IPM News and Events Roundup 3/4/2022
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.
Upcoming webinars and other meetings hosted by the Northeastern IPM Center
Tarping in the Northeast: A guide for small farms, March 16, 11am ET
This resource is the product of a Northeastern IPM Center-funded working group on tarping and soil solarization. Working group member and presenter Sonja Birthisel, along with her colleagues, sought to create a thorough and application-oriented guide that identifies best practices and fills key knowledge gaps. It covers many uses of tarps, including stale seedbed preparation, cover-crop termination, and application in perennial systems.
2022 Northeast Integrated Pest Management Research Update Conference, March 24 10:30am
This conference hosted by the Northeastern IPM Center (NEIPMC) will feature updates from active projects funded by the NEIPMC’s Partnership Grants Program. In addition, the online conference will have updates from IPM-related projects funded through the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program and USDA-NIFA’s Applied Research and Development Program (ARDP) and Extension Implementation Program (EIP).
Learn about Tarping on Northeast Farms with New Guide
Based on research and farmer experience, the guide covers a range of management practices from using tarps for weed seed depletion, minimal tillage, and cover crop-based no-till, and uses case studies to highlight the methods of farmers across the Northeast. By combining the details of tarp logistics and management alongside the science of the practice, it is designed to support farmers in learning more about tarping and how to implement it to improve soil and weed management on their farm.
The Central Issue for February is out, newsletter of the North Central IPM Center
There’s a new Coffee Rust PMSP out, upcoming webinars in the region, research updates and job bank too.
New York Dairy and Field Crops Survey
Dr. Toni DiTommaso's Weed Ecology Lab is currently working on a project to determine what weeds are currently problematic in field crops compared to twenty years ago; assess farmer knowledge and concerns regarding regional weather changes and perceived weather-related weed management challenges; and related adaptations already in use in response to these changes
Penn State as released fact sheets on several mushroom disorders
The full-color fact sheets are categorized by the pathogens causing the disease and the affected mushroom part to facilitate ease of use in the field. They include “Syzygites Disease on the Agaricus Mushroom,” “What is Integrated Pest Management? IPM for Mushroom Farms,” “Bacterial and Viral Diseases of Mushrooms,” and “Mushroom Fungal Diseases.” The are available in English and Spanish.
EPA Releases Final Analysis of Model Used to Estimate Pesticide Concentrations in Groundwater
In April 2021, EPA released the draft Analysis for public comment. In response to public comments and a peer review by experts in soil science, hydrology, environmental fate of pesticides, and groundwater modeling, EPA has updated and included additional clarification of its scientific analyses in the final Analysis released today.
A study of Culex quinquefasciatus as a model for insecticide resistance mechanisms of mosquitoes to PBO-synergized pyrethroids indicates that PBO alone may not be enough to control highly pyrethroid-resistant mosquitoes. The researchers recommend that mosquito resistance to PBO-synergized insecticide be closely monitored through a routine resistance management program to ensure effective control can be achieved.
EPA updates Endangered Species Protection Bulletins
The US EPA has released an improved version of the online application for Endangered Species Protection Bulletins that pesticide applicators are required to reference when directed by a product label.
Which Ticks Spread Powassan Virus?, a New infographic from the Northeast Vector-Borne Disease Center
Powassan virus is spread to people by the bite of an infected tick. Although still rare, the number of reported cases of people sick from Powassan virus has increased in recent years. This infographic summarizes NEVBD-supported research to understand if lone star ticks and American dog ticks can acquire and spread this pathogen.
Lone Star Tick: Why Land Management (Not Just Climate Change) is Driving Boom
So far, lone star ticks are causing the biggest problems in certain regions, such as Long Island and other Atlantic Coast islands, but they are starting to make their presence known from New York and Pennsylvania to Michigan. Part of the reason for the high numbers in some areas, as well as their expanding range, is the changing climate, especially in the winter, according to Rochlin. A long period of cold weather can kill ticks, but short cold snaps are not enough. As climate change ushers in more winter temperature swings, tick populations can not only soar but can also move farther and farther north.
The World Just agreed to end plastic pollution
Officials from 175 countries agreed yesterday to craft a global treaty over the next two years with the aim of ending plastic pollution. The resolution agreed to yesterday came during an annual assembly of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in Nairobi, Kenya. When the gavel landed, officials stood up to clap and pump fists.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is posting and seeking public comment on the National Marine Fisheries Service’s (NMFS) draft revised biological opinion (BiOp) for malathion, chlorpyrifos, and diazinon, three organophosphate insecticides commonly used to control foliage and soil insect pests. Public comments will be accepted for 60 days.
Avian Influenza update:
Avian influenza confirmed in a backyard flock in CT
Prevent backyard flocks from avian influenza. The key to preventing the spread of the disease is biosecurity. Often heard but frequently misunderstood, biosecurity refers a set practices that all poultry owners should know and implement to protect their poultry flocks from disease.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, and Belonging (DEIJB):
Invasive Species:
Research:
Average infection prevalence was four times higher in western compared to eastern subpopulations. In eastern North America, the proportion of infected monarchs increased three-fold since the mid-2000s. In the western region, the proportion of infected monarchs declined sharply from 2000-2015, and increased thereafter. For both eastern and western subpopulations, years with greater summer adult abundance predicted greater infection prevalence, indicating that transmission increases with host breeding density. Environmental variables (temperature and NDVI) were not associated with changes in infected adults. We found evidence for migratory culling of infected butterflies, based on declines in parasitism during fall migration. We estimated that tens of millions fewer monarchs reach overwintering sites in Mexico as a result of OE, highlighting the need to consider the parasite as a potential threat to the monarch population. Article here.
The researchers demonstrated experimental acquisition and transmission of Heartland bandavirus by Haemaphysalis longicornis ticks. Virus was detected in tick salivary gland and midgut tissues. A total of 80% of mice exposed to 1 infected tick seroconverted, suggesting horizontal transmission. H. longicornis ticks can transmit the virus in the transovarial mode.
A recent study verified that people working outdoors are at increased risk of tick bites. Of 3,503 individuals surveyed, 50% worked in an outdoor profession and 56% lived in "environs"—defined as urban areas with at least 50% of the population living in medium-sized towns [20,000–99,999 inhabitants] or areas with at least 150 inhabitants/km2. Around 70% of participants reported at least one previous tick bite. Forestry workers had the highest risk for tick bite, followed by farmers—exposures relevant to field conditions. People living in rural areas and environs were twice as likely to have a previous tick bite as people in urban areas. The study shows that rising numbers of TBE and Lyme borreliosis (LB) cases indicate a need for further prevention strategies, focusing on outdoor professions and people living outside of urban settings.
A female Cape brown tick, Rhipicephalus capensis tick was recently detected on a human traveler returning from South Africa. Distribution of R. capensis is restricted to the Western Cape Province and southwestern Northern Cape Province, and adults primarily parasitize large wild ungulate hosts. Only one previous introduction has been documented, on imported South African plant material in 1985. The report provides information on other incursions by South African ticks into the US in association with imported floricultural materials and speckled Cape tortoises. Exotic tick incursions highlight ongoing challenges from the international movement of humans, animals, and goods carrying ticks of human and veterinary importance.
“I live on Long Island and we have tons of lone star ticks. They are everywhere, including our backyard, and we are exposed to them every day in the summer,” says Ilia Rochlin, Ph.D., entomologist at Rutgers University’s Center for Vector Biology and Stony Brook University Department of Microbiology and Immunology, and lead author of a sweeping new analysis, published in January in the Journal of Medical Entomology, that explains how land-management practices—and not just climate change—have driven the rise of these irritating and sometimes disease-causing pests. Article here.
Webinars, Seminars, Meetings and more
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in New York, March 7, 7pm – 8pm
Join Cornell Cooperative Extension and Dr. Chad Wall, Field Veterinarian for NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets, to learn about the current outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, the threat it poses to NYS poultry production, and how we can protect our birds and stop the spread! This event is for Small Production Flocks as well as Backyard/Hobby Flocks. Topics covered include symptoms of the disease, keeping your poultry safe, and what will happen if the disease is found in your flock or a flock near you. The update will leave ample time for Q&A - bring your questions!
Assessing the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of National Park Service Employees and the Risk of Exposure to Chagas Disease Vectors: A Brief Summary of Results, March 7 12noon MST
Chagas disease (CD), caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, is a neglected parasitic infection in the United States (US). In the Southwestern US, National Park Service (NPS) employees are a unique population with potential exposure to CD. This population lives in close contact with several species of sylvatic triatomine bugs, the vectors of T. cruzi, that may enter residential buildings at night. We investigated how NPS employee knowledge and attitudes impacts their triatomine bug preventive behaviors and compared various triatomine bug collection techniques in Big Bend National Park. The current study offers insight on best practices regarding triatomine bug surveillance and prevention, as well as the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of NPS employees regarding CD vectors.
Ticks and Tick-Borne Pathogens Open Community Webinar Series, March 8-June 14
This webinar series is geared towards researchers working on ticks and the bacterial, viral or eukaryotic pathogens they transmit. The webinars will focus on highlighting data and bioinformatic tools provided by the NIAID bioinformatic resource centers, VEuPathDB and BV-BRC. In addition, we welcome open discussion during the webinars so we can learn about your research needs the BRCs might be able to provide
Mosquito BEACONS: Biodiversity Enhancement And Control of Non-Native Species, March 9 12noon
This webinar takes an in-depth look at a working group, Mosquito BEACONS: Biodiversity Enhancement And Control of Non-native Species, that brings leadership together in the mosquito control communities to reevaluate priority areas for invasive species in research and Extension, identify new stakeholder needs, build strong multi-state and -county collaborations, and promote sustainable IPM infrastructure. See the IPM Hour Webinar Series info here.
On the Horizon: New findings in tick biology, ecology, and control, March 10, 2:00pm ET
Ever wanted to enjoy the outdoors without the prospect of tick bites and tick-borne diseases? You’re not alone! With an up-“tick” in tick-borne disease cases, it is important to understand tick biology and ecology in order to manage your risk. Sponsored by the Eastern Branch, this webinar will feature a panel of tick experts to share their current research on tick biology, ecology, and control. Our panel will also answer audience questions on how you can protect yourself from tick bites while outdoors.
Biological Control: Partners in the Garden, New York State IPM 2022 Conference, March 15 & 16, virtual, fee
Learn to recognize and encourage your existing biological control partners. Have you ever noticed hoverflies around your flowers or seen ladybug larvae munching on aphids in the vegetable garden? Taking advantage of the natural enemies already occurring in your garden is an excellent way to reduce pesticide use.
PA No-Till Winter Soil Health conference, March 14 & 18, in person, Lebanon & Mercer County, PA
This year the No-Till Alliance is pleased to once again host two of our popular Winter Soil Health meetings. Each will focus on a variety of topics of interest to both new and experienced no-tillers through a combination of presentations dedicated to the latest research and trends, to farmer experience with transition to full no-till and cover cropping and discussion of practical methods to reduce costs in the face of expected high input costs in 2022.
A Conversation on Kudzu, March 16, 12noon ET
A Conversation on Kudzu: when research intersects with management, good things happen." Our guest speakers include Stephen Enloe, a professor and extension specialist at the University of Florida IFAS Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants, and Steve Manning, President of the Pacific Northwest Invasive Plant Council, and founder of Invasive Plant Control, Inc. (IPC).
State of the Science: Swallow-wort biocontrol, March 23, 1pm
Researchers from New York, Rhode Island, and Michigan will provide an overview of their work, along with an overview of the results of the swallow-wort cage monitoring project that SLELO PRISM participated in. Presentations will be followed by a panel discussion where researchers and attendees can ask questions and learn from each other.
Saffron Cultivation from Here and There 2022, March 23 & 30 11am-2:30pm, virtual, fee
The North American Center for Saffron Research and Development at the University of Vermont (UVM) is hosting the 6th annual workshop on Saffron production and marketing. Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world, with a retail price of over $5,000/lb. It is made from the stigmas of a fall-blooming crocus flower (Crocus sativus), and is used as a culinary spice, coloring agent and medicinal herb. Saffron is a high-value crop that could significantly strengthen sustainable agriculture, and preserve the rural working landscapes of North Hundreds of farmers across the Northeast are growing saffron with great success. Saffron experts from Spain, Iran and the US will share their knowledge.
Starting and Improving Farms conference, April 1 & 2, in person, Boalsburg, PA
This conference is designed for potential farmers who are interested in learning more about launching your new and beginning farm enterprise. Small and part-time farmers seeking additional information, and existing farmers seeking to increase profitability through diversification or expansion, are invited to attend.
Employment Opportunities:
Funding Opportunities:
This is a modification of the 2021 RFA, with changes and additions in red. CARE proposals are due Sept 2, page 64.
Pests and Beneficial Species proposals are due Aug 25, 2022, page 13 of the RFA.
Lots of other opportunities included in this RFA so read it over carefully.
Northeast SARE Graduate Student Research Program
Northeast SARE's Graduate Student Research Grant Program supports graduate student research focused on sustainable agriculture using either or both natural and social science approaches. Proposals due April 15.
USFWS Invasive Species Rapid Response After Action Report RFP
Summarize the manner and timing of actions that occurred to respond to the moss ball incident, including those taken by Federal and State agencies, regional organizations, and industry. Identify gaps in regulation, enforcement, and other authorities, commenting on changes that may be needed to prevent similar circumstances; Provide recommendations for actions needed to: Mitigate risk from the aquarium, water garden, and pet trade prior to, at the point of entry, and after entry into U.S. commerce; Improve preparedness for response to AIS introductions; and Address other issues identified through the analysis. Proposals due April 29.
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has created a new agricultural energy efficiency rebate program to help agricultural producers in the Commonwealth reduce energy consumption on their farms through the use of energy efficient technologies. Commercial ag producers who conduct normal farming operations in Pennsylvania are eligible to apply (i.e. farm on 10 or more contiguous acres of land OR farm less than 10 acres but have an anticipated yearly gross income of at least $10,000).