Integrated Pest Management tactics to reduce the impact of the invasive Spotted lanternfly in grapes in the Hudson Valley

This project supports ongoing efforts on early detection and rapid response, the development of management tactics to reduce the impact of SLF in grapes in the Hudson Valley, and implementation of educational efforts to farmers and spanish-speaking farm workers.

The intended outcomes are helping state and county agencies to slow the spread of this invasive, conduct experimental work helping in selecting effective and safe management tactics and increase awareness about SLF among grape growers and spanish-speaking farm workers intended to help in early detection of egg masses during the pruning period.

Roles and responsibilities 

The student will participate in IPM extension and applied research efforts including scouting farms for early detection, assessments of population(s), evaluation of different management options to mitigate the spread and establishment of SLF in grape orchards and participate in outreach and education efforts targeting farmers and spanish-speaking farm workers in the region.

Qualifications and previous coursework

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

  • Must be able to work outdoors for long periods of time, must be able to travel to different locations in the area,
  • Preferred coursework: Invertebrate Zoology, Entomology, Ecology, Agronomy
  • Keen interest in basic IPM principles, entomology and invasive species
  • Not required, but bilingual students (english-spanish) encouraged to apply

Learning outcomes 

  • Understanding of basic IPM principles
  • Learning basic concept of experimental design and data collection
  • Understanding of the risks of invasive species in specialty crops
  • Understanding that underserved communities play an important role for effective and sustainable IPM practices including early detection of invasive species