IPM News and Events Roundup 3/18/2022
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.
Northeastern IPM Center Upcoming Events:
2022 Research Update Conference, March 24, 10:30 am ET
The rapid style conference will feature 5-minute pre-recorded presentations in which the speakers will discuss 1 or 2 highlights from their projects followed by a live Q&A. The purpose of the conference is to increase collaboration and awareness about current IPM-related research and extension in the Northeast in a fun way.
Pesticides: Part of the IPM Toolbox, Mary Centrella and Dan Wixted, Presenters, March 30, 2pm ET
A common misconception about integrated pest management (IPM) is that it is opposed to pesticides. While it's true that IPM encompasses many non-pesticide management tactics, it recognizes the importance of pesticides as part of its arsenal of pest-control measures. For pesticides to serve their purpose, proper use is critical to reduce risks to you and the environment. This presentation will provide a high-level, three-pronged introduction to pesticide safety in IPM.
Combating Slugs as Pests of Soybeans and Corn, David Owns and Sally Taylor, presenters, April 6 11am ET
Slugs pose a significant pest problem for growers of seedling grain crops—particularly corn and soybeans—in the Mid-Atlantic region. The presence and activity of slugs are associated with practices that promote soil health: namely, no-till or conservation tillage and cover crops. Periods of cool, wet weather can lead to an otherwise healthy stand being severely impacted or lost. This presentation will explore the biology of the two most common slug species and how we’re working to control them. We will discuss pesticides and their shortcomings for slug management, cultural control tactics, and new research currently underway.
Taking a Closer Look: How Strawberry Disease Risk Varies with Microclimates at Canopy Level, Mengjun Hu Presenter, May 4 11am ET
Weather stations in strawberry fields might seem like good sources of highly local environmental data, but this assumes sun, wind, and shade affect an area evenly. There can be microclimate variations at the canopy level, especially when row covers are used for plasticulture strawberry production.
USDA-National Organic Program listening session, public comments open.
Specifically, they’re looking to hear from folks about NOP’s rulemaking priorities and recommendations that the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) have made. Most importantly for our industry, they’re looking for comments on creating specific standards for hydroponic/aeroponic production, as well as greenhouse and container production. Most importantly for our industry, they’re looking for comments on creating specific standards for hydroponic/aeroponic production, as well as greenhouse and container production. During this comment period, they’re also seeking input on outstanding NOSB recommendations that include establishing organic standards for apiculture, organic pet food and mushroom production, as well as increasing the use of organic seeds, recommendations related to genetic engineering, and several other issues. Listening session is March 21, 1-3pm ET. Written comments due March 30.
The disproportionate value of ‘weeds’ to pollinators and biodiversity
A recent study found that the abundance and diversity of pollinators visiting certain weed species averaged twice that of species recommended for planting for pollinators. This relationship was also seen in a literature data analysis, which indicates that fourfold more flower-visitor species and fivefold more conservation-listed species were associated with the weeds. As well, an analysis of literature data shows that twice the number of herbivorous insect species are associated with the weeds. The flower morphology of certain weed species allows access to a wide variety of pollinator species, and they produce, on average, four times more nectar sugar than the recommended plant species.
Killing cockroaches with pesticides is only making the species stronger
Tens of thousands of people in the U.S. understand the frustration of bad roach infestations. And there may be a good reason why these bugs can be so hard to control. A burgeoning body of data suggests some German roach populations in the country have evolved resistance to pesticides, essentially rendering the chemicals useless.
UMass Extension Garden Notes first edition of the season
UMass Extension's monthly e-newsletter for landscapers, arborists, and other Green Industry professionals, plus monthly tips for home gardeners. Sections include Hot Topics, Featured Plants, Trouble makers, events and more.
Northeast Regional Vector-Borne Disease Center newsletter this week has so much in it!
2022 Resistance monitoring program starts accepting submissions May 23. Their annual meeting recordings are up and available. New research on mosquito Longhorned and Lone Star ticks. And LOTS more. Check it out.
IR-4 Project Commodity Liaison Committee Elects New Chair, Vice-Chair
The IR-4 Project Commodity Liaison Committee (CLC) has elected Todd Scholz with the USA Dry Pea and Lentil Council and Keith Pitts with Marrone Bio Innovations as the committee’s new chair and vice chair, respectively. The CLC is a stakeholder group that provides guidance to the IR-4 Project on ways the organization can best assist specialty crop growers with their pest management needs. Members represent growers who produce fruits, vegetables, nuts, horticulture and nursery crops, and other specialty crops. Members also advocate for IR-4 to elected officials and decision makers.
The revised labeling prohibits over-the-top dicamba application: On dicamba-tolerant crops after June 20 in Iowa; On dicamba-tolerant crops south of Interstate 94 after June 12 in Minnesota (the cut-off date for land north of Interstate 94 remains June 30); and When the air temperature is over 85 degrees at the time of application or if the forecasted high temperature of the nearest available location exceeds 85 degrees in Minnesota.
The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) detected in domestic poultry in the 16 states. Depopulation thus far has included more than: (1) 373,000 commercial turkeys; (2) 7.22 million commercial chickens, 2.3 million of which are in Delaware and Maryland counties adjoining southeastern Pennsylvania, including Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
Invasive Species:
Lots going around on Joro spider after release of this article:
Giant Spiders expected to drop from the sky across the East Coast this spring. Please, don’t share that one ??
A recent study showed that the jor? spider (Trichonephila clavata) can complete its lifecycle within a narrower period of suitable weather than the naturalized T. clavipes. T. clavata has an inherently higher metabolism (twice as high), and a 77% higher heart rate when exposed to low temperature, and survives better (74% compared to 50%) in a brief freeze. These findings provide useful information for planning purposes as T. clavata continues to expand its range in the US.
Joro Spider, Penn State Extension page: Jor? spiders are large, introduced spiders. Despite sensationalist reports, they are harmless to people as they are reluctant to bite and, if bites do occur, the venom is weak and not medically important.
Big Sider spreading up the East coast, but could it survive in CT?
Research:
Semi-Natural habitat surrounding farms promotes multifunctionality in avian ecosystemservices
Natural habitat around agriculture has a lot of benefits, and a study in the Journal of Applied Ecology by University of California, Davis, scientists shows that farms with surrounding natural habitat experience the most benefits from wild birds. That goes a bit against the common practice of removing natural habitat in order to discourage wildlife from hanging out around crops and bringing in foodborne pathogens. Article here. Video here.
Neuropathogenicity of non-viable Borrelia burgforferi ex vivo
Even after treatment, a proportion of Lyme disease patients suffer from symptoms collectively called Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS). A recent study demonstrated that non-viable remnants of Borrelia burgdorferi spirochetes are pathogenic to both CNS and PNS tissues, suggesting that for at least a subset of patients, B. burgdorferi fragments in the nervous system could be the cause of persistence of symptoms post-treatment, leading to long term health consequences.
Hot-Spots of pest-induced US urban tree death, 2020-2050
To plan effective mitigation, forest pest managers must know which tree species in which communities will be at the greatest risk, as well as the highest risk species. We provide the first country-wide, spatial forecast of urban tree mortality due to invasive insect pests. This framework identifies dominant pest insects and spatial impact hotspots, which can provide the basis for spatial prioritization of spread control efforts such as quarantines and bio-logical control release sites. Our results highlight the need for emerald ash borer (EAB) early-detection efforts as far from current infestations as Seattle, WA. Furthermore, these findings produce a list of biotic and spatiotemporal risk fac-tors for future high-impact US urban forest insect pests.
Webinars, Seminars, Meetings and more
Green Industry Professionals Workshops coming up, Penn State, in person
Turf and Ornamentals Conference, March 18-24
Pruning for Professionals, March 22, 25 and more
WSSA is hosting a series of two free webinars on NIFA Grant Programs, March 22 and 29
These webinars will include four 10-minute presentations by NIFA National Program Leaders and National Science Liaisons, followed by a 15-minute Q and A. Both webinars will be recorded and the recordings will be available on the WSSA web site. The presenters will be Vijay Nandula March 22and Erica Kistner-Thomas March 29.
USDA Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production meeting, March 23-24, registration ends today, March 18, so sign up now!
The public – including urban producers– is encouraged to attend. Public comments are also being accepted. The new federal advisory committee is part of USDA’s efforts to support urban agriculture, creating a network for feedback. Members were announced last month, and include agricultural producers, and representatives from the areas of higher education or extension programs, non-profits, business and economic development, supply chains and financing.
Strawberry Production and Pest Management for Northern Maine, March 23, 6pm ET
The webinar will illustrate how best to produce strawberries in northern Maine, including site preparation, variety selection, plant growth, winter protection and pest management. David Handley, UMaine Extension vegetable and fruit specialist, will lead the workshop.
A conversation on Kudzu, March 23
Coffee Talk: Embracing the Future, April 8
Invasive Species and Climate Change May 5
UMass Extension’s Landscape Education Days, March 29 & 30
Sustainable landscaping uses multiple management strategies that seek to reduce negative impacts on the environment while maintaining aesthetically pleasing landscapes. Join us virtually to learn management strategies and practices that you can implement to provide beautiful, functional and environmentally friendly landscapes for your customers.
Management of Eastern White Pine in the landscape: What does the future hold? April 5, 6:30pm virtual
Eastern white pines (Pinus strobus; EWP) have been suffering from serious health issues for over a decade now. Most importantly, changes in our regional climate have facilitated severe outbreaks of needle blight diseases. As one of the most common and largest tree species in our urban and suburban landscapes, direct management of EWP pathogens and insect pests may be necessary to maintain tree health.
NAISMA 30th Annual Conference, Nov 7-10, Ft Myers, FL
This year's conference theme is Managing for Resilience. State and national hosts are developing an agenda to highlight the area's unique ecosystems and what they can teach us about invasive species management. Together, they will protect biodiversity and prepare for climate change using the knowledge shared in Ft. Myers in November.
Employment Opportunities:
Two positions available at the New York IPM Program, Geneva, NY
As an innovative and experienced educator, you will expand knowledge and access to sustainable pest management practices in fruit agroecosystems. You will work collaboratively, across disciplines, and with a variety of stakeholders, to develop, demonstrate, and guide IPM implementation efforts in fruit crops across NYS. You will champion diversity, equity and inclusion by providing unbiased access to world-class research, industry expertise and pest management strategies to all New York farmers and growers and serve as a trusted resource, enabling stakeholders to build knowledge and develop skills to successfully implement IPM approaches to crop protection.
As an innovative and experienced educator, you will expand knowledge and access to sustainable pest management practices in livestock production systems (primarily dairy and beef cattle). You will work collaboratively, across disciplines, and with a variety of stakeholders, to develop, demonstrate, and guide IPM implementation efforts in livestock across NYS. The state is ranked #3 nationally in milk production, and first in specialty dairy products such as yogurt, cottage cheese and sour cream. There are 620,000 dairy cattle and 110,000 beef cattle. You will champion diversity, equity and inclusion by providing unbiased access to world-class research, industry expertise and pest management strategies to all New York livestock farmers and serve as a trusted resource, enabling stakeholders to build knowledge and develop skills to successfully implement IPM approaches to livestock production.
Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station has several positions open.
Positions include post-doctoral position, summer research assistants, farm staff, and more. The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station operates laboratories in New Haven and Windsor as well as outside laboratories at Lockwood Farm in Hamden, the Griswold Research Center, and the Valley Laboratory in Windsor. The Station employs approximately 92 full time Scientists, Technicians, and Support Staff. The Station hires approximately 50 Summer Research Assistants to assist Station Scientists in our laboratories between May 1 and October 31 each year.
Two Senior Scientific Specialist positions, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Senior Scientific Specialist, Vector Surveillance
Senior Scientific Specialist, Vector Biology
Funding Opportunities:
The deadline is fast approaching to apply for two Northeast SARE grants
Partnership Grant applcations are due April 12, Graduate Student Research Grant applciation are due April 19.
EPA National Centr for Healthy Housin Indoor Air Quality Grants
The National Center for Healthy housing, an EPA partner organization, has announced an exciting new funding opportunity to help communities build capacity and advance evidence-based efforts to improve health in indoor home environments by reducing exposures to common indoor air contaminants including radon, mold and moisture, dust mites, environmental tobacco smoke (secondhand smoke), pests, particulate matter, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), combustion byproducts (e.g., CO and NO2,), and other emerging IAQ issues . Applications due April 12.