Current Projects

Final reports and results of our research can found throughout this site. But, because some of our work can span several years to gather information, review and summarize our findings, we want to keep you abreast of our current projects. Check back for updates on our progress.
New York State Urban Growers Pest Management Needs Assessment
Lori Koenick, Extension Support Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program

As part of a multi-year project exploring non-spray pest management options that are economically and environmentally sustainable for urban farms, we conducted a needs assessment with urban growers across New York State. This publication presents findings on current pest management practices, challenges, and topics of future interest.
2024 WNY Sweet Corn Pheromone Trap Monitoring

Again this year, the Cornell Vegetable Program will be collaborating with the NYS Integrated Pest Management Program to monitor the flights of European corn borer, Corn ear worm, fall armyworm and western bean cutworm. This information is used by NYS IPM to create weekly reports providing scouting and threshold information for fresh market sweet corn and links to resources on the major sweet corn insect and disease pests. Additionally, the information is used by the Cornell Vegetable Program to advise dry bean growers of the threat of western bean cutworm to their crop.
Muck Onion "Research Scouting" Program
Christy Hoepting, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program

To keep our fingers on the pulse of insect and disease pressure in muck onion production in our supporting counties, CVP Onion Technicians scout a handful of fields weekly counting disease lesions and onion thrips. Scouting reports are sent to grower cooperators complete with Cornell recommendations. This is a way of evaluating effectiveness of pest management programs, as well as a means of helping onion growers to implement onion IPM by spraying for pests only when they need to be.


Upcoming Events
2025 Muck Onion Growers Twilight Meeting in Oswego

June 26, 2025
Oswego, NY
Open to all Onion Enthusiasts, the Muck Onion Growers Twilight Meeting will include new fungicide recommendations for Botrytis leaf blight and Stemphylium leaf blight, onion maggot seed treatment update, herbicide demonstration tour, and more. This educational event is immediately followed by a catered dinner; both are FREE thanks to generous sponsors!
2.0 DEC recertification credits available in categories 1a, 10 and 23.
Vegetable Pest and Cultural Management Field Meeting for Auction Growers -- Ontario Produce Auction

July 15, 2025
Stanley, NY
This evening meeting will demonstrate pest management in fresh market vegetables in both field and greenhouse (high tunnel) vegetables, primarily for those growing for wholesale auction. A hands-on demonstration of weed, insect and disease identification in vegetables including management options. Details on each topic will focus on field observations at the farm.
Orleans Summer Vegetable Meeting, 2025

July 16, 2025
Waterport, NY
Meeting themes are pest management in a wide array of produce and best practices for pesticide use. Professor Brian Nault will cover allium leaf miner and thrips in onions, garlic, and leeks, and discuss insect challenges in other crops. Bring your questions! We'll also have a field walk that includes high tunnel tomato and cucumber.
DEC credits available: 0.5 in CORE plus either 1.25 in 1a and 23, or 0.75 in 24.