IPM News and Events Roundup 10/29/2021
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.
North Central IPM Center October Newsletter is out. Read about Center project updates, Seasonal pests and more.
Red Tomato Fall Newsletter is out. Read about how supply chain issues impact local foods, Regional food hubs and more.
Glyphosate vs Alternatives in the Landscape: Hazards to Human Health and the Environment:
People often ask about alternatives to glyphosate because of perceived concerns about health and environmental effects. Joe Neal and Andy Senesac, Extension Weed Specialists with NC State and Cornell, respectively, put together an excellent piece on alternatives to glyphosate for weed control in landscapes. They looked primarily at effectiveness, but let’s compare the labels of products they mentioned with respect to hazards to people and the environment, because that’s why people are looking for alternatives in the first place.
Pest Management in New York State Food Handling Establishments: Regulations and Common Pests
This webinar, presented by Dr. Matthew Frye focuses on Regulations and Common Pests. Pest management in food handling establishments is necessary to protect public health and mitigate risks to the food supply. This first segment offers insights about laws and regulations related to food safety in New York State, and provides an overview of the pests occurring in and around food facilities
The New York State IPM Program’s “What’s Bugging You?” page has been renovated an updated
Their goal is to help you identify, understand and, where needed, safely manage the critters found in and around your home, garden, school, places of work and worship. Use of the word “critter” is intentional; not all things that buzz, crawl or slither are pests! Some insects may be pollinators that play an important role in the ecosystem, and some animals can help reduce the numbers of ticks and other pests in your yard.
Watch for high silverleaf whitefly activity in the Southeast
Large populations of silverleaf whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci) have become more common during the fall in the southeastern United States, including Alabama. This increase has resulted in a reduction in the yield of vegetable crops affected by this insect. These include yellow squash, zucchini, tomato, cucumber and snap beans.
UMass Extension’s newest Insect Xaminer on Spotted lanternfly
An established population of spotted lanternfly (SLF) was recently confirmed in Fitchburg, MA in 2021. Do you know what to look for right now and where to report it? Until the first couple of hard frosts in Massachusetts, keep your eyes open for SLF adults. You can also search for egg masses, which is how these insects overwinter.
New York State DEC has a new series on pesticide management in English and Spanish. They cover safety, stewardship, handling, regulations, reading the label, and more.
Along with the outreach for the new video “Uninvited,: The Spread of Invasive Species” comes Invasive Species Education and Outreach Initiatives from the NY DEC.
The introduction, spread, and management of invasive species is heavily influenced by the actions of citizens who live, work, and recreate on public and private lands and waterways of New York. Education and outreach about invasive species increase awareness and knowledge, which are necessary precursors to behavior changes that could reduce risks throughout the State.
Creating a Community Tree Plan: A guiding Document for your Tree Commission
We often hear how important planning is, but for some of us shade tree commissioners that are "doers" we can find it tedious and boring. We want to go out and plant some new trees in town or work on getting declining and dangerous trees removed, instead of writing a community tree plan. Some of us even worry that a written plan will cost money we should be using to manage trees, or the plan will just collect dust on a shelf. A community tree plan does not need to be long or complicated to provide a guiding document for your shade tree commission.
USDA-Agricultural Research Service and collaborating Scientists tackling Tar Spot threat to US Corn
Caused by the fungus Phyllachora maydis, tar spot appears as black, roughly circular discolorations on the leaves, husks and stalks of corn plants. A tan halo sometimes surrounds the spore-filled spots, creating what's known as a fish-eye lesion. Outbreaks of the disease, which was first detected in northern Indiana and Illinois in 2015, can reduce grain yields by 20 to 60 bushels an acre. Tar spot is now also found in corn-growing areas of Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Florida, and southwestern Ontario, Canada.
Invasive Species:
Spotted Lanternfly News:
The webinar “Emergency Response to Spotted Lanternfly”, from Finger Lakes PRISM is available for watching.
An overview of SLF. What it is, what is does, and why we are worried, Brian Eshenaur, Sr. Extension Associate, Cornell University and NYS IPM NYS response to SLF- where it is currently, what is being done, and how we can mitigate the impacts, Thom Allgaier, NYS Dept. of Ag and Markets A response plan to SLF. How to mobilize your community, develop and disseminate a communication plan, and engaging your stakeholders in the region, Linda Svoboda, CCE Broome; Judy Wright, CCE Seneca; and Hilary R. Mosher, Finger Lakes PRISM Detailed Q/A session with expert panel including Lower Hudson PRISM, iMapInvasives and CCE Grape Team.
Webinar: Penn State’s Extraordinary Effort to Eradicate the Spotted Lanternfly, Nov 4 12noon
Since 2014, when the spotted lanternfly first was “spotted” in Berks County, the invasive pest has not just spoiled many outdoor events and but threatened Pennsylvania’s $18 billion agriculture industry as well. Drs. Julie Urban and Michela Centinari, two Penn State University researchers will describe the University's all-hands-on-deck effort to eradicate the pest.
New Spotted Lanternfly Communication Resources:
Finger Lakes PRISM has postcards, signs, doorhangers and more at their SLF education page. Scroll all the way down for downloadable PDF files.
New York State IPM SLF page is constantly updating their resources. Aside from the map, which is updated bi-weekly, See the page on Insecticides for use on SLF in NY. Please check the list for your state, as these rules do vary by state.
Of course Penn State’s SLF page has the most research and resources, but I want to put in a plug for the NE IPM Center’s StopSLF.org page. The highlight on this page is the research page.
New York Forests one year later – Hemlock Woolly Adelgid update from Mark Whitmore
Mark provides an update on efforts taken in the past year to reduce the harmful impact of Hemlock Wooly Adelgids, and discusses the impact of climate change on the prevalence of invasive species affecting forests throughout New York State.
New York Invasive Species Research Institute’s October Research Digest
To create this research digest, they scan over two dozen ecology journals for papers on 1) invasive species present in New York State, or the Northeast region, 2) theoretical concepts or models which may have implications for management in New York State, or 3) economic, social, or ecological impacts of invasive species on a regional or global scale. The goal is to help managers and partners across the state of New York and beyond to more easily keep up to date on current research.
Research:
The Efficacy of Ultrasonic Pest Repellent Devices against the Australian Paralysis Tick
Thus, this study tested the effectiveness of nine ultrasonic devices with different sound frequencies against female I. holocyclus. Testing found that ultrasonic devices produced less than 19.5% repellency. The low-level repellency from ultrasonic repellers means that they cannot be recommended for prevention against tick bite.
“We know that invasive forest insects and diseases are a serious threat to forest health and biodiversity, but this study now shows that these insects and diseases can also have a significant impact on the ability of our forests to store carbon,” said Gary Lovett, senior scientist emeritus at the Cary Institute in Millbrook, N.Y., and a co-author of the report.
They find that supply chains for two popular processed products in the United States, French fries and pasta sauce, will be remarkably resilient, through planting adaptation strategies that avoid higher temperatures. Land and water footprints will decline over time due to higher yields, and greenhouse gas emissions can be mitigated by waste reduction and process modification. Our integrated methodology can be applied to other crops, health-based consumer scenarios (fresh versus processed) and geographies, thereby informing decision-making throughout supply chains. Employing such methods will be essential as food systems are forced to adapt and transform to become carbon neutral due to the imperatives of climate change. Article here.
Webinars, Conferences, Meetings and more:
New Hampshire Landscaping for Water Quality workshop, Nov 3 & 4, virtual, fee
Participants will learn how to use ecological concepts and landscape features such as rain gardens, vegetative buffers, and other green infrastructure to protect lakes, rivers, streams and bays. Instructors are from universities, university centers, university extension, environmental agencies, municipalities, and private enterprise.
IPM and Museum Management Webinar Series, Nov 3-18
In November, there will be three presentations on the intro and history of museum IPM, pest threats from wood-borers and protein/cellulose consumers, and pest threats from omnivores and rodents. These sessions will all be presented by a special guest Carol DiSalvo, former NPS Service-wide IPM Coordinator.
Penn State’s Extraordinary Effort to Eradicate the Spotted Lanternfly, Nov 4 12noon
Since 2014, when the spotted lanternfly first was “spotted” in Berks County, the invasive pest has not just spoiled many outdoor events and but threatened Pennsylvania’s $18 billion agriculture industry as well. Drs. Julie Urban and Michela Centinari, two Penn State University researchers will describe the University's all-hands-on-deck effort to eradicate the pest.
Wildlife Management in Urban Forests and Landscapes, Nov 4, 12noon
From birds to mammals like squirrels, raccoons and deer, arborists & urban foresters encounter a variety of wildlife species. Join Dr. Paul Curtis, Cornell University, as he discusses appropriate strategies to manage and reduce urban human-wildlife conflicts.
Thursday November 4, 2021
NYS IPM Fall Seminar Series 11:30-12:30
“Integrated strategies for management of multiple diseases and fungicide resistance in strawberry”
Dr. Natalia Peres, University of Florida
Dr. Peres conducts basic and applied research on important diseases affecting strawberry production in Florida. The goal of her program is to develop a better understanding of the etiology of the diseases and the environmental factors affecting their development, and to provide integrated disease control tools including the use of Decision Support Systems, UV and thermotherapy. Dr. Peres also works closely with the strawberry and the ornamental breeders on developing cultivars with some level of disease resistance and oversees the Plant Disease Diagnostic Clinic.
Registration link https://cornell.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0U50Wz1cVeC789w
Friday November 5, 2021
NYS IPM Fall Seminar Series 12-12:30
“Dealing with mice in your home” followed by the IPM Minute “What to do if stink bugs got inside?”
Registration link https://cornell.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2bGk6z3JhWS4tIG
New York State First Friday webinar: Dealing with Mice in Your home and What to do if stink bugs get inside, Nov 5, 12 noon
West Virginia Women in Agriculture Conference, Nov 8-10, virtual
The annual West Virginia Women in Agriculture Conference provides research-based and practical educational opportunities for agribusiness women while fostering networking and leadership development. Workshops focus on the five areas of risk management and production enterprises. Farm tours highlight successful operations and provide opportunities for participants to learn from other’s experiences. The conference rotates annually to demonstrate the diversity of agricultural enterprises throughout West Virginia.
New York Cooperative Extension Better Together – The Power Of Inclusion un-conference, Nov 10, 1pm
This two-hour gathering is open to all CCE staff interested in, or working on, issues of inclusion. Our goals are to facilitate sharing, reinforce our common goals and create new connections. The first hour will include reports from organized groups, with ample time for questions and dialog. The 2nd hour will be participant-driven, using topic-focused breakout groups to delve into some of the difficult questions we face around our inclusion work.
Weed Biocontrol Summit, Dec 12, virtual
Please join the virtual NAISMA Weed Biocontrol Summit on December 2, 2021, from 11am-3pm CT. The Annual Weed Biocontrol Summit communicates the
latest information in weed biocontrol research to North American invasive plant managers, educators, and researchers. In 2021, they focus on international collaborations, which are a critical component in developing weed biocontrol opportunities for our most troublesome weeds. Without foreign exploration and research and development through international collaborations, weed biocontrol simply would not exist. This year you will hear from international partners spanning five continents that help make biocontrol a readily available weed management tool for North America
2021 Maryland Water Monitoring Council Annual Conference, Dec 2-3, virtual
The MWMC is pleased to announce its 27th Annual Conference, Environmental Justice in a Time of Climate Change. This virtual conference will explore themes relating to a more equitable application of strategies across communities to address the shift to a new climactic normal and the environmental problems faced disproportionately by residents of disadvantaged areas.
Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention, Feb 1-3 2022, Hershey Lodge, PA
This convention has become the premier grower event in the Northeast. They are planning for an in-person event. Registration will open Nov. 15.
Employment Opportunities:
Northeast SARE has two positions available:
The Grant Program Assistant will support the operations of our six competitive grant programs. Review of applications will begin November 22 and applications will be accepted until the position is filled. This position will assist individual grant program coordinators, each with unique annual cycles of activities, to coordinate the application process; manage review of applications; and support the setup and management of awarded projects. The ideal candidate will be highly organized, understand sustainable agriculture and grant making, and be eager to work with a diversity of people
The Communications Professional at Northeast SARE is responsible for the development, design, and content of publications, news releases, and social media to assure the program message is consistent, clear, and targeted. Review of applications will begin December 6 and applications will be accepted until the position is filled. This position serves as Northeast SARE’s public information officer. They will provide clear and consistent information to program audiences about SARE’s grants-making and educational opportunities and manage all program communication channels including print, digital (website, blog, and other electronic communications channels) and social media. The ideal candidate will be highly organized, understand sustainable agriculture and grant making, and be eager to work with a diversity of people.
Director, the Food Connection, University of Kentucky
The Director of The Food Connection serves as the administrative officer and program leader for the Food Connection. Primary roles include evaluation of UK Dining compliance with contractual local food purchasing requirements; expanding opportunities for farm-to-institution food sourcing in Kentucky; designing and delivering reports to UK administration, the media, and stakeholders; developing and leading educational programs and events for on- and off-campus audiences; managing the unit budget; supporting the unit’s research and Extension activities; supervising employees; and managing the Food Connection’s physical facilities and equipment.
Funding Opportunities:
USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service has several funding programs open
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is announcing fiscal year 2022 assistance opportunities for agricultural producers and private landowners for key programs, such as the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP), and Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) program. While USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) accepts applications for these programs year-round, producers and landowners should apply by state-specific, ranking dates to be considered for this year’s funding.
USDA-AFRI Critical Agriculture research and Extension Grant Program
The Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) Critical Agricultural Research and Extension (CARE) program is designed to address urgent challenges affecting the nation’s food system by promoting partnerships among researchers, extension experts and practitioners in food and ag enterprises. Ideally, efforts in an AFRI CARE grant will lead to practices or solutions that can be used in the field. Proposlas are due Sept 15, 2022.