News, Events, Jobs, and More

Spotted Lanternfly Preparedness Conference: Join UMass Extension in learning more about the spotted lanternfly on Feb. 7, 2019. The conference will provide the latest research and information about the identification, life cycle, impact, monitoring, and IPM options that are known for this insect. Landscapers, arborists, tree wardens, foresters, nursery operators, lawn care professionals, grounds managers, and tree fruit and small fruit growers are encouraged to attend. Preregistration is required, as space is limited.

Spotted Lanternfly Basics: Webinar Announcement: Join us for this upcoming webinar series about spotted lanternfly. Four webinars are scheduled for 2019, each focusing on a different set of susceptible crops.

New York Announces New Comprehensive Invasive Species Management Plan: The NYS DEC and the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets, co-chairs of the Invasive Species Council, have announced the adoption of the Final Invasive Species Comprehensive Management Plan. The overarching goal of the plan is to minimize the introduction, establishment, and spread of invasive species throughout New York. Download the complete PDF.

NASS Releases Honey Bee Colony Report: The National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) has released a report about honey bee colony losses in the United States, including data for individual northeastern states. Although losses of 10–16 % were reported in 2018, the report indicates that the total number of colonies remains unchanged from the previous year, as lost colonies were offset by newly added ones. NASS has been tracking data since 2015.

Deborah Grantham Appointed Director of Northeastern IPM Center: Deborah Grantham has been named director of the Northeastern IPM Center. She took the reins, effective September 16, following Mike Hoffmann's tenure as interim director.

Challenges and Opportunities for Ecologically-Based Growers: Even as expectations for higher-quality food rise, we face water and air pollution, loss of beneficial organisms, and increasing persistence of pests.

Foundations of IPM, Organic Point Way Over Barriers: Adherents of organic and IPM practices share a basic principle: emphasis is placed on human health, the environment, and economics.

Ecologically-Based Growers Face Obstacles and Market Could Help: Money has spun the world of food, particularly food produced using IPM and organic practices.

IPM and Organic Moving Forward Together: Is it time to re-assess and re-label both IPM and organic as ecologically-based?

Job Opportunities

December 13, 2018
Job Opportunity: Western IPM Center Director: The Director will provide overall leadership of the Western IPM Center (WIPMC), with responsibility for its successful management and operations, including supervision of WIPC staff. The Director will collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders to identify regional IPM needs and objectives and formulate strategies to address important IPM issues. The Director will communicate with the WIPMC Advisory Committee and represent the WIPMC to other agencies at the state, regional, and national levels to identify opportunities for collaboration. Apply by Feb. 15, 2019.