IPM News and Events Roundup 12/17/2021
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.
This will be the last Roundup of 2022. There’s a lot happening in early 2022 though, so stay tuned.
Nebraska reports 1st ticks to rest positive for bacteria that causes Lyme disease
Ticks found in Nebraska tested positive for the bacteria that causes Lyme disease, marking the first time the bacteria has been found in the state’s black-legged tick populations.
They unveil a new website featuring a new interactive map and enhanced features for community engagement. Download the app to report tick encounters and to help further our research efforts.
New Pathogen and Tree Fruit Health Map app from USDA-ARS
ARS researchers created a new tool, called Pathogen and Tree Fruit Health Map (PATHMAP), which will connect growers in different states and allow them to share important data regarding tree fruit diseases, disorders, and insect pests. See the video to learn more.
University of Maryland Extension has a blog in Spanish: Extensión en Español
The most recent blog describes how to protect crops from freezing, and demonstrates effective methods for identifying and preventing damage caused by freezing. You can also find other blogs on topics such as fruit, orchards, pests and pollinators.
El posteo de blog más reciente describe cómo proteger los cultivos de las heladas y demuestra métodos efectivos para identificar y prevenir los daños causados por las heladas. También se puede encontrar otros posteos sobre temas como frutas, huertos, plagas y polinizadores.
A Case Study Documents Forest Losses due to White Pine Blister Rust
In this blog, Faith Campbell will use one site-specific study to demonstrate what forest resources we are losing as a result of non-native pest introductions – in this case, the pathogen causing white pine blister rust.
EPA extends Expiration Deadline for Pesticide Applicator Certified Plans to November 4, 2022
As specified in the rule, existing certification plans remain in effect until EPA completes its reviews and approves the proposed plan modifications, or until those plans otherwise expire on March 4, 2022, whichever is earlier. Due to the impact of the COVID-19 public health emergency, the complexity of plans, and the need for careful review of program-specific issues and questions, EPA is extending the existing plans’ expiration deadline from March 4, 2022, to November 4, 2022.
There are three main tools used to mitigate HWA and its impacts. These include insecticide treatments, biological control agents such as predatory insects, and cultural practices such as breeding hemlock for resistance and regenerating other desired tree species where hemlocks have died. While HWA has caused significant hemlock mortality across much of the tree’s range, many trees are surviving and in need of treatment.
First case of Rabbit Hemorrhagic Fever discovered in a NY county
The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets has confirmed a case of Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus 2 (RHDV2) in a domestic rabbit in Montgomery County. RHDV2 is a highly contagious and fatal disease of domestic and wild rabbits that was first found in the United States in 2018. The investigation is ongoing to determine the source of the virus in this case. RHDV2 does not affect humans or other animals.
The Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Sciences Departments of Marine and Coastal Sciences and Plant Biology, along with the Rutgers Center for Agricultural Food Ecosystems (RUCAFE)—a part of the New Jersey Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health—are launching a unique “Science Storytelling as Community Engagement” initiative. The intent is to increase understanding and dialogue between Rutgers scientists and the broader community. Distinguished professor Oscar Schofield, chair of Marine and Coastal Sciences noted, “it is imperative for scientists to find innovative ways to engage the public in science learning. This is our fundamental responsibility as a land-grant institution.”
Lessons from the Pandemic: Maine’s Local food system during COVID 19, a report
While the pandemic is not yet over, and it’s too soon to draw conclusions about long-term impacts, the survey results give farm and food business service providers, as well as consumers, unique insight into key areas that need support. Read the resulting report and its key findings, which we hope will help inform a community of practice around ways farms and food businesses and their ecosystem can empower greater resilience for if/when there is another crisis that impacts our food system in Maine.
Fuel made from Ethiopian Mustard can power jet planes?
Currently, producing carinata-based SAF costs more than conventional aviation fuel. As part of coordinated efforts to advance sustainable avial fuel, the Biden Administration proposed tax credits for SAF production meet 100 percent of aviation fuel demand by 2050. This incentive could potentially attract investors to establish the necessary supply chain for carinata-based SAF in the southern United States, which could drive demand for the crop and inspire farmers to grow carinata in the region.
The Central Issue, Newsletter of North Central IPM Center for December is now out!
As usual, the newsletter is full of resources, events and research items. Check it out.
Farmers continue to struggle with skyrocketing fertilizer prices
Fertilizer prices continue to skyrocket, as much as 300% in some areas, as farmers grapple with increased costs as they prepare for the 2022 growing season.
Invasive Species:
Research:
Effects of Climate on the Variation in abundance of Three Tick Species in Illinois
The aim of this study was to determine if climate factors explain existing differences in abundance of the three aforementioned tick species between two climatically different regions of Illinois (Central and Southern), and if climate variables impact each species differently. Results suggested that the maximum average temperature and total precipitation are associated with differential impact on species abundance and that this difference varied by region. Results also reinforced a differential level of resistance to desiccation among these tick species. Our findings help to further define risk periods of tick exposure for the general public, and reinforce the importance of responding to each tick species differently.
Predictive model for microclimate temperature and its use in mosquito population modeling
A new study reports the development of a model based on machine learning to precisely predict local or microclimatic temperature within breeding grounds of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. The model revealed that the insulated conditions of storm drains could result in the survival of 84% of juveniles and eggs and 96% of adults during the winter months, a time of the year when mosquitoes are assumed to be dormant.
The effects of climate change on a species composition, succession and phenology: a case study
Climate change has altered the thermal and chemical marine environment in the Northeast and the arrival of new invasive organisms, such as sea squirts, have altered the marine community. However, it has been difficult to assess the joint effects of climate change and invasive species on marine communities over decadal time scales. To address this knowledge gap, the authors replicated an earlier 3-year study (1979 – 1981), beginning in 2003. Their study correlated changes in multiple environmental indicators with species composition changes under a pier in the Great Bay Estuary, Newcastle, NH. In the earlier time series, dissolved nitrogen and phosphate were important to the community (which consisted of perennial species), while in the 2003-2005 period temperature, pH, and chlorophyll a were most correlated to the community which had become dominated by annual species.
The concept that nitrogen fertilization affects residue decomposition – and therefore the incorporation of residue into soil organic matter stores – isn’t new. But previous studies showed conflicting results. That’s why Mulvaney and Tanjila Jesmin, a doctoral researcher in NRES, set out to clarify how residue quality and the form of nitrogen affect corn residue decomposition in a typical Corn Belt soil. Article here.
Webinars, Conferences, Meetings and more:
Growing Microgreens, Jan 3 6pmET, Univ of Maine and NH Extension
In this webinar, participants will learn about the optimal growing conditions necessary for producing high-quality microgreens indoors as well as the variety of seeds available and their flavor profiles.
Winter Activities for Invasive Plant Control, Jan 5 11:30am ET
Join this free interactive webinar where you will learn about safe and effective winter control methods and find out which plants can be treated now or should be left alone for later. Rod Walker, Blue Ridge PRISM President, will provide a short update of recent PRISM activities and will then be followed by a question and answer session with our expert panel focusing on how to control invasive plants during the winter. Submit your questions beforehand (during registration) or ask them live
Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference, Jan 6-9 2022, Savannah Georgia
The premier fruit and vegetable show in the south.
Turf Ornamentals webinar series: Greenhouse and Interiorscapes, Jan 11-Feb 22 9amET ($20/webinar)
Greenhouse and Interiorscape professionals and pesticide license holders are invited to join us for Turf and Ornamentals: Greenhouse and Interiorscape, covering insects, diseases, and biological controls in greenhouse and interiorscape settings. Participants will learn the latest in pest and disease control.
2022 DelMarVa Soil Summit, Feb 7-8, Salisbury, MD
Soil health experts from across the country will present at the 2022 Delmarva Soil Summit on Monday, Feb. 7 and 8, 2022, at the Wicomico Youth and Civic Center in Salisbury, Md. Whether you farm 2 or 2,000 acres, live on Delmarva or beyond, this conference will deliver information for all production systems and scales, providing the “Groundwork for the Future.”
10th International IPM Symposium registration is now open, Feb 28-March 3, Denver
Implementing IPM Across Borders and Disciplines
Self-paced on-line tick training course from Florida State Extension
The CDC Southeastern Center of Excellence in Vector Borne Diseases has developed a self-paced online tick training course that offers an introduction to ticks, tick-borne diseases, and tick control for those in the urban pest management industry, public health entomologists, and anyone interested in learning more about ticks. Learn more and enroll for free.
Massachusetts State Apiaries programs in 2022
The Massachusetts Dept of Agricultural Resources Apiary Program has collaborated with the UMass Stockbridge School of Agriculture and the Essex Agricultural and Technical High School to create two state apiaries in the Commonwealth with the goal of promoting honey bee health. Education days in 2022: Honey Bee Education Days, April – October; Honey Bee Health March 15 & 22; 2022 Lunch and Learn series April-October.
Northeastern IPM Center Research update conference, March 24 hold the date
The purpose of the conference is to increase collaboration and awareness of current IPM-related research and extension in the Northeast, using an accessible, engaging format. The conference will deliver brief overviews of project highlights through five-minute prerecorded presentations followed by live Q&A with the presenters.
Featured projects included those funded by the Center’s Partnership Grants Program, the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (NE SARE) Program, and USDA-NIFA’s Applied Research and Development Program (ARDP) and Extension Implementation Program (EIP).
Employment Opportunities:
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension has several openings in Extension and IPM
Extension Program Specialist I-Urban IPM Dallas
Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist – Entomology, Overton
Extension Program Specialist I - IPM San Angelo
Assistant Professor & Extension Specialist, Soil and Crop Science, College Station
Funding Opportunities:
USDA-NRCS Conservation opportunities for Rhode Island farmers and forest landowners
Through conservation programs, NRCS provides technical and financial assistance to help producers and landowners make conservation improvements on their land that benefit natural resources, build resiliency, and contribute to the nation’s broader effort to combat the impacts of climate change.
USDA-Food and Nutrition Service Farm to School Grant Program
On an annual basis, USDA awards competitive Farm to School grants that support planning, developing, and implementing farm to school programs. USDA's Farm to School grants are an important way to help state, regional, and local organizations as they initiate, expand, and institutionalize farm to school efforts.