IPM News and Events Roundup 11/17/23
A weekly collection of IPM news, webinars, employment, funding opportunities, and more from the Northeastern IPM Center
There will be no Roundup next week, November 24, 2023. Enjoy your holiday break. - Jerrie
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.
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Northeastern IPM Center News
The Use of IPM in Beekeeping to Control Parasitic Varroa Mites
March 11, 2024 – 11:00 a.m.
Register at cornell.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_aG2wk8EKSXC2OTvB70BdrA
During this talk, you will learn about the parts of the IPM pyramid as they relate to controlling the parasitic varroa mite, widely the biggest problem in beekeeping. You will learn about breeding for mite resistance, cultural and mechanical controls, and chemical controls that are both organic-approved and synthetic. These items will be presented as a year in the life of a beekeeping operation.
Dr. Robyn Underwood received her BSc in Entomology and Applied Ecology from the University of Delaware and her PhD in Entomology from the University of Manitoba. As Penn State’s Extension Educator of Apiculture, she conducts scientific research projects to study beekeeper-applied questions and brings the results of the projects to the beekeepers through extension products that aim to make beekeeping a more successful venture.
Research in the News
A Re-Evaluation of African Swine Fever Genotypes Based on p72 Sequences Reveals the Existence of Only Six Distinct p72 Groups (mdpi.com | 11/11/2023)
The U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS) announced that researchers have reclassified the number of African Swine Fever (ASF) virus strains from 25 to only six unique genotypes. This scientific innovation may help redefine how ASF researchers across the globe classify ASF virus (ASFV) isolates and may make it easier for scientists to develop vaccines that match the different strains circulating in ASF endemic areas across the globe.
Cannabinoids function in defense against chewing herbivores in Cannabis sativa L. (academic.oup.com | 10/2023)
In the decades since the first cannabinoids were identified by scientists, research has focused almost exclusively on the function and capacity of cannabinoids as medicines and intoxicants for humans and other vertebrates. Very little is known about the adaptive value of cannabinoid production, though several hypotheses have been proposed including protection from ultraviolet radiation, pathogens, and herbivores. To test the prediction that genotypes with greater concentrations of cannabinoids will have reduced herbivory, a segregating F2 population of C. sativa was leveraged to conduct lab- and field-based bioassays investigating the function of cannabinoids in mediating interactions with chewing herbivores.
EPA Pesticide Update
[Released by EPA 11/15/2023]. The U.S. Environmental Protection agency is requesting feedback on its plan to adopt digital pesticide labels that will make labeling information clearer, more consistent, and more accessible to users. The Agency is specifically requesting feedback on the proposed organization of digital labels and the proposed phases of developing these labels.
EPA’s plan for digital labels covers the creation of both a structured label—which would provide a framework for consistently placing and ordering label information—and a digital label, which would organize the label information as electronic data. Currently, the pesticide product label registration process is mostly manual, with EPA staff reading through long, detailed label submissions to pull out specific information, like application rate, to enter into the EPA’s Pesticide Product and Label System. This has led to time consuming reviews and high cost to registrants and regulators. Further, the increasing complexity of pesticide labels and lack of standardized label format and language can create challenges for pesticide users and the public seeking information about which products to use and how to use them. The easier it is for users to find and understand label information, the better they can follow instructions to protect their safety and health and their environment.
Moving from traditional labels to digital labels and providing a database of accepted label language would make submitting label content simpler and more consistent for all pesticide registrants and would improve the Agency’s ability to review and access submissions efficiently.
EPA is requesting public comment on all aspects of structured digital labels, including:
- anticipated benefits
- risks and challenges
- key information fields (such as pesticide use site, formulation, and maximum application rate), and
- potential phases of adoption.
The whitepaper will be open for 120 days for comment at www.regulations.gov on docket EPA-HQ-OPP-2023-0562.
News
Suitable Range for Spotted Lanternfly Refined in New Study (entomologytoday.org | 11/14/2023)
In a study published in September in Environmental Entomology, a two-year project conducted by a team of Penn State University scientists provides strong evidence to support predictions that the spotted lanternfly’s potential spread will be limited by increasing altitude and latitude, saving places like the Appalachians of North Carolina and Green Mountains of Vermont from its depredations. Even in those places, however, a span of not much more than a proverbial stone’s throw or two away can make a big difference in the insect’s survival prospects.
Bedbugs Are A Problem Beyond Paris — They’re Resurgent Everywhere (today.tamu.edu | 11/14/2023)
“No one is safe,” from the threat of bedbugs, Paris’ deputy mayor said of the phenomenon in early October, and the country’s prime minister has promised the government is working to find long-term solutions for detecting infestations ahead of the Paris Olympics in June. But despite the recent uptick in sightings, a Texas A&M entomologist says the outbreak isn’t exactly anything new.
The reality is, said Texas A&M University AgriLife Associate Professor and Extension entomologist Robert Puckett, the surge is worldwide — and it’s been an issue for years.
Bees face many challenges – and climate change is ratcheting up the pressure (theconversation.com | 10/2023)
Drought conditions in the western U.S. in 2021 dried up bee forage – the floral nectar and pollen that bees need to produce honey and stay healthy. And extreme rain in the Northeast limited the hours that bees could fly for forage.
In both cases, managed colonies – hives that humans keep for honey production or commercial pollination – were starving. Beekeepers had to feed their bees more supplements of sugar water and pollen than they usually would to keep their colonies alive. Some beekeepers who had been in business for decades shared that they lost 50% to 70% of their colonies over the winter of 2021-2022.
Updated 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (planthardiness.ars.usda.gov)
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today released a new version of its Plant Hardiness Zone Map (PHZM), updating this valuable tool for gardeners and researchers for the first time since 2012. USDA’s Plant Hardiness Zone Map is the standard by which gardeners and growers can determine which plants are most likely to thrive at a location. The new map—jointly developed by USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and Oregon State University's (OSU) PRISM Climate Group—is more accurate and contains greater detail than prior versions.
It is available online at https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/. In addition to the map updates, the Plant Hardiness Zone Map website was expanded in 2023 to include a “Tips for Growers” section, which provides information about USDA ARS research programs of interest to gardeners and others who grow and breed plants.
The 2023 map is based on 30-year averages of the lowest annual winter temperatures at specific locations, is divided into 10-degree Fahrenheit zones and further divided into 5-degree Fahrenheit half-zones. Like the 2012 map, the 2023 web version offers a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based interactive format and is specifically designed to be user-friendly. Notably, the 2023 map delivers to users several new, significant features and advances. The 2023 map incorporates data from 13,412 weather stations compared to the 7,983 that were used for the 2012 map.
Furthermore, the new map’s rendering for Alaska is now at a much more detailed resolution (down from a 6 ¼ -square-mile area of detail to a ¼ square mile). "These updates reflect our ongoing commitment to ensuring the Plant Hardiness Zone Map remains a premier source of information that gardeners, growers and researchers alike can use, whether they’re located in the continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii or Puerto Rico,” said ARS Administrator Dr. Simon Liu.
The Weeds Atlas (ars.usda.gov | 11/16/2023)
The Weeds Atlas is a tool that allows for the monitoring of weed and invasive plant activities across the United States. By entering simple information that provides a brief description of the target species, location, and activity, all can contribute, and all can benefit. Contact information allows for inquiries to obtain further details on a specific location or target species. The Weeds Atlas is meant to address coordination and collaboration efforts across both research and management activities in the U.S. from all who are interested in weeds and invasive plants. So, go ahead and submit your data today!
Invasive tick species spotted in South and North Carolina after killing 3 cows in Ohio, CDC says (wyff4.com | 11/15/2023)
An invasive tick species that has killed three cows in Ohio has been spotted in South Carolina and North Carolina, and the Centers For Disease Control is sounding the alarm.
The species arrived in the Western Hemisphere in 2017, but new concerns came up after three cows in Ohio died from tens of thousands of bites.
New feline coronavirus blamed for thousands of cat deaths in Cyprus (science.org | 11/14/2023)
When thousands of cats started to die this year on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus, nicknamed the “island of cats” for its 1-million-strong feline population, the crisis made international news. The animals had fevers, swollen bellies, and lethargy—symptoms that pointed to feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), a common condition caused by a type of cat coronavirus. But scientists struggled to explain the apparent explosion in cases.
Now, researchers have identified a possible culprit: a new strain of feline coronavirus that has coopted key RNA sequences from a highly virulent dog pathogen called pantropic canine coronavirus (pCCoV). The findings, posted as a preprint last week on bioRxiv, could help explain how severe illness managed to spread so widely among cats on the island.
Web tool provides tips for identifying, controlling fall pests (cals.cornell.edu)
Insects and wildlife exhibit a variety of behaviors or adaptations that help them to survive the harsh conditions of winter. These “overwintering pests” can be quite frustrating to homeowners as they begin taking refuge indoors. While trees and rocky hillsides provide overwintering sites in nature, man-made structures that now dominate the landscape are perfectly acceptable to these organisms.
Use of AI Robots on the Rise in Japanese Agriculture (morningagclips.com | 11/14/2023)
Smart agriculture is increasingly being employed in Japan, arousing expectations that producers will be able to entrust artificial intelligence with more labor-intensive tasks to alleviate severe manpower shortages.
Large-scale greenhouse farmers are leading the way, having begun to use AI-equipped robots developed by venture businesses in ways that seem, more or less, to change the future shape of cultivating and harvesting agricultural products.
Webinars, Seminars, Meetings, and More
What’s Bugging You? First Friday Events (New York State IPM Program)
Fridays | 12:00 pm. – 12:30 p.m. EDT | Zoom | Free; registration required.
In this monthly virtual series, we explore 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. What is IPM? It's 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.
2023 What’s Bugging You First Friday Schedule
Join us Live on the first Friday of every month from Noon to 12:30 EST on Zoom.
- December 1: Houseplant IPM | Firewood pests
Register for upcoming events.
What’s Bugging You First Friday events are in Spanish this year. Individuals interested in these events can find more information on this website: https://cals.cornell.edu/new-york-state-integrated-pest-management/outreach-education/events/whats-bugging-you-webinars/conozca-su-plaga
And can register using this form: https://cornell.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3OQDpakcGrSd3tc
Wild Spotter Invasive Species Ambassador Training Course (Invasives Free USA)
December 5 – 7, 2023 | Coeur D’Alene, Idaho | $300
This intensive training will include: building relationships and partnerships and engaging stakeholders; branding and marketing programs; using innovative tools and technologies; and leveraging volunteer citizen-science coordination, recruitment, and retention to meet invasive species management goals and expand local community capacity for action.
This gathering will have limited attendance through a merit selection process. Priority will be given to participants who can demonstrate their commitment to building invasive species management capacity within their community.
2023 High Tunnel Production Conference | Revitalizing Your Tunnel Vision
University of Vermont, in cooperation with the Univ. of New Hampshire and Univ. of Maine, is holding a conference on high tunnel production in northern New England. The event, titled “Revitalizing Your Tunnel Vision” will be held December 6 and 7, 2023 in West Lebanon, NH. Speakers from the organizing institutions, along with specialists from Purdue University, and various regional companies and USDA agencies will present the latest best practices for high tunnel production. Hands-on sessions on insect and disease diagnosis and soil fertility will be offered as well as irrigation technologies, cover cropping, soil sterilization, market strategies, and more. As weather events become more extreme, high tunnel production is becoming the norm for many vegetable farmers. However, growing under plastic presents unique challenges. This conference will help new and experienced growers improve their crop yields and quality through better production practices.
In the morning of Day 1, a tour will be offered by the farmers of Spring Ledge Farm, in New London, NH. (https://www.springledgefarm.com). The afternoon of Day 1 will include hands-on sessions on how to id insects and diseases and interpret soil tests. Day 2 will be a full program of presentations on diverse key topics associated with growing the best crops. The event will encourage grower interactions to ensure the program addresses practical issues and will allow for grower-to-grower exchange of ideas. Pesticide re-certification credits (3 on Day 1; 3.5 on Day 2) will be awarded to attendees from states with reciprocal arrangements with New Hampshire.
The program is available at: https://www.uvm.edu/~htunnel/High%20Tunnel%20Conference%20Registration%20Flyer%20v9-28-2023.pdf
On-line registration is at: https://bit.ly/TUNNEL23
Contact Cheryl Sullivan at (802) 656-5434, cfrank@uvm.edu for details or to request a disability-related accommodation to participate.
2023 NAISMA Annual Biocontrol Summit
USING WEED BIOCONTROL TO REDUCE WILDFIRE RISK AND MITIGATE WILDFIRE IMPACTS
The North American Invasive Species Management Association’s 4th Annual Weed Biocontrol Summit will be held virtually on December 7, 2023, from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm CST. The Biocontrol Summit communicates the latest in classical weed biocontrol research to North American invasive plant managers and educators and aims to connect researchers to on-the-ground practitioners. This year, NAISMA is highlighting the role weed biological control can play in reducing wildfire risk and mitigating wildfire impacts throughout North America. The Biocontrol Summit integrates research and implementation of biocontrol from the regional land managers' perspective.
December 7, 2023 from 11:00 am - 3:00 pm (CST)
Insect Protein Perception Survey
Please take part in our Insect Protein Perception Survey. This survey is being conducted as part of a capstone project for the Cornell University Dyson Grand Challenges program (AEM 4000) in order to gain insights of consumers perception of insect protein and willingness to change. Completion should take approximately 3-4 minutes. The results will be viewed only by the project members and AEM 4000 staff and be presented in summarized form. All responses are kept strictly confidential, with only numeric coding on the surveys.
Your feedback will help us drive positive sustainable change and understand consumer preferences regarding insect protein. Thank you!
NOFA-NY's 2024 Winter Conference
NOFA-NY’s Annual Winter Conference draws hundreds of farmers, food system professionals, educators, advocates, researchers, homesteaders, and gardeners who are passionate about building a better food system.
Saturday, January 20 – Sunday, January 21, 2024
at the Marriott Syracuse Downtown
Classical Weed Biological Control 101 Short Course
The North American Invasive Species Management Association (NAISMA) Classical Weed Biological Control 101 Short Course is an asynchronous, professional, online short course that was created to provide you with knowledge about the science, application, and regulation of classical weed biological control. Experts from NAISMA have created this content just for you!
This asynchronous course consists of six sequenced video presentations, along with supplemental materials for in-depth learning and assessment. It takes approximately three hours to complete this online short course. This class was developed by professionals with real world experience managing invasive plants.
Registration Fee:
Free for all thanks to funding from the USDA Forest Service.
FREE TALK! Pollinate Now: Habitat Restoration in the Hudson River Watershed
Tuesday, December 5, 2023 at 7:00 pm
Learn about the largest pollinator corridor plan in the United States! This roadmap for a wide range of landscapes promotes biodiversity by creating beautiful habitats that will support at-risk bees, butterflies and moths in the Hudson River watershed.
About the Speaker: Evan Abramson, MSc is a designer and planner on a mission to rebuild biologically diverse ecosystems. Since 2019, Landscape Interactions has installed over 300 acres of habitat in the Northeast. He holds a Master of Science in Ecological Design from the Conway School of Landscape Design, Certificates in Permaculture Design and Biodynamic Gardening, and is the author of numerous publications.
Register at: https://forms.office.com/r/NRwuNMEg0E
Get Outdoors this Winter! SLELO PRISM in collaboration with partners, will hold our annual Virtual Hike Challenge (VHC) happening November 2023, through March 2024. This challenge encourages community members to get outdoors and provides simple instructions to help you keep an eye out for hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA). HWA is an invasive forest pest that kills hemlock trees which play an important role in water quality and provide many ecoservices for nature and people. HWA is confirmed to be present in Oswego County and is spreading along the Eastern Lake Ontario shoreline. Participating in the VHC is easy, all you have to do is sign-up, visit your favorite hiking trail (or visit one of our suggested survey sites), look for HWA, report your observations to iMapInvasives, and share your experience on social media! Not only will you have an excuse to get outside this winter, but you’ll be protecting your forests and will win a prize for your efforts!
If you’re interested in a more “hands-on” experience, SLELO PRISM and the Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust are hosting guided walk and talks to train volunteers to survey for HWA. Participants will learn to identify hemlock trees, recognize the signs of HWA, and report observations using a free community science mobile app called iMapInvasives. Below is a list of upcoming hikes occurring November through March (registration is required).
2023-2024 Walk & Talk Schedule (held from 10 AM- 12 PM) Click to Register
- 12/13/23 Salmon River Falls, Orwell
- 1/10/24 Trenton Greenbelt, Holland Patent
- 2/14/24 Forest Park, Camden
- 3/13/24 Great Bear Rec. Area, Fulton
Take the Pledge to Protect: Are you looking for an easy and fun way to protect your favorite outdoor spaces now and for generations to come? Take the Pledge to Protect and learn simple and fun ways you can protect your favorite hiking trails, paddle-ways, forests, garden and community from invasive species.
The Pledge to Protect was developed by SLELO PRISM as a resource intended to educate and inspire you to protect your lands and waters from the impacts of invasive species. Upon taking the Pledge, you become a “Protector” and are sent monthly email blogs that provide simple actions you can take to protect your favorite outdoor spaces from invasive species and chances to win prizes by taking the suggested actions. In addition, the Pledge to Protect offers a social media toolbox, and virtual toolboxes themed for 5 pledge categories including: gardens, communities, waters, forests, and lands & trails. Each toolbox provides you with resources relevant to the environmental category and includes, invasives you may encounter, best management practices, regional and state-wide community science opportunities, prevention methods, and many links to helpful apps and other resources. To sign up to take the pledge visit iPledgeToProtect.org.
Beech Leaf and Bark Diseases: An Emerging Threat to all Beech Trees
December 5, 2023 | 2:00 – 3:30 PM ET
Diseases impacting beech trees are an emerging forest health threat. The iconic American beech has been prized for centuries by people for its dense, shady canopy, form, stature, smooth bark, and the many nuts that benefit wildlife. Two recently emerged diseases – beech leaf disease and beech bark disease - have arborists, foresters, and homeowners concerned. These diseases also attack the European and other beech varieties. Beech leaf disease, associated with a nematode, causes leaf death, crown thinning, and eventual tree death. Beech bark disease results from an infestation of beech bark scale that predisposes trees to fungal infection. These fungi kill the inner bark tissue leading to tree death. As beech trees are some of the most desired specimen trees in public and private landscapes, these diseases are affecting people’s property values, and public park landscapes.
This webinar will provide the attendees an opportunity to obtain continuing education credits from 32 state agencies plus other organizations.
Registration Link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4483444913702781023
Northeast RISCC Management Network
'Tis the season for RISCC coffee talks!
December 6, 2023 (11am–12pm ET)
Coffee Talk: Managing for Stiltgrass in a Changing Environment
How can local management actions and priorities adapt as we navigate climate change? Join the Northeast RISCC for a conversation with Shikha Singh about “Japanese Stiltgrass: Lessons Learned While Managing for Stiltgrass in a Changing Environment.” After a brief presentation by Shikha on the successes and challenges of managing Japanese stiltgrass in public and private areas, we’ll invite your participation in a Q & A and discussion on how to meet these new challenges.
Register for our Stiltgrass Coffee Talk here!
December 14, 2023 (11am–12pm ET)
Coffee Talk: Out of Control? The Effects of Climate Change on Biological Control Agents and their Target Hosts
How does climate change affect biocontrol agents and their hosts? Join the Northeast RISCC for a coffee talk discussion on our new Management Challenge, Out of Control? The Effects of Climate Change on Biological Control Agents and their Target Hosts.
After a brief summary of the ways climate change can impact biocontrol agents and their target hosts, we will invite you to share your own experiences, questions, and concerns related to climate impacts on biocontrol programs.
Register for our Biocontrol Coffee Talk here!
30-HOUR PESTICIDE CERTIFICATION COURSE AND DEC EXAM - ELMSFORD NY
This program is designed and approved by the DEC to meet the requirements to become a Commercial Pesticide Technician in category 3a or 3b. To become a fully and finally licensed pesticide applicator, after completing this 30-hour course and passing the exam, you will then only need to either have:
• one year of verifiable experience as a
technician with an additional 12 hours of category
• specific recertification training; or
two years of verifiable experience as a technician
(Without the additional recertification training)
Several Classes offered dates ranging from January 22, 2024 – February 1, 2024
Click here to view flyer and see details
The Northeast Seed Network (NSN) is a new partnership working to increase the accessibility of genetically appropriate, source-identified seeds and plants for the ecoregions of the U.S. Northeast and North-Mid Atlantic states. I am working with the Ecological Health Network to carry out research on behalf of the NSN, with the goal of better understanding the needs and desires of native seed and plant material buyers. The goal of this project is to improve the availability of desired species and reduce shortages. If you purchase or use native seed and plant materials in your work, please consider taking the survey. The questionnaire is short, taking about 20 minutes to complete, and can be accessed at the following link: https://umassamherst.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8uniH8wVUFYpdbw.
Research Topic “Focus on Spotted Lanternfly” edited by Drs Houping Liu, Xiaoyi Wang, and Miriam Cooperband has been published as an eBook by Frontiers of Insect Science. It addresses current knowledge gaps in biology, ecology, and management of SLF through the collection of 20 outstanding articles generated by various research groups in the forefront of the struggle from the United States and China. Follow the link (https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/35779/focus-on-spotted-lanternfly) for a FREE copy (PDF/EPUB) of this 245-page eBook if interested.
Employment Opportunities
Faculty Specialist – Entomology & IPM (Full-time; Ellicott City, Maryland)
University of Maryland Extension
University of Maryland Extension is seeking a faculty specialist to join its team at the Central Maryland Research and Education Center in Ellicott City, Maryland. The specialist will assist with the entomology and IPM educational programming needs of the Home and Garden Information Center, State Master Gardener Program, and county-based home horticulture faculty. Learn more or apply at https://ejobs.umd.edu/postings/111894
University of Maine Cooperative Extension
This position will develop and conduct educational programs and applied research projects throughout the state with an emphasis on Maine’s green industry. Maine agricultural industries of focus include floriculture, nurseries, garden centers, arboriculture, greenhouse production, and clients involved in consumer horticulture. This position works with other extension faculty, advisory boards, and commodity associations to offer programs addressing the educational needs of Maine’s landscape designers, landscape professionals, nursery growers, propagators, arborists, growers, and professional gardeners.
Post-Doctoral Associate Position Shrewsbury Lab - Biological Control / IPM
University of Maryland – College Park
The Shrewsbury Lab is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Scientist to conduct research and Extension activities on biological control of the invasive spotted lanternfly (SLF), Lycorma delicatula. As part of a collaborative effort between UMD and USDA APHIS, the incumbent will examine the efficacy and impact of biological control approaches using pathogens and other natural enemies against SLF. The overall goal of the project is to provide less toxic and sustainable pest management tools to stakeholders. Click here for a full position description. Review of applications will begin immediately, and applications will be considered on a rolling basis until a suitable candidate is identified. It is strongly preferred the candidate be able to start the position by the end of October 2023 or earlier.
Assistant Professor, Extension Specialty Crops Plant Pathologist
The University of Tennessee - Knoxville: UT Institute of Agriculture: Entomology & Plant Pathology
The recruited individual is expected to develop and deliver a vibrant, nationally recognized innovative applied research and Extension education program focused on diseases of important and emerging crops of Tennessee (e.g., fruits, vegetables, tobacco, hemp, hops). The individual will provide technical expertise on disease management, will develop an educational program(s) using traditional and innovative outreach tools for diverse audiences (e.g., Extension agents and specialists, producers, regional and state leaders, Master Gardeners), and will provide leadership in developing a specialty crop Extension and outreach programs that meet the needs of all eligible clientele regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, and parental status. The candidate also is expected to develop an innovative applied research program of state, regional, or national importance that addresses important plant health and disease issues of specialty crops, to participate in the training and mentoring of undergraduate and graduate students, and to provide service to the department, university, and professional societies or organizations.
Extension Assistant Professor - Sustainable Fruit & Vegetable Production
UMass Amherst
The Stockbridge School of Agriculture at the University of Massachusetts Amherst invites applications for a full-time, 12-month, Extension faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor. The successful candidate will participate as a full member of UMass faculty in a 12-month, non-tenure track appointment.
We are looking for a candidate who will develop applied research and Extension programs that will support commercial fruit and vegetable production while investigating and implementing innovative and sustainable production systems that support farm sustainability and viability. Instructional responsibilities may include courses in sustainable horticulture, fruit or vegetable production, or related courses in the candidate’s disciplinary area.
Click HERE for more information on the position and how to apply.
Review of applicants will begin November 15, 2023, and will continue until an ideal candidate is identified. Questions can be directed to the search committee chair, Dr. Jaime Piñero (jpinero@umass.edu).
Assistant/Associate Extension Educator for Controlled Environment Agriculture
University of Connecticut
This full-time, 11-month appointment for a non-tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant/Associate Extension Educator in CAHNR to collectively advance Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA). The successful candidate is expected to develop strong working relationships with producers throughout the state; interact with UConn faculty, state, and federal agency personnel; and develop interdisciplinary extension programs. This is an off-campus, county-based position. Assignment of office location is negotiable in the northwest or northeast part of the state and requires the individual to travel.
Extension Assistant Professor - Urban Agriculture
UMass Amherst
The Stockbridge School of Agriculture at the University of Massachusetts Amherst invites applications for a full-time, non-tenure track, 12-month, Extension faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor. We are looking for a candidate who will develop an integrated program in urban agriculture involving Extension, teaching, and research.
Urban agriculture encompasses a wide range of skills and expertise that includes, but is not limited to, horticulture, indoor production, environmental remediation, soil health, community and urban development, nutrition, and food systems. A new faculty member would link efforts in these areas in Stockbridge, the Center for Agriculture, Food & the Environment, and the University in an urban agriculture and food systems program. The new faculty member will have the opportunity to modify and develop courses in urban horticulture and food systems in Stockbridge for both campus and online programs, and guide students in related internships.
Click HERE for more information and to apply.
Review of applicants will begin December 1, 2023, and will continue until an ideal candidate is identified. Questions can be directed to the search committee chair, Dr. Daniel Cooley (dcooley@umass.edu).
Northeast SARE - Hiring Administrative Operations Coordinator
The University of Vermont seeks a full-time Administrative Operations Coordinator for the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program, which is funded by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).
The Administrative Operations Coordinator oversees internal administrative operations of USDA/NIFA’s Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program, which funds applied research in twelve Northeast states and the District of Columbia. They co-manage the Northeast regional SARE office, to fulfill the University of Vermont’s obligations as a host institution for the SARE program. This involves: supervising 4 administrative staff located at UVM; collaborating with the Director to manage relationships with UVM departments and administration and to setup the cooperative agreement with NIFA; overseeing contracting processes with all grantees; serving as staffing coordinator for Northeast SARE; coordinating the organization’s policies and procedures; and overseeing the budget of five concurrent cooperative agreements with USDA by monitoring available funds, allocations made by the Administrative Council, operating expenses, and funds awarded in seven different programs.
Nursery Inspector/Entomologist I
A Nursery Inspector/Entomologist I position is currently available in the Division of Plant Industry, NH Dept. Agriculture, Markets & Food. The position is open Until November 23rd, or until filled. The New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets & Food is hiring an entomologist or plant pathologist to assist with nursery inspections and certification programs. This is a statewide position and works with regulatory staff and industries to protect New Hampshire agriculture and the environment from plant pests and diseases.
For the job description and more information for working for the State of New Hampshire, please visit: https://www.das.nh.gov/jobsearch/Employment.aspx. The job ID# is 35013
This position is with the Armed Forces Pest Management Board (AFPMB), and is located at Forest Glenn Annex, Silver Spring MD.
- Serve as the senior entomologist and technical expert with the Strategy and Information Division (SID), Armed Forces Pest Management Board (AFPMB).
- Receive, evaluate, research, coordinate, and prepares interim and final responses to inquiries pertaining to tactical herbicides locations from various offices.
- Provide instruction on technical work matters and integrate the work of other team members to produce a consistent, unified, and practical product.
- Oversee information product materials, including updating, editing, and reviewing technical guides, Department of Defense Instructions (DoDI’s), Department of Defense Manuals (DoDM’s), Website, and Disease Vector Ecology Profiles (DVEPS).
The Department of Entomology at the University of California, Riverside is seeking to fill two tenure-track positions for Assistant Professors/Assistant Entomologists, starting July 1, 2024. These positions are part of a cluster hire in the College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, aimed at enhancing the research and teaching excellence in the areas of agroecology and sustainable pest management, and genetics and genomics of arthropod vectors of human diseases.
The successful candidate will develop an innovative, fundamental and applied research program on the interface of sustainability, global change biology, landscape ecology, and integrated pest management to develop responses to endemic and invasive arthropods and vector-borne pathogens affecting commercial agriculture and urban farms. Teaching responsibilities may include participation in existing courses in IPM, insect ecology, population biology, and pest management, developing new courses in agroecology, global change and the sustainable pest management sciences, as well as supervision of graduate and undergraduate students. For more details and application instructions, please visit this link.
The successful candidate will develop a strong basic and/or translational research program investigating the molecular, genetic, and/or genomic basis of arthropod vectors of human diseases. Teaching responsibilities may include participation in existing courses on medical entomology, molecular biology, genomics, disease transmission, and population genetics, as well as development of new courses and supervision of graduate and undergraduate students. For more details and application instructions, please visit this link.
Northeast SARE Administrative Council Seeking Members
The Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program is seeking people to serve on its Administrative Council (AC). Northeast SARE is one of four regional SARE programs funded by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). The program offers competitive grant programs for farmers, educators, agricultural service providers, researchers, graduate students and others to address key issues affecting the sustainability of agriculture. To learn more about Northeast SARE, visit www.northeastsare.org
Currently, Northeast SARE is seeking to fill three open seats:
- a farmer representing the aquaculture farming community;
- a farmer representing the BIPOC farming community, and
- a person with experience working in an organization representing migrant farm employees.
To learn more about the role of the AC please visit: https://northeast.sare.org/about/our-team/northeast-sare-administrative-council/
Interested individuals should submit, preferably as a single PDF file: a letter briefly describing 1) which open AC seat they are applying for, 2) their relevant experience 3) why they are interested in serving on the AC, 4) the business or organization where they work, along with 5) their resume. Please send this information to Northeast SARE director Dr. Vern Grubinger, Northeast SARE director, at vernon.grubinger@uvm.edu by December 31, 2023.
Extension Specialist, Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP)
The University of Illinois Pesticide Safety Education Program is seeking a full time Extension Specialist to prepare and conduct training programs for commercial and private applicators. Illinois PSEP has administration support, sustainable funding, and a great working relationship with our state lead agency, the Illinois Department of Agriculture. We have a wonderful team, and we look forward to growing our program with the successful candidate.
See the attached document or this link for specific duties and responsibilities. The deadline for applications is December 6, 2023. Please note that all applications must be received through https://jobs.illinois.edu/.
Funding Opportunities
Regional IPM centers 2024 calls for proposals/requests for applications (RFAs)
- Western IPM Center: Submission deadline Friday, December 8, 2023, 5:00 p.m. Pacific
Regional IPM Centers Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) RFA's
New IPM Funding for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility Available
The Regional IPM Centers today are releasing three new diversity-focused funding opportunities with a total of about $200,000 available nationally. Specifically, the Centers are offering Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility grants, fellowships and mini-grants.
The goal of the Regional IPM Centers' DEIA grants and fellowships are to make diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility both essential and commonplace within the IPM community.
Here are the details:
- DEIA Grants: $120,000 available with awards up to $20,000 each. Applications will be considered as received, through January 31,2024 or until funds are exhausted.
- DEIA Fellowships: Up to eight fellowships of up to $6,000 each will be awarded. Individuals eligible to apply should belong to the faculty, staff or student body of an 1890, 1994, HBCU or HSI institution and should be actively involved in integrated pest management or plant health activities. Applications will be considered as received until funds are exhausted.
- DEIA Mini-Grants: Up to $30,000 available with awards of up to $5,000 each. Applications will be considered as received until funds are exhausted.
For all three programs, the proposed work or grant activities must be completed by September 17, 2024.
There was a Zoom meeting held on November 7, 2023 to answer questions and
provide more information. Recorded link: https://youtu.be/sdVAKzO2YJs
If you have any questions or would like to discuss your ideas for this grant prior to applying, please
contact DEIA Director, Dr. Katie Hartmann: kh4@iastate.edu.
Specialty Crop Multi-State Program
Program Purpose
The SCMP supports collaborative multi-state partnerships to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops through competitively funded projects The focus is to address regional or national level specialty crop issues, including food safety, plant pests and disease, research, crop-specific projects addressing common issues, and marketing and promotion. Projects must enhance the competitiveness of U.S. or U.S. territory-grown specialty crops in either domestic or foreign markets.
Project Area Types
Multi-state partners must develop projects that bring together teams for solutions to practical problems that cross State boundaries and address the needs of specialty crop growers in the areas of food safety, plant pests and disease, research, crop-specific projects addressing common issues, and marketing and promotion.
All project area types are 3-year projects with funding ranging between $250,000 and $1,000,000. Available Funding Approximately $10 million will be available to fund SCMP projects in FY 2023.
Eligibility
Entities residing in a participating state must apply through their State Department of Agriculture. Entities residing in a participating state are ineligible to apply directly to AMS.
Entities in a non-participating state may apply to AMS directly or choose to contact an adjacent participating state to apply on behalf of the entity.
Non-profits entities must apply directly to AMS.
All applicants must be domestic entities owned, operated, and located within the 50 States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the United States Virgin Islands, or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
Applications for Multi-State Partners to Participating States are due December 22, 2023, and for Participating States to AMS on January, 31, 2024.
NIFA Invests $19.6M in Crop Protection and Pest Management
The Crop Protection and Pest Management (CPPM) program addresses high priority issues related to pests, including insects, nematodes, pathogens, and weeds, and their management using IPM approaches at the state, regional and national levels.
The CPPM program supports projects that will increase food security and respond effectively to other major societal challenges with comprehensive IPM approaches that are economically viable, ecologically prudent, and safe for human health. The CPPM program addresses pest management challenges with new and emerging technologies. The outcomes of the CPPM program are effective, affordable, and environmentally sound IPM practices and strategies supporting more vital communities.
The CPPM program provides support in three program areas:
Applied Research and Development Program Area (ARDP)
Extension Implementation Program Area (EIP)
Regional Coordination Program Area (RCP)
Agency Name: Environmental Protection Agency
Description: Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of manufactured chemicals that have been widely used in industry and consumer products since the 1940s. PFAS are resistant to environmental and metabolic degradation and can build up in the environment and the human body over time [1]. The substances may be found in soil, air, water, and food as well as in materials in homes or workplaces (e.g., fire extinguishing foam, food packaging, biosolids, personal care packaging, etc.) [2,3]. Due to their widespread use, most people in the United States have been exposed to some level of PFAS. Exposure to certain PFAS may lead to detrimental health impacts including reproductive effects, developmental effects, increased risks of cancers, weakening of the immune system, and endocrine system disruption [4,5]. Agriculture and PFAS chemicals can intersect through soil, air, and water. These resources may be contaminated through dust particles, application of biosolid residues, and leaching [6,7,8,9].
A large portion of current PFAS research has prioritized data generation and information collection through theoretical science instead of practical application. Identifying, characterizing, and understanding PFAS uptake within agricultural environments will provide vital information related to exposure pathways and will help inform the development of scalable solutions. Research is essential to increase knowledge related to biological uptake in agricultural and rural settings, improve farm viability, and to explore approaches to understand PFAS accumulation in plants and animals. Future research should build upon previous foundations and develop science that has the potential to guide scalable on-farm solutions. Further research is needed to explore the exposure mechanisms of PFAS, develop mitigation strategies, and increase the general knowledge of PFAS and its health risks.
EPA is soliciting novel research that proposes innovative and multidisciplinary approaches to better understand PFAS uptake in plants and animals in agricultural environments. PFAS mitigation and contamination prevention strategies should also be an aspect of the research.
Closing Date: December 6th, 2023
Armed Forces Pest Management Board - FY24 Deployed Warfighter Protection (DWFP) Program
The Armed Forces Pest Management Board (AFPMB) invites pre-proposal applications for the Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) Deployed Warfighter Protection (DWFP) Program, for research projects up to 3 years and up to US $975,000. Pre-proposals should describe original, innovative research designed to develop new interventions for the protection of deployed military personnel from medically relevant pests including arthropod disease vectors. The program supports the product development of: (1) new toxicants or the adaptation of existing toxicants to medically relevant pests; (2) new insecticide application techniques; (3) new personal protection tools for bite prevention; (4) new decision support tools and (5) surveillance tools that link to improved vector control outcomes. Research should be product-oriented, consisting of advanced research related to a particular technology or new capability, field evaluation of products for military uses, or research directed towards the development of an existing prototype product for future commercialization and U.S. EPA registration (as appropriate).
The FY24 DWFP pre-proposal package is due 12 December 2022. The package consists of a fillable PDF pre-proposal form and project summary slide (i.e., quad chart).
For more information, see the FY24 DWFP Pre-Proposal Announcement and Broad Agency Announcement AFPMB-BAA-24-01 here. The FY24 DWFP Pre-Proposal Announcement is also attached to this message. For scientific questions, contact Dr. Gabriela Zollner at osd.pentagon.ousd-atl.mbx.afpmb-dwfp@mail.mil (do not reply to this message). Due to the high volume of messages, allow 2-4 business days for a response.
For technical issues with forms, contact the AFPMB Webmaster at osd.pentagon.ousd-atl.mbx.afpmb@mail.mil.
NOAA’s Great Lakes Bay Watershed Education and Training (B-WET) for Indigenous Communities Federal Funding Opportunity is now open.
Applications due March 1, 2024, by 11:59 p.m. ET
B-WET is a competitive grant program that supports environmental and place-based educational programs in the Great Lakes watershed. The program is seeking applications for projects that provide Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEEs) for youth that incorporate Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge (ITEK) in the Great Lakes watershed.
This Great Lakes B-WET program funding opportunity is for meaningful, place-based educational experiences that incorporate Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge as it relates to Tribal community(ies) and the local watershed. For Great Lakes B-WET, applicants may be located in any U.S. state; however, education projects must target youth in the Great Lakes region. For the purposes of this solicitation, the Great Lakes region includes counties in the Great Lakes watershed in the states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.
It is anticipated that approximately $300,000 will be available in FY 2024, in award amounts to be determined by the proposals and available funds. For each proposal, the total amount requested from NOAA should not exceed $100,000. The minimum Federal amount to request from NOAA is $50,000. Awards periods can be up to 24 months. The Great Lakes B-WET program is funded through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.
The Notice of Funding Opportunity includes information on the application process and evaluation criteria for proposals. Access the full notice and apply at Grants.gov, search NOAA-NOS-ONMS-2024-2008201
Informational webinars about the Great Lakes B-WET Indigenous Communities 2024 funding opportunity will be held:
Wednesday, December 13 at 2:00 – 3:00pm EST
Google Meet link: https://meet.google.com/tor-jzib-cry
Or dial: ?(US) +1 317-961-0737 PIN: ?847 006 002#
For additional resources on developing an application and examples of previously funded projects, including 2023 recipients of B-WET for Indigenous Communities awards go to the Great Lakes B-WET website.