Bugs in my Blooms? Creating a quick guide for cut flower disease and insect pest management

In the past five years, numerous small flower farms have started operations around the Central New York (CNY) region, selling directly to customers via markets, stands, and U-Pick. Recently, some of these operations are scaling up to meet more wholesale needs, including florists, a regional flower cooperative, and a produce auction.

Based on discussions with cut flower growers and agricultural service providers in Madison County and the broader CNY region (including Onondaga, Cortland, and surrounding counties), there is a need for a ‘cheat sheet’ for the primary insect and disease pests of common cut flower species. Growers need accessible information on both preventative and curative methods of reducing pest damage. Many of the regional flower farms use organic practices or minimal sprays and are newer growers or new to flower production. The region is also seeing a number of new and emerging pests and pathogens, and both farmers and service providers need scouting assistance and training.

This intern will be centered in Madison County but will have the opportunity to visit farms and interview operators across the broader region. Using information gathered by the 2025 CCE intern in Onondaga County, internet research, interviews, and visits to local cut flower farms, the 2026 intern will create a database of the information that a grower would need to make pest management decisions. The intent is that this information could be compiled into a pocket guide to be distributed to growers.
 

Roles and responsibilities 

The intern selected for this project will:

• Interview cut flower growers at their farms throughout Central New York, including Madison, Onondaga, Cortland and surrounding counties
• Compile survey results to determine a list of primary disease, insect and weed pests
• Search the internet for sources of reputable information on management of those pests on their primary hosts
• Create a database of management information
• Communicate with project leaders weekly
  
   

Qualifications and previous coursework

This opportunity is available to non-graduating students in Cornell University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

• Interest in cut flower production and pest management – related coursework a plus but not essential
• Good communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Ability to do independent work
• A valid driver's license and access to a car is required as driving to farms and the CCE office will be required
   

Learning outcomes  

• Understanding of the cut flower industry in Central NY and how disease, insect and weed pests affect quality and yield
• Practice in the collection and use of survey data and internet search results
• Experience in communication with growers and Extension personnel