Common Pests and Pathogens in the Commercial Production of Flowers and Field Crops

  • Date: June - August 2023
  • Location: NYS Capital Region, based in CCE Albany office
  • Faculty sponsor: Dr. Elizabeth Lamb, SIPS Horticulture Section
  • Field mentor/supervisor:  Jingjing Yin and Aaron Gabriel, CCE Albany
  • Stipend: $6,000
test
Three life stages of the blacklegged (deer) tick suspended in a vial. Photo by NEVBD/Provided

Commercial flower and field crop growers often encounter various pest and pathogen problems that can quickly render their crops unmarketable unless they are identified and dealt with promptly. Having a control guideline for these common pests and pathogens will help growers to most effectively monitor and treat problems as they arise. In this project, the intern will work closely with CAAHP educators, creating a specimen collection of common pests and pathogens in the commercial production of flower and field crops and collecting research-based information on their cultural, biological, and chemical treatment strategies. He/She will also be assisting the educators with outreach and extension activities.

Roles and responsibilities 

  • Make connections with local commercial flower and field crop growers. Conduct a pest survey of flower and field crop production to determine what pests and pathogens are present and what pests and pathogens are of most significant concern;
  • Collect insects, pin and label them to create a teaching collection of common pests and beneficial insects that can be used for future educational programs;
  • Create a list of common pests and pathogens in the commercial production of flower and field crops;
  • Collect research-based information on cultural, biological, and chemical treatments for each pest and pathogen in the list;
  • Host an education table at the County Fairs (Altamont Fair, Schaghticoke Fair, and Washington County Fair) to promote public awareness of pests and pathogens in agriculture and biological control strategies.

Qualifications and previous coursework

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

  • Ability to communicate effectively;
  • Ability to work independently;
  • Basic knowledge of insects and plant diseases.

A short training of basic insect and plant disease identification will be provided at the beginning of the internship.

Learning outcomes 

  • Better understand the pest control survey process by being involved in the survey design and implementation;
  • Learn more about the common pests and pathogens in the commercial production of flower and field crops;
  • Better understand IPM practices in the commercial production of flower and field crops;
  • Learn and practice the methods of insect preservation;
  • Participate and experience doing extension education and outreach.