October 2026 Central Issue
The October 2026 Central Issue from the North Central Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Center features the latest integrated pest management news, research, and educational resources for agriculture, communities, and natural areas. This month’s newsletter highlights fall pest concerns, soybean cyst nematode testing, armyworm activity, weed and resistance management, emerging pest control technologies, and resources for organic growers.
Explore expert advice, podcasts, webinars, and upcoming learning opportunities to support effective, science-based pest management across the North Central region Subscribe to receive the Central Issue newsletter monthly via email.
North Central IPM Center Updates
Stay informed with the latest news from the Center with the stories below. Be sure to share your favorites!
2027 Funds Available
The North Central Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Center has funding available for Working Group and Critical Issue projects in 2027. Funded projects will support the North Central IPM Center’s mission to improve human health, environmental quality, and economic conditions in the region through integrated pest management.
Projects should address regional needs and align with at least one of the Center’s regional priorities. Applicants may request a maximum of $30,000 per project.
More details are available on the North Central IPM Center website. Applications are due on Tuesday, December 1, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. ET (5:00 p.m. CT).
Other regional IPM centers also have grant opportunities available:
Southern IPM Center: Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is available now; applications are due Friday, Nov 20.
Western IPM Center: NOFO is available now; applications are due Friday, Dec. 4.
November Webinar: Validation of Cercospora Leaf Spot Management Tools in the Great Lakes Region
In Michigan, researchers are working to develop effective Cercospora leaf spot management options and improve decision-support tools for Great Lakes sugar beet growers.
Dr. Jaime Willbur, associate professor and potato and sugar beet pathologist at Michigan State University, will share recent results from evaluating and validating disease forecasting and management tools under regional growing conditions with an emphasis on translating research findings into practical, field-ready recommendations.
This Pests and Progress webinar will be held on Wednesday, November 18, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. ET (12:00 p.m. CT). Pests and Progress webinars are free, and you must register to attend.
2026 Pulse Crop Working Group Research Meeting
Registration is now open for the 2026 Pulse Crop Working Group Research Meeting, which will be held November 30-December 2, 2026, in Great Falls, Montana.
Pulse Crop Working Group members, students, pulse crop producers, and enthusiasts are welcome. This research meeting has been planned in conjunction with other local pulse crops events so review the materials carefully and be sure to register for each day you plan to attend.
Daily Schedule
- Montana Pulse Crop Committee Research Roundup (in person; details and registration form)
- Monday, November 30 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Great Falls
- Stakeholder Dinner will follow
- Pulse Crop Working Group Research Meeting (virtual option available; details and registration form)
- Tuesday, December 1 at the SpringHill Suites Hotel in Great Falls
- Register by October 30, 2026.
- Pulse Crop Working Group Agricultural Business Tour (optional; in person)
- Wednesday, December 2
- Montana Grain Growers Association Convention (optional; in person; details and registration form)
- Wednesday, December 2 at the Pacific Steel Arena
Current Trends and Management of Plant-Parasitic Nematodes in Missouri Soybeans: Webinar Recording
Plant-parasitic nematodes can damage soybean roots and reduce yields, often without obvious symptoms above ground. In this webinar, Dr. Mandy Bish, assistant professor, and Jeff Barizon, Ph.D. candidate and research specialist from the University of Missouri, share nematode findings from a 2024–2025 survey of 200 soybean fields.
The survey identified 13 plant-parasitic nematode groups, with spiral, root lesion and soybean cyst nematodes (SCN) among the most widespread. Nearly half of the sampled fields contained at least three different nematode groups.
SCN remains a major concern for Missouri soybean production. Barizon discusses changes in SCN virulence over time, regional patterns in nematode distribution and population density, and the importance of monitoring fields even when above-ground symptoms are absent.
Many SCN populations can reproduce on soybean varieties with SCN resistance, highlighting the risks of relying too heavily on a single resistance source.
The findings demonstrate the need for continued nematode testing and thoughtful resistance management, including rotation of resistant soybean varieties.
Watch the webinar recording to learn more about survey results and nematode population dynamics in soybean fields.
War Against Weeds Podcasts
- Building Biomass, Battling Weeds: USB Cover Crop Updates
Interviewee: Dr. Rodrigo Werle from the University of Wisconsin-Madison - Horseweed/Marestail Management: Cover Crops, Burndown, and Beyond
Interviewee: Dwight Lingenfelter from Pennsylvania State University - Sucker Control Strategies in Perennial Crops (Hazelnuts, Olives, Prunes, and Grapes)
Interviewees: Dr. Marcelo Moretti from Oregon State University and Ryan Hill from the University of California - Getting to Know Diflufenican (Convintro™)
Interviewees: Dr. Bryan Young from Purdue University and Dr. Kati Price from Bayer Crop Science - Herbicide Regulation, Litigation, and the Future of Weed Management
Interviewees: Dr. Stanley Culpepper, Dr. Bill Chism, and Elizabeth Burns Thompson
I See Dead Plants Podcasts
- The Crimson Crown: Soybean Red Crown Rot Uncovered
Red crown rot is spreading across the Midwest, but how can soybean growers spot it and protect their crops? Dr. Boris Camiletti from the University of Illinois shares tips for identifying the disease, explains why it can be hard to diagnose, and discusses promising research using AI and satellite imagery to improve disease management. - From the Field to the Phone Lines: Montana Ag Live
What makes a local agricultural TV show successful for more than 30 years? Dr. Jack Reisselman from Montana State University and longtime host of Montana Ag Live, shares how the PBS program connects audiences with university experts, why public outreach and networking matter for students and researchers, and how a little humor can make science communication memorable. - Cloudy with a Chance of Sclerotia: Disease Forecasting and White Mold
Dig into the science of plant disease forecasting and explore how models can help growers anticipate disease risk before the damage is done. Dr. Wade Webster from North Dakota State University discusses soybean white mold, disease forecasting models and the use of AI in agriculture.
IPM Highlights
Here’s interesting stories related to progress in integrated pest management.
TRIC Robotics Lights the Way for Chemical-Free Farms
TRIC Robotics is developing autonomous, tractor-sized robots that use UV-C light and insect-vacuum technology to help strawberry growers manage pests and diseases while reducing pesticide use. Operating at night, the robots target problems such as mites, powdery mildew and mold, while vacuums remove insects that light cannot control.
The company provides the technology as a service, handling equipment operation and maintenance so growers can adopt it without purchasing expensive machinery. TRIC hopes to expand its nonchemical pest management technology to other specialty crops, including raspberries, blackberries and leafy greens.
USDA Approval Advances Efforts to Restore the American Chestnut
Researchers at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry have reached a major milestone in efforts to restore the American chestnut, which was nearly eliminated from eastern U.S. forests by chestnut blight. The USDA has determined that the genetically modified, blight-tolerant Darling 54 chestnut trees are unlikely to pose a plant pest risk, completing a major step in the federal regulatory review process.
The trees are not yet available to the public, as additional Environmental Protection Agency review is needed before wider distribution. Researchers hope this biotechnology-based approach will help restore forest ecosystems and inform efforts to protect other threatened tree species.
IPM is Monitoring for Flesh-Eating Parasites: This is IPM Podcast
Just in time for Halloween, this podcast episode about the New World screwworm includes decomposition, infections, insect infestations, and animal death.
Dr. Nancy Hinkle, professor of veterinary entomology in the Department of Entomology at the University of Georgia, shares her experiences, background about the New World screwworm, and a veterinary perspective, including common agricultural practices that may need to change when thinking about how the screwworm operates.
Dr. Sonja Swiger, a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension entomologist, explains how experts are preparing livestock producers and the public for the threat of New World screwworm. She discusses how surveillance, animal monitoring, larval treatment and sterile flies work together to control the pest, why following official guidance is critical to preventing its spread, and how clear communication can help people stay informed without causing unnecessary panic.
IPM is Pest Management Strategic Plans: This is IPM Podcast
Guests Lacey Belanger, Lynnae Jess, and Kater Hake take us through the history, process, importance of, and uses of Pest Management Strategic Plans.
A Pest Management Strategic Plan (PMSP) is a document developed collaboratively by growers, researchers, extension specialists, pest management professionals, and other stakeholders to identify major pest management challenges for a specific crop or production system. It describes current pest management practices, identifies research and regulatory needs, and establishes priorities for improving pest control.
A PMSP helps researchers and funding organizations understand growers’ most pressing needs, guides research and extension efforts, and encourages collaboration to develop effective, economically practical, and environmentally sound integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. It can also help communicate industry priorities to regulatory agencies and support decisions about pesticide registrations, alternatives, and other pest management tools.
Pests This Season
Stay informed and know which insects, diseases, and weeds are causing issues this season.
Stink Bugs Try to Find Warm Home for the Winter (MO)
Brown marmorated stink bugs are moving inside to escape cooler fall weather. These invasive insects can be a nuisance indoors, but they do not bite people or pets.
To prevent infestations, seal cracks and gaps around windows, doors, pipes and vents, repair screens, and trim vegetation near buildings. If stink bugs get inside, vacuum them up rather than using indoor insecticide foggers, which are ineffective.
Insect Update: Armyworms are Still Active in Kansas
Armyworms and fall armyworms have been feeding on crops and other green plants across Kansas this fall, although populations have been less impactful than in recent years.
Feeding may continue until a hard freeze, and newly emerged wheat fields should be monitored for small armyworm larvae about 7–10 days after germination. Note that insecticide seed treatments do not provide adequate control of armyworms in wheat.
Spiders: Our Natural Allies
With roughly 3,500 spider species in the United States, only two groups are considered dangerous to humans. Discover why spiders deserve more appreciation as nature’s pest control, learn to identify common species, and get tips for keeping unwanted visitors out of your home.
Sorting Out Myths About Lady Beetles: What’s in a Name? (MN)
Multicolored Asian lady beetles infiltrate homes in the fall. While these pests are different from native ladybugs, they are all part of the same insect family. Learn other facts about lady beetles and check out the resources for keeping them out of your home.
From Dixon Springs Ag Center: Insects were Thriving in the Heat of September (IL)
Despite September’s heat and dry conditions, insect pests remained active at the University of Illinois Dixon Springs Agricultural Center. Tomato fruitworms, aphids and stink bugs continued to increase, while stilt bugs caused visible feeding damage on tomato fruit.
Lacewings were also present, providing natural biological control by helping keep aphid populations in check. These observations highlight the importance of continued scouting and monitoring of both pests and beneficial insects in high-tunnel vegetable production.
Preparing for Next Season
Proper fall clean-up and scouting can benefit your yields next year. Check out these expert tips.
Prepare Your Alfalfa Field for Winter
Alfalfa plants need time to build carbohydrate reserves in their crowns and roots and develop winter hardiness before freezing temperatures arrive. Learn how to balance the benefits of a final forage harvest against the risks of reducing winter survival, while considering stand condition and local weather and soil conditions.
Thoughtful fall management can help protect alfalfa stands and support healthy regrowth and forage production next spring.
Protect Your Soybeans Next Year: Test for Soybean Cyst Nematode After Harvest
Soybean cyst nematode (SCN) can quietly build up in fields for years, causing yield losses before obvious symptoms appear. Testing fields after harvest is a good way to identify SCN populations and evaluate whether management strategies are working.
Learn how to collect and submit soil samples and use test results to guide crop rotation and resistant soybean variety selection for the next growing season. Growers can also combine SCN sampling with soil fertility testing to save time.
High Tunnel Tomato Production: Dig Out Tomato Roots and Check Root-Knot Nematode Galling at the End of the Season
If you’re growing tomatoes in high tunnels, plan to dig up tomato roots as you remove high-tunnel crops at the end of the season to check for root-knot nematode infestations. These pests can cause distinctive root galls, and infestations may go unnoticed until they contribute to yield losses.
Removing and properly disposing of infested roots can reduce nematode populations in the next growing season. Do not compost infested roots, and avoid moving contaminated soil on tools, shoes or equipment.
Preparing the Apple Orchard for Winter: Setting the Stage for a Healthy Spring
Consider these fall management practices to reduce pest and disease pressure for a healthy spring apple orchard. Recommendations include scouting and mapping orchard problems, removing fallen leaves and mummified fruit to reduce disease inoculum, managing weeds, and monitoring for overwintering insect pests.
Resources
Read, use or share the latest IPM resources.
Permaculture and Food Forests Crash Course
In this webinar, Robin Buterbaugh from South Dakota State University introduces the foundational principles of permaculture and strategies for designing food forests. Learn how to use plant guilds and select compatible, non-competing plants to create productive growing spaces.
New SARE Handbook: Cover Crops: Improving Soil Health, Stewardship and Profitability on the Farm
The Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program has released the second edition of Cover Crops: Improving Soil Health, Stewardship and Profitability on the Farm. Drawing on decades of research and farmer experience, this free online handbook helps producers select cover crop species and mixes, plan planting and management strategies, choose equipment, and address potential challenges.
New chapters explore cover crops in grazing, horticulture, and organic production, and profiles of 12 farmers share practical lessons from their operations. Cover crops can improve soil health, disrupt pest cycles, reduce input costs, and support crop yields.
Order the Herbicide Trait Quick Guide for Free!
Farmers and crop advisors can order a free copy of the “Herbicide Trait Quick Guide” from the GROW (Getting Rid of Weeds) network and Take Action herbicide-resistance management program. The booklet organizes nearly 40 herbicide-tolerant trait platforms across 10 major row crops, including corn, soybeans, wheat and sorghum, and identifies which herbicides are designed for use with each trait.
This practical reference can help growers select appropriate herbicides, protect crop safety and support effective weed management. The guide is available as a free digital download, with limited print copies available while supplies last.
Organic Production and IPM Guide for Vegetables
Cornell Integrated Pest Management has published an updated Organic Production and IPM Guide for Vegetables, featuring 25 chapters of practical guidance for organic growers. The resource covers foundational practices such as soil and nutrient management, cover cropping, food safety, and weed, insect, and disease management, along with crop-specific recommendations for vegetables ranging from asparagus to tomatoes and sweet corn.
The guides emphasize an integrated approach that combines pest prevention, monitoring, accurate identification, and biological, cultural, physical, and chemical controls to support effective, sustainable production.
Building the Digital Infrastructure to Unlock Precision Agriculture for U.S. Farmers
The USDA Agricultural Research Service is building a digital platform called the Digital Agricultural Systems Hub (DASH) to help farmers make more informed, site-specific management decisions. By combining artificial intelligence, computer vision, and images collected from satellites, drones, field robots, and farm equipment, researchers are developing tools to identify weeds, detect crop stress and disease, and map pest problems.
Applications include precision nitrogen management with cover crops, integrated weed management, and real-time monitoring of Cercospora leaf spot in sugar beets. These technologies aim to help farmers use inputs more efficiently, reduce costs, and build more resilient farming systems.
Events
Learn and network at these upcoming in-person events.
2026 UCCE North Coast Virtual IPM Seminar
The 29th annual University of California Cooperative Extension North Coast IPM Seminar will take place virtually November 17–18, 2026. The two-day program features expert presentations on integrated management of burrowing rodents, difficult-to-control weeds, mealybug biological control, Mediterranean oak borer, glassy-winged sharpshooter, vineyard diseases, and fungicide resistance management.
Additional sessions address pesticide regulations, protective equipment, and grapevine rootstocks. Registration costs $30.
Job Board
Consider applying for these job opportunities.
Assistant Professor of Instruction – Biology, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa
Assistant Professor: Extension Plant Pathology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
Assistant Professor in Insect Ecology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina