IPM News and Events Roundup 7/2/21
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.
Two Bees in a Podcast, from the Honey Bee Research and Extension Lab at the University of Florida
63 Episodes on all manner of bee topics.
Central NY sees six cases of rare tick disease so far this year
There have been three cases of anaplasmosis, typically a rare disease in Central New York, in the last five years. Onondaga County has reported six cases so far this year.
Several publications for pesticide retailers and home users from several sources
Proper Storage, Sale and Display of Retail Pesticides, a guide from Clemson University
Development of Educations Programs for Retails Stores that sell Pesticides, from Journal of Extension. From 2004, needs updating!
For Retailers: Businesses that Sell Pesticides to the Public, from Pesticide Environmental Stewardship
Addressing Customer Questions and Complaints: What every Agricultural Retail Employee Should Know, from Purdue University
Avoid Illegal Household Pesticide Products, from US EPA in English and Spanish
Heat, Humidity and Healthier Homes
Many areas of the U.S. have been experiencing extreme heat and drought in recent weeks. These trying conditions can lead to comfort issues, distress, and even acute health concerns. In some areas of the country, especially in moist climate zones, the summer heat can be further exacerbated by excessive moisture and humidity. This can lead to similar comfort and health concerns, while also increasing the potential for building durability and mold issues. The Indoor airPLUS Construction Specifications include regionally-specific requirements to help address excessive moisture and humidity with the design of the home’s mechanical systems.
USDA seeks input on how it can advance racial justice and equity for underserved communities
This includes accessing, enrolling, and participating in USDA programs and services, and engaging with USDA staff. USDA seeks to identify opportunities in current USDA policies, regulations, and guidance to address systemic inequities. USDA requests input on how to best engage external stakeholders and community members representing marginalized, vulnerable, or underserved communities in order to increase participation in USDA programs, services, committees and decision-making processes. Comments collected until July 15.
USDA-NIFA update week of June 30
Take a look at the first article on wildfire air pollution impacting birds; From the Director on a new monthly Nutrition Security Webinar Series; learn about NIFA’s newest National Science Liaison focusing on minority serving institutions, and research on genetically engineered spotted wing drosophila.
Northeast Vector-Borne Disease Center June Newsletter
2021 Spring Activity Roundup, 2021 Priority Areas, Pesticide Resistance Monitoring Network and more.
Invasive Species:
USGS is updating the Comprehensive List of Non-Native Species Established in 3 Major Regions of the US-Looking for input
One of the lead authors, Annie Simpson, contacted invasive species experts seeking feedback and suggested additions – based on authoritative resources such as peer reviewed journal articles, pest alerts, databases, books, and technical bulletins. The published version of this dataset will be made freely available on USGS' ScienceBase (https://www.sciencebase.gov), and all reviewers will be acknowledged in the dataset's abstract. Ms. Simpson seeks input by 25 July, 2021. If you are interested in adding to this update, please email me directly at nec2@cornell.edu. I will send you the zip file excel file. Examples of welcomed input: specific suggestions for changes to the US Register, backed by an authoritative reference; references about species introduced to the US; references with approximate dates of introduction of species.
Asian Jumping Worms: A Homeowner’s Guide now available
Jumping worms, a group of species originally from Asia, are invasive species that alter soil qualities and make it inhospitable for some plants and animals. They do this by consuming the upper organic layer of soil, which leaches nutrients and erodes the ground. This makes it hard for many plants (including garden plants) to grow and threatens even the most well-tended lawns. What’s worse– humans spread worms without realizing it, carrying jumping worm egg cases (cocoons) in soil, mulch, potted plants, landscaping equipment, and even the treads of shoes and tires. This guide was developed by the Jumping Worm Outreach, Research & Management (JWORM) working group to help homeowners identify and prevent the spread of jumping worms.
New York Invasive Species Mapping Challenge, July 2021
During the month of July, submit reports to iMap for any of the 5 focal species to help fill data gaps and compete to win a trophy for APIPP! Join us for a kick-off webinar to learn from the experts about identifying these species, and how the challenge works. This year's focal species are jumping worm, water chestnut, European frog-bit, Tree-of-heaven, and new this year: Beech Leaf Disease nematode.
Sort of like this Roundup but for invasive species. There’s a lot here!
Research:
Special Collection: Drones to Improve Insect Pest Management, Journal of Economic Entomology
From crop-munching caterpillars to disease-transmitting mosquitoes, insects that threaten crops, ecosystems, and public health are increasingly being targeted with new pest-management strategies that deploy unmanned aircraft systems (UAS, or drones) for detection and control. Article here.
Wildfire smoke affects detection of birds in Washington State
Few studies have looked at wildfire smoke impacts on animals, let alone birds. And as Washington and the larger West Coast continue to experience more massive wildfires and smoke-filled air, understanding how birds are affected by smoke — and how air pollution may influence our ability to detect birds — are important factors for bird conservation. Article here.
Populations of Drosophila suzukii fruit flies – so-called “spotted-wing Drosophila” that devastate soft-skinned fruit in North America, Europe and parts of South America – could be greatly suppressed with the introduction of genetically modified D. suzukii flies that produce only males after mating, according to new research from North Carolina State University. Article here.
Serge Olivier Kotchi of the Public Health Agency of Canada has been studying how climate change affects the incidence of vector-borne diseases in Canada, including Lyme and West Nile Virus. The medical geographer and his colleagues recently published a study in Remote Sensing which showed that the risk of Lyme disease is expanding north in Canada as temperatures change. In particular, they found that between 2000 and 2015, Lyme risk doubled in the province of Quebec and tripled in Manitoba. Article here.
Webinars, Conferences, Meetings and more:
Managing Soil Amendments for Food Safety and Soil Health, July 15, 2pm ET
Soil amendment use is one option among a number of management practices that growers have to support plant growth and build healthy soils. Some soil amendments are biological soil amendments of animal origin (BSAAO) and they are primarily used as a nutrient source and to build up organic matter in the soil. However, the use of BSAAO in produce production can present a microbial food safety risk by introducing human pathogens into the soil as well as the broader farm environment.
NY Dept of Environmental Conservation is offering 3 webinars focused on Pesticides, July 21, 23 and 28 all at 6pm ET
What to expect when you are Expecting an Exterminator, How to become a Pesticide Applicator and New York State Pesticide Use and Regulations.
New York Nut Grower’s Association Summer Program July 24, Cambridge, NY
Join them at the Cambridge American Legion Hall in Washington County for talks on various aspects of nut growing: research on hazelnut cultivars, hazelnut processing and post-harvest care, walnut blight, the NYNGA English Walnut Project, the right soil for nut trees, commercial processing of nuts, and research into historical New York nut tree nurseries and then visit a nut orchard in either Cambridge or Stephentown after lunch. Participants will have a chance to meet other growers and share information
2021 Summer Student Seminar Series, July 9-Aug 20, 3pm ET
USGS is hosting a new seminar series focused on providing undergraduate students and early career scientists insight into federal career options as well as how various federal agencies work on invasive species issues nationwide. Hear from a variety of federal agencies such as USGS, NOAA, Army Corps of Engineers and more on a variety of topics.
Pennsylvania-based sustainable agriculture association (PASA) Summer Workshop Schedule of in-person and virtual events, July 14-Sept 15
PASA has opened registration for its summer lineup of on-farm workshops and virtual events, featuring farmers and food system professionals from across the region. These educational farmer-to-farmer events are designed to provide practical knowledge and spark inspiration.
Women in Pest Control Conference, Sept 30-Oct 1, Houston, TX
Registration is open for this conference rescheduled from last year.
Employment Opportunities:
State Specialist/Professor, Plant Pathology and Director of the UNH Plant Diagnostic Lab (UNH-PDL). University of New Hampshire, Durham
This position is a non-tenure track 80% Extension appointment with UNH Extension and a 20% teaching appointment with the UNH College of Life Sciences and Agriculture in the Department of Agriculture, Nutrition and Food Systems. The Extension State Specialist will collaborate with faculty, Extension specialists, and agricultural stakeholders to undertake engaged outreach as part of a team working to develop and implement innovative, relevant, and impactful programming in the field of plant health.
Invasive Species Outreach Educator, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Saratoga County, Ballston Spa, NY
The Invasive Species Outreach Educator performs education and outreach for the Capital Region Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISM) across eleven counties in upstate NY. The Educator also collects field data and report surveys; writes educational content for social media posts, newsletters, and other communications; promotes events; recruits volunteers; trains volunteers and staff; and assists with statewide programs including invasive species awareness week.
Funding Opportunities:
USDA Environmental Quality Incentive Program
NRCS is providing $10 million to support climate-smart agriculture and forestry through a targeted EQIP signup in Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. States were selected based on demonstrated demand for additional support for climate-smart practices. This pilot will be expanded through a comprehensive effort across all states and programs to support farmers, ranchers and forest landowners in fiscal year 2022.
Funds available for invasive plant control in Maine
The Maine Forest Service, a bureau of the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, will provide up to $85,000 over the next two years for local governments, municipalities, educational institutions, non-profit organizations, and private family woodland owners to obtain Invasive Plant Control Practice Plans (IPCPP) for their woods.