IPM News and Events Roundup 10/22/2021
A weekly collection of IPM news, webinars, employment and funding opportunities and more from the NE IPM Center. If you have IPM-related research, events or other IPM news you would like to have included, please email me at nec2@cornell.edu. If you would like to subscribe to the weekly Roundup, please email northeastipm@cornell.edu. Past Roundups are archived here.
Northeast Vector-Borne Disease newsletter is always chock full of interesting items, and this week is no exception. Read about new research on ticks, mosquitos, fleas and more.
Western IPM Center Newsletter October 2021 is here! Read about their Regional Grant RFA, Community IPM Partnerships and lots more.
West Virginia IPM Chronicle Summer 2021 issue
Elderberries: A promising new crop for West Virginia, Biology and control of bagworms, and more!
HortNotes from UMass Amherst for Oct 1 – Be a Leaf Hero, SLF in MA, and more.
Check out the Bulb Supply Shortage section of Acres OnLine this week. Six inches of rain in the Netherlands left bulbs soaking in water.
Ag groups respond to EPA Chlorpyrifos ban
In the coalition letter, objectors from across the agriculture sector cited numerous concerns with EPA’s revocation decision, including the processes EPA used and lack of scientific basis. EPA’s own scientific record on chlorpyrifos shows there are many safe, high-benefit uses of the chemistry that do not pose a dietary or environmental risk. Regardless, the agency is opting to revoke tolerances for these safe, low-risk uses.
Herbicide shortage – how to plan for the 2022 growing season
First, what is causing the shortage? There are several different factors which are impacting this issue. In no particular order, the reasons for the herbicide shortage include a decline in number of laborers to unload tanker ships at gulf ports, lack of truck transportation from the ports to get the ingredients to U.S. formulation plants or formulated products to the retailers, reduced supplies of some of the inert ingredients of the formulation, shortages of materials to make containers and packaging, and Hurricane Ida that damaged a glyphosate production plant in Luling, LA.
The Upper Susquehanna Coalition webinar series is available to be listened to. This past webinar was titled “Black Rural Lives Matter: Stories of Black Rural Landowner Stewardship”, This webinar discusses a project that tells the stories of Black landowners in the northeast in their own words. The research team will interview Black landowners, with an emphasis on New York State, to learn about their unique experiences as landowners in the northeast. Much of what is known about Black landowner experience and ties to the land comes from southern studies. The team will document and share stories and to gain a regional perspective about the issues they face, strategies to combat land loss, and incentives for becoming landowners. Interviews will cover topics such as: how they acquired their land, stewardship goals, obstacles faced, organizations that have helped or hindered their goals, and opportunities moving forward.
“I tried to prove that small family farms are the future. I couldn’t do it” by Sarah Mock
In the course of my reporting, I’ve met a lot of farmers who fit this mold: passionate work-junkies positively obsessed with food, community, climate, and social change. But the longer I’ve watched, I’ve seen more and more of these farms struggle, pull back, and disappear.
JC Chong’s PestTalks blog has tips on earwig traps, and a good summary of the IR-4 Program’s research priority setting meeting, as well as the biggest issues in the four IR-4 regions. In the Northeast, priorities are fatty acid herbicide efficacy; botrytis efficacy. You can see the IR-4 2021 Project Information sheets and the presentations, which will be up soon.
New “What is IPM” video from UC Davis IPM Program: UC IPM Program is pleased to announce our new YouTube playlist for the Urban & Community IPM Webinars. Currently available recordings include: What is IPM?; Navigating the UC IPM Website and New Features; Springtime Household Pests and Plant Diseases and Abiotic Disorders.
The Importance of Local and Regional Food Hubs-The Red Tomato Example
Red Tomato is part of a series of podcast episodes with "What Is American Food?," which explores “where our food comes from and the systems and supply chain that get it to our tables.” The podcast, produced by Ali Berlow and Hannah Semler, has brought in voices from Red Tomato to share our origin story among others!
International IPM Symposium seeks poster abstracts, due Nov 12.
Posters will be organized by division: Communication and Program Analysis; Forestry/Natural Landscapes/Turf & Sod/Rangeland/Livestock/Pastures; Horticulture Crops (Vegetables, Fruits,
Nuts); Infographics; Overarching/Cross-Disciplinary; Row/Field Crops (Soybean, Corn, Canola, Pulses, Cereals, Industrial Hemp, etc.); Specialty Crops (Nursery, Greenhouse, Hydroponic,
Ornamental); Urban/Structural/Landscape/School IPM/Public Health/Veterinary. New this year is a category for infographic posters. An infographic is a collection of imagery, charts, and minimal text that gives an easy-to-understand overview of a topic. Infographics use striking, engaging visuals to communicate information quickly and clearly.
Department of Defense Notifies over 2,000 Farms that PFAS Has Been Detected in Area Groundwater
In July 2021, the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) submitted a report to Congress titled, “Status of Notifications to Agricultural Operations Pursuant to Section 335 of the Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act,” which disclosed that in March 2021, DOD notified 2,143 agricultural operations located down gradient within one mile of a military facility that known or suspected per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) releases on site have caused PFAS contamination of base groundwater. In each instance, the base groundwater has been determined to be hydrologically linked to a local agricultural or drinking water source. DOD states that, although the notifications do “not necessarily mean that PFAS is in the groundwater at the agricultural location or that cleanup is required,” DOD is following the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) and “is committed to fulfilling its PFAS cleanup responsibilities.” The report contains tables listing: (a) the involved military installations, including four in Pennsylvania (Willow Grove, Hatboro, Worchester, and Warminster Township); (b) the number of agricultural operation landowners notified; and (c) the PFAS groundwater testing levels on the DOD site.
EPA and Department of the Army Announce Call for Stakeholder Roundtable Nominations
On October 13, 2021, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of the Army (Army) announced that they are seeking nominations for ten regional roundtables, two in each of five defined U.S. geographic regions (Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, West, and Southwest), to inform the agencies on the unique geographical contexts and impacts of “waters of the United States” (WOTUS) as EPA and Army develop a new WOTUS rule. The agencies invite stakeholders to identify and submit nominations proposing a participant roster of no more than fifteen individuals representing varied perspectives, including “agriculture, conservation groups, developers, drinking water/wastewater management, environmental organizations, environmental justice communities, industry,” and other regional interests. The Northeast region consists of ME, MA, RI, CT, NH, VT, NY, PA, NJ, DE, and MD. The agencies have submitted a notice on the roundtable nominations for forthcoming publication in the Federal Register. Stakeholders should submit a self-nomination letter by email to WOTUS-outreach@epa.gov by November 3, 2021. The roundtables will be held December 2021 and possibly January 2022.
10th International IPM Symposium poster abstracts due by November 12
Your poster abstract will be published in the online program. Your work will gain international exposure to leading IPM scientists, students and practitioners. You will receive a certificate, suitable for framing, acknowledging and documenting your poster presentation at this meeting. Student Project Poster submissions will be entered into the IPM Inspiration Award competition.
Stream Water Quality Testing video
Follow along with Chesapeake Bay Foundation educator Claire Cambardella as she performs basic tests to measure the chemical water quality characteristics of her local stream.
Several good blog posts from the New York IPM Program:
Weeds in Organic Squash Production, Parts 1-3
Ten years of Spotted Wing Drosophila trapping – 2021 results
2021 Outstanding Accomplishments in Extension/Outreach to Dr. Juliet Carroll!
Invasive Species:
Spotted Lanternfly News:
Spotted Lanternfly map update – only one addition this week: Montgomery County Maryland added as infested.
Updated on SLF from Connecticut. Established population discovered in Cheshire county
Washington State launches Tree of Heaven ID effort to prepare for Spotted Lanternfly arrival
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has created a documentary: Uninvited: The Spread of Invasive Species.
The trailer is out, and the full video will be released on Nov 1. DEC's Division of Lands and Forests contracted with the Westfield Production Company to produce this documentary about the significant threat invasive species pose to New York's biodiversity and ecosystems, as well as public health and the State's economy.
Team Discovers invasive-native crayfish hybrids in Missouri
In a study of crayfish in the Current River in southeastern Missouri, researchers discovered—almost by chance—that the virile crayfish, Faxonius virilis, was interbreeding with a native crayfish, potentially altering the native's genetics, life history and ecology. Reported in the journal Aquatic Invasions, the study highlights the difficulty of detecting some of the consequences of biological invasions, the researchers say.
Authorities this year have intervened, using a chemical contraceptive to sterilize the animals without the blowback that would come from exterminating what has grown to become “the town pet.” Developed by the U.S. Agriculture Department, the drug GonaCon inhibits production of an animal’s sex hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone, putting it in “a nonreproductive state.” The USDA donated 55 doses of the drug to Colombian wildlife officials. Research: A hippo in the room: Predicating the persistence and dispersion of an invasive mega-vertebrate in Columbia, SA
Research:
Disturbing the forest: climate change and pests are leaving us with a younger forest
The researchers review current understanding of climatic effects on the abundance of forest insects and diseases in North America, and of the ecological and socioeconomic impacts of biotic disturbances. They identified 27 insects (6 nonindigenous) and 22 diseases (9 nonindigenous) that are notable agents of disturbance in North American forests.
Carbon Dioxide flush as soil health indicator related to soil properties and crop yields
There are numerous indicators to measure soil health. However, these indicators don’t always provide consistent results. In a new study, researchers report evaluating a rapid and inexpensive indicator of soil health, especially for dryland farming. Article here.
They provide an in-depth review of the components of IPM in a Varroa control context. These include determining economic thresholds for the mite, identification of and monitoring for Varroa, prevention strategies, and risk conscious treatments. Furthermore, we provide a detailed review of cultural, mechanical, biological, and chemical control strategies, both longstanding and emerging, used against Varroa globally. Article here.
Personal risk perceptions in turn positively predicted private and public dimensions of reported behaviors related to reducing the spread of AIS. Efforts to reduce the spread of AIS within the study context would be best served by emphasizing the personal impacts rather than broader social and ecological consequences from biological invasions. Agencies should also shift their attention to thinking about the role of values in explaining how people process and respond to environmental threats and degradation from AIS.
Webinars, Conferences, Meetings and more:
Natural and Working Lands webinar series, Oct 21-Dec 16
Three webinars focus on Intro to Greenhouse Gases and Soils, Livestock and Forestry. They are dedicated to identifying meaningful and pragmatic ways for working lands (farms, forests, renewable energy, homeowners) to reduce greenhouse gases. While they are focused on New York State (NYS), much of what is included here would be applicable to locations with similar climate and systems (Northeast USA, temperate zones, etc).
Maryland Water Monitoring Council/Maryland Dept of Natural Resources Student Career Chat, Oct 25 7pm
Please join us for a virtual student career chat and networking session with local leaders in the environmental science and planning fields. Our panel will share insights on their career paths, helpful courses, methods for finding internships and jobs, and pros and cons of different focus areas and sectors of employment. The career chat is targeted toward high school, college, and graduate students and will be a relaxed atmosphere primarily focused on Q&A. We encourage student attendees to come with questions for our panelists.
Identifying and Reporting Spotted Lanternfly and Tree of Heaven in New York with iMap Invasives, Oct 27 1pm
NYS is seeking volunteers like you to look for two invasive species in your area: Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) and Tree-of-heaven (TOH). You can help protect New York's agriculture and forests by knowing what to look for and how to report it to New York’s official invasive species database, iMapInvasives. For other webinars in the series and to learn more.
Glyphosate on NY State Lands, Oct 27, 1pm ET
Recent amendment to Environmental Conservation Law bans any state department, state agency, public benefit corporation or any pesticide applicator employed as a contractor or subcontractor to apply glyphosate on state property. Exemptions to this ban to maintain critical infrastructure, manage roadside vegetation to ensure public safety, for the control of invasive species and pests of significant public health importance, and for research purposes. The law is effective December 31, 2021 and requires the DEC to develop regulations addressing the parameters for glyphosate use by state departments, state agencies, public benefit corporations or any pesticide applicator employed as a contractor or subcontractor to apply glyphosate on state property. ISAC had sent a letter to the Council in 2019 regarding the importance of herbicides for the control of certain invasives.
IPM and the Complexities of American Apple Production: Perspectives from the Orchard, Oct 28, 11am ET
The challenges to successful apple production have evolved with the passage of time, as have consumer tastes. This seminar will begin with the history of apples as a crop, the evolution of production technology, and the modern demands of pest management. We will conclude with a discussion of hard cider’s modern resurgence in interest, variety, and product diversity.
Maine Farmer to Farmer Conference, Nov 1-7, virtual and in-person
The 2021 conference, held November 1 through 7, will include a combination of virtual workshops and in-person farm tours. Attendees will learn from and engage with speakers who are farmers and service providers including peers and mentors from across Maine, Vermont, Pennsylvania and other surrounding states.
Organics and IPM – Southern IPM Hour Webinar, Nov 3, 1pm ET
Organics and IPM don't have to be mutually exclusive - in fact, there are a lot of ways that these perceived separate worlds can work together - and work together quite well. This webinar will talk about the Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative (OREI) grant opportunity from USDA-NIFA and will highlight successful projects funded through that program. There will also be a chance for Q&A after the presentation. The Call for this program is expected to be released in early December of this year.
Northeast Greenhouse Conference and Expo, Nov 3-4, Boxborough MA
The biennial Northeast Greenhouse Conference & Expo is co-sponsored by New England Floriculture, Inc. - a group of grower representatives from the Northeast, augmented by University and Cooperative Extension staff in each state who specialize in greenhouse crops and management. Don’t miss this great opportunity to learn, share and connect with other industry professionals!
University of Vermont Annual Master Garden conference, Nov 5-6, virtual
The conference is for everyone who loves to garden in Vermont and beyond, providing advanced education for Extension Master Gardeners and garden enthusiasts! This year, an amazing lineup of speakers will teach about indigenous agricultural practices and their application in today’s gardens, how mycorrhizal fungi enhance plant health, mushroom foraging, heirloom plant cultivation, food resiliency, and how to develop community connections through gardens.
Biodiversity in your own Backyard, Nov 7 2pm ET
Join us for this presentation by Douglas W. Tallamy for an online seminar on how we can support the critical biodiversity of our planet on the land by planting native plants and removing invasive plants where our homes, congregations, other organizations, and businesses are located.
Northeast Aquatic Plant Management Society (NEAPMS) Conference, Jan 11-13, 2022, Hyannis, MA
This year's schedule will again include workshops on Tuesday afternoon and technical sessions running from Wednesday morning through noon on Thursday. Please mark your calendars and plan to join them for the annual meeting.
The North American Plant Phenotyping Network (NAPPN) Annual Conference, Feb 22-25, Athens, GA
This meeting brings together many disciplines (plant physiology, crop science, molecular biology, engineering, computer science, mathematics, statistics and more) engaged in Plant Phenomics. The meeting includes scientific talks, the NAPPN General Assembly meeting, hands-on workshops, virtual tours, and more. The conference is a Hybrid Event and the In-Person component will take place at the Classic Center in Athens, Georgia. The Virtual component will be available through Whova.
Organic Growers School Spring Conference, March 18-20, 2022, Mars Hill NC
The Organic Growers School of Asheville and national media brand MOTHER EARTH NEWS announce a collaborative effort for the regional Organic Growers School Spring Conference held at Mars Hill University, Mars Hill, NC March 18-20, 2022. This synergistic partnership creates a hybrid intersection of mission and values leveraging regional farm and gardening connections with powerful branding and an expanded market to cultivate food equity and diversity initiatives, self-sufficiency, health and well-being, and environmental sustainability in local communities.
Employment Opportunities:
The University of Maryland, College Park seeks to build on its existing strengths in Integrated Pest Management, biotechnology, risk assessment, environmental protection and species conservation by hiring a tenure-track faculty member in the Department of Entomology. We seek candidates working in areas complementary to pesticide safety and risk assessment, including but not restricted to traditional, organic, and genetically engineered pest controls, their ecological and evolutionary impacts, regulatory issues, human health and socio-economic effects, or related topics. Applicants from a diversity of disciplines and backgrounds, and who work on intersecting fields are strongly encouraged to apply. The appointee will demonstrate the creativity and passion needed to build a nationally-prominent, robustly-funded research program, the ability to establish collaborations, an interest in effective and inclusive teaching and mentoring, and the will to develop a strong extension program as the State of Maryland’s Pesticide Safety Education Coordinator, all within a department whose culture aims to help them succeed. This 9-month position is at the Assistant Professor level. However, exceptional candidates at the Associate or Full Professor levels will be considered.
Post-Doctoral Associates, Cornell University College of Ag and Live Sciences, AgriTech, Geneva, NY
Post-Doctoral Associate-Vegetable Position- Applications are sought for a post-doctoral research position studying oomycete pathogens of vegetables including Phytophthora capsici. Oomycete pathogens cause significant yield loss to vegetable growers and can be limiting factors to production in New York. This project has the goal of furthering our understanding of pathogen biology, epidemiology and genomics, working closely with breeders to identify host resistance as well as pathogen effectors
Post-Doctoral Associate-Hemp Position- Pathogens cause significant yield loss to vegetable growers and can be limiting factors to production in New York. This project has the goal of furthering our understanding of biology, epidemiology, host resistance, and genomics, of pathogens of hemp including powdery mildew (Golovinomyces ambrosiae) and downy mildew (Pseudoperonospora cannabina). This project requires working closely with breeders to identify host resistance as well as pathogen effectors.
Director, Office of Pest Management Policy, USDA
Serves as a top-level scientist and regulatory policy analyst responsible for coordinating pesticide and pest management policy within USDA.
Funding Opportunities:
Wester IPM Center Annual Grant opportunities RFA is open
The Western IPM Center offers grants in several categories. The annual grant cycle has opened for 2022, and planning document grants, student fellowships and limited special issues funding is available year-around.
USDA-NIFA Agriculture Business Innovation Center at an HBCU Institution
HBCU Agriculture Business Innovation Center refers to an administrative unit, not a brick and mortar facility. The HBCU Agriculture Business Innovation Center facilitates administration, coordination, and management of multidisciplinary and multi-institutional, teaching, outreach, and integrated projects within the scope of agriculture and business. The HBCU Agriculture Business Innovation Center serves as a focal point to assess regional and national needs in Agriculture Business and establish priorities for collaborative projects.
EPA Environmental Education Grant RFA
Under the 2021 EE Local Grant Program, 10 Requests for Applications (RFA) were issued nationally, one in each of EPA's ten Regions. All RFAs are available on www.grants.gov, where applications must be submitted electronically. EPA expects to award three to four grants from each of the EPA's 10 Regional Offices for a total of approximately 30 to 35 grants nationwide.