriculture conducted through experiments, surveys, prototypes, on-farm demonstrations or other research and education techniques. Farmer Grant projects must:
- Be led by a farmer who meets Northeast SARE’s definition of a farm
- Collaborate with a technical advisor.
- Impact both the farmer Project Leader and other farms in the region.
- Explore an innovative practice and/or introduce an existing practice to a new audience of farmers.
- Include outreach activities, or sharing of project impacts and results, to farmers beyond the project team and project participants.
- Align with proposal criteria
This grant program is open to farmers in the Northeast region.
- Approximately $800,000 has been allocated to fund projects
- Projects typically range from $5,000 to a maximum of $30,000
- Proposals are due no later than 5:00 p.m. EST on December 9, 2025
- Projects beginning in March 2026
- Must take place in Northeast (Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, West Virginia, Vermont, and Washington, D.C.)
- Q&A Sessions are taking place from 12-1 p.m. EST on November 4, 11, 18, 25
Previously featured
2026 Funding Available from the North Central IPM Center
The North Central Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Center has funding available for 2026 Critical Issue research projects, Working Group projects, IPM Partnerships, and IPM Mini-grants.
The Center anticipates awarding 12 to 15 projects with available funds. Each project may receive up to $30,000 for a 12-month period. Note that no end-date extensions will be available for 2026 funding as the Center’s four-year grant cycle comes to an end.
Download the Critical Issue, Working Group, and IPM Partnerships RFA or the IPM Mini-Grants RFA for more details. A Q&A webinar will be held on Friday, October 10, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. ET (10:00 a.m. CT). Be sure to register to attend.
The application deadline is Monday, December 1, 2025, at 6 p.m. ET (5 p.m. CT) except for mini-grant proposals, which will be available until funds are depleted.
The North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (NCR-SARE) 2026 Partnership Grant Program Call for Proposals is now available online at: https://northcentral.sare.org/Grants/Apply-for-a-Grant/Partnership-Grant/.
NCR-SARE’s Partnership Grant Program is intended to foster cooperation between agriculture professionals and small groups of farmers and ranchers to catalyze on-farm research, demonstration, and education activities related to sustainable agriculture.
Individual grants are limited to $50,000 total funding request per application is allowed. A total of $1,000,000 is available to fund roughly 20 projects this year.
Deadline
The deadline for Partnership Grant Program proposals is November 20, 2025 by 4pm Central. The call for proposals is online.
NCR-SARE will accept online submissions for the Partnership Grant Program. The call for proposals provides more information about the online submission system.
Partnership Zoom Session
A Partnership Grant Zoom webinar will occur on October 9, 2025 at 12pm Central. NCR-SARE intends to record the Zoom session and post it online. Register for the Zoom online at: https://umn.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_S234aVuhTEO5X7n_g-JqGw
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