August 7, 2007

E-News from the Hawaii Department of Agriculture

Message from the Chairperson

The news media did a good job last week in getting the word out about the federal agricultural disaster declaration for drought in all four Hawaii counties.  The declaration paves the way for low-interest emergency loans by USDA-Farm Service Agency (FAS).  Qualified farmers may apply immediately with FAS for emergency loans at 3.75 percent interest.  To view the news release, click here: http://www.hawaii.gov/hdoa/meetings_reports/news-releases/2007-news-releases/news-release-from-the-governor-s-office/

Earlier last month, the long-awaited approval to export Hawaii-grown potted anthuriums has been received from the Japan Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries (MAFF), paving an export avenue in one of the most difficult foreign markets to access.  More than 13 years of research, discussions and negotiations have culminated in the approval which was granted on July 13^th. 

When Plant Industry Division administrator Lyle Wong first conceived the idea, he could not have anticipated the long process it would take to address MAFF’s concerns about the movement of reniform burrowing nematodes in potted anthuriums.  With the exceptional assistance of Ralph Iwamoto, who was the USDA International Service attaché in Tokyo, over the years they answered all requests from MAFF for scientific information, submitted draft protocols and work plans, coordinated site visits for MAFF officials and conducted research at Green Point Nurseries in Hilo.

Governor Linda Lingle and members of her delegation, including staff from HDOA, met with officials from MAFF in Tokyo to discuss approval for potted anthuriums during her recent trip to Asia.  Our visit to one of the largest flower importers in Japan reinforced our belief that there is a strong market for Hawaii-grown flowers and potted plants in Japan.

Final details are being worked out and the first shipment of potted anthuriums should be going out later this month.

Sandra Lee Kunimoto

Chairperson

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

VARROA MITE PAGE ON HDOA WEBSITE

A varroa mite information page has been established on the HDOA website at:  http://www.hawaii.gov/hdoa/pi/ppc/varroa-bee-mite-page

The webpage includes HDOA’s plan on control and management of the varroa mite, survey maps, frequently asked questions and other information that may be of interest to the bee industry, farmers and the general public.  To date, varroa mites have been only found on Oahu.

The Plant Pest Control Branch has set dozens of swarm traps around Oahu ports such as Hickam Air Force Base, Honolulu Harbor and Honolulu International Airport.  The swarm traps use pheromones to attract swarming bees.  Trapping bees at the ports will help to decrease the likelihood that bees with varroa mites will hitchhike to neighbor islands.  More swarm traps have also been ordered.  Staff has also briefed workers at harbors and airport about reporting bee swarms around port areas.

The Pesticides Branch is also working on licensing four additional miticides that could be used to control the mites.  Currently, there is only one pesticides licensed for use in Hawaii.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

SEALS OF QUALITY PROGRAM EXPANDS ONLINE PRESENCE

The Agricultural Development Division (ADD) has launched a section within the HDOA website showcasing the Seals of Quality (SOQ) membership (http://www.hawaii.gov/hdoa/add/soq).  This section gives detailed information about the program and dedicates a page for each of the member companies. Each member page includes a brief description of the operation and its philosophy as well as contact information and a link to the member’s webpage.  Currently, there are twenty-five companies in the program and HDOA is always looking for companies who can qualify.  Please contact the ADD for additional information: (808)973-9595 or hdoa.md@hawaii.gov .

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

PAPAYA MEALYBUG BIOCONTROL RELEASED IN PUNA

To combat an infestation of papaya mealybugs in a Puna papaya field, Hilo staff released about 200 adult Anagyrus loecki Noyes, a parasitoid of the papaya mealybug.  The parasitoids were reared in the HDOA’s Insect Propogation Facility in Honolulu.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 

PAPAYA RINGSPOT VIRUS SURVEYS CONDUCTED ON LANAI

Maui noxious weed specialist traveled to Lanai to conducte door-to-door surveys in Lanai City for the papaya ringspot virus (PRV). Staff surveyed about 320 properties and located 55 papaya plants, 13 of which exhibited signs of PRV.  Owners of the PRV-suspect plants were instructed on how to properly dispose of the infected plants.  HDOA also distributed flyers to inform Lanai residents about the disease. Residents that were contacted were responsive to the recommended management of the disease.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 

CONTROLLING ESTABLISHED PESTS

HOT WATER TREATMENT SYSTEM BEING TESTED ON LFA

Hilo Plant Pest Control staff have been assisting researchers at CTAHR in conducting research on hot water treatment for little fire ant (LFA).  The researchers are using a portable propane hot water system to treat several types of potted palms at a cooperating Hilo nursery.  Plants are treated at various water temperatures and treatment periods and are being monitored twice a week for the presence of LFA.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

PESTICIDES BRANCH HOLDS CLASS FOR EMERGENCY RESPONDERS

The Pesticides Branch held a class on Hazards of Pesticides to Emergency Response Personnel. About 140 emergency responders attended the one-day class that involved the Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, University of California-Berkeley and staff from the Pesticides Branch.

Dr.  Michael O'Malley, a physician from the University of California at Davis, and Harvard Fong, an industrial hygenist with the California Department of Pesticide Regulation discussed hazards from different types of pesticides, including gases used in structural and agricultural fumigation, and various insecticides.  They compared toxicity of pesticide formulations to pesticide use dilutions and also discussed health effects of pesticides and diagnosing pesticide illnesses.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

PPC TEST METHODS TO KILL LONG-THORN KIAWE

Oahu Plant Pest Control staff are testing control methods on long-thorn kiawe trees at Hau Bush in Ewa.  Staff tried girdling the trunks and applying different pesticides, one of which is approved for use around ocean waters.  It is hoped that the pesticide will be successful in controlling infestations on sandbars and shoreline areas such as Keehi Lagoon.  Kauai staff also is testing another method called the thin line method on low overhanging branches that are rooting from contact with the soil.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

INTERCEPTIONS BY PLANT QUARANTINE INSPECTORS

(The following is a sampling of recent interceptions by Plant Quarantine Inspectors)

May 26 – Oahu inspectors returned two shipments from the same shipper in Michigan that arrived via U.S. Postal Service.  One carton contained a banana plant that was imported by a Kahului, Maui, resident and the other carton contained 21 banana plants and was imported by a Waipahu resident.  The importation of banana plants is restricted.

May 30 – 25 red hooks fish (Myleus rubripinnis) imported by a Kaneohe fish dIstributor were confiscated and destroyed because the fish were less than four inches in length.  When immature, certain characins cannot be distinguished from piranha.  Hawaii law requires fish in this species to be at least four inches in length so they may be properly identified.  The shipment arrived via air cargo from Miami via Atlanta.

June 5 – Oahu inspectors rejected a package of palm seeds that arrived via U.S. Postal Service from Germany because the seeds were surrounded by coconut fibers that were not treated as required by state rules.

June 7 – 13 – During this period, Maui inspectors rejected four air freight shipments totaling approximately 126 lbs. of organic strawberries, head cabbage, and baby heirloom lettuce that were infested with aphids.  They also rejected 20 lbs. of pasilla peppers, which were infested with diptera pupae and 10 bunches of cut larkspur flowers infected with powdery mildew fungus.  All rejected items were treated and destroyed.

June 19 – Maui inspectors rejected 40 lbs. of organic strawberries infested with aphids not known to occur in Hawaii, 24 bunches of cut solidago flowers from Columbia infested with a fungal rust disease, 150 lbs. of organic red leaf lettuce infested with aphids and other insects, 40 lbs. of red chard heavily infested with leaf miners, and 20 lbs. of green leaf lettuce heavily infested with aphids and thrips.  All rejected items were treated and destroyed.

June 20 – Hilo inspectors refused entry of one carton of calla lilly plants which were infested with ants.  The shipment arrived via U.S. Postal Service.

June 21 – Hilo inspectors intercepted and rejected a shipment of 150 Phoenix palm plants infested with nettle caterpillar.  The shipment was being shipped from Hilo to an Oahu nursery.  Viable eggs, larvae and pupae were found.  On June 28, Hilo inspectors again intercepted a shipment of 150 Phoenix palm plants infested with nettle caterpillars.  The second shipment was again destined for an Oahu nursery.

June 23 – Oahu inspectors destroyed 27 cartons of peony flowers that was part of a container shipment because the peonies were infested with a fungus that is not known to occur in Hawaii.  The shipment arrived via ship from Oakland, California.

June 27 – Kona inspectors confiscated and destroyed 10 lbs. of banana leaves consigned to a Kailua-Kona produce wholesaler.  The prohibited commodity originated in the Philippines and was shipped via air freight from San Francisco.

July 3 – Maui inspectors intercepted a parcel at Federal Express containing a live giant clam and six bags of various unidentified corals.  The box was not properly labeled; however, a hole in the box revealed a Styrofoam cooler.  The Maui importer did not have an import permit for the restricted commodities and the shipment was confiscated, treated and destroyed.

July 12 - Maui inspectors rejected five shipments consisting of five boxes (100 pounds) of organic leafy green vegetables heavily infested with scale and thrips and 35 pounds of organic oranges infested with California red scale, which is not known to occur in Hawaii.  All of these air freight shipments were treated and destroyed.

July 17 - Maui inspectors rejected one box (10 pounds) of organic artichokes heavily infested with thrips and aphids; two boxes (30 pounds) of organic lancinato kale heavily infested with aphids; one box (10 pounds) of organic beets with tops heavily infested with leafminer larvae; and, ten boxes (80 pounds) of organic strawberries infested with a strawberry aphid, Chaetosiphon sp., which is not known to occur in Hawaii.  They also rejected three boxes (60 pounds) of organic green leaf lettuce, which were heavily infested with aphids.  These air freight shipments were treated and destroyed.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

HDOA CO-HOSTED INTERNATIONAL ANT CONFERENCE

HDOA and USDA-APHIS hosted the First International Pacific Invasive Ant Conference at the end of May on the Big Island.  More than 125 scientists and researchers from the Pacific Region, including China, Taiwan, New Zealand, Australia, the U.S. Mainland, Hawaii and other Pacific islands attended the conference.  The conference focused primarily on three ant species that present acute problems in the Pacific region – the red imported fire ant, little fire ant and yellow crazy ant.  Conference participants were able to exchange ideas and experiences in ant detection, control and eradication strategies. 

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

HDOA PLANS NATIONAL PLANT BOARD ANNUAL MEETING

HDOA is coordinating the Annual Meeting of the National Plant Board in Honolulu, August 19 – 23 at the Waikiki Beach Marriott Hotel.  About 180 federal and state plant health officials from across the country and a few foreign countries are expected to attend.  They will discuss national and regional issues such as plant pest detection and management programs, pest identification, invasive species interdiction and biotechnology.  Attendees will also travel to Oahu’s North Shore for an overview of Hawaii agriculture.

Any one interested in attending the conference may contact Lyle Wong at lyle.wong@hawaii.gov or Sue Sakamoto at sue.h.sakamoto@hawaii.gov or call (808) 973-9535.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

HDOA COORDINATES CHEF DEMONSTRATIONS AT THE MADE IN HAWAII FESTIVAL

The Market Development Branch (MDB) is coordinating the chef demonstrations at the upcoming Made in Hawaii Festival at the Blaisdell Center August 17 – 19.  Chefs lined up to prepare island produce include:  Derek Kurisu (KTA), Eldon Ricardo (Holokai Grill), Elmer Guzman (Poke Stop), Grant Sato (Kapiolani Community College), Mark Ellman & Greg Denton (Mala Ocean Tavern), Fred DeAngelo (Ola), Mike Imada (Hyatt Regency Waikiki), and three UH coaches will square off in a Chili Challenge.

The schedule for entertainment and demonstrations and festival information is available at the festival website at:  http://www.madeinhawaiifestival.com/

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

HAWAIILODGING, HOSPITALITY & FOODSERVICE EXPO FEATURES KULANA BEEF AND KONA KAMPACHI

MDB and the Aquaculture Development Program teamed up again to prepare its annual booth at the Hawaii Lodging, Hospitality & Foodservice Expo earlier this month at the Blaisdell Exhibition Hall.  Kulana Beef and Kona Kampachi from Kona Blue were the popular features at the booth where visitors also learned about HDOA’s efforts to promote local agricultural and aquacultural products. Each year, the expo draws more than 5,000 qualified buyers from various companies.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

MARKET DEVELOPMENT BRANCH PARTICIPATES IN PRODUCE MARKETING ASSOCIATION FRESH SUMMIT IN OCTOBER

MDB is also coordinating booths for the Fresh Summit in Houston, Texas, October 12 – 15. This trade show is a great opportunity for Hawaii businesses to promote products, gain market knowledge, and make new industry contacts. This year, 17,000 attendees and 800 exhibitors, representing more than 70 countries, are anticipated.  Companies interested in participating are strongly encouraged to contact the MDB for additional information: (808) 973-9595 or hdoa.md@hawaii.gov .   

To view the trade show’s website, click here: http://www.pma.com/FreshSummit/

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

LOWER GUAVA PRODUCTION AND VALUE FOR 2006

The 2006 crop value of guava has been pegged at $1.051 million, seven percent lower than the previous year. The state record value of sales of $3.615 million was set in 1990.  Production, at 7.4 million was down 9 percent from 2005 with acreage devoted to guava declining by 14 percent.  The state record acreage and production were in 1990 with 1,180 acres producing 24.1 million pounds of guava.  Six weeks of heavy rainfall from late February through March resulted in slow fruit maturation in many orchards.  Field activities were curtailed during this wet weather period.

2006 Highlights for Guava

*           Utilized production, 7.4 million pounds, down 9 percent from 2005

*           Acreage devoted to guava totaled 575, 14 percent below the previous year

*           Average price per pound was $0.142 compared to $0.139 previous year

*           Farm gate value estimated at $1.051 million, down 7 percent from 2005

Complete results for all surveys conducted by the Hawaii Agricultural Statistics Office can be found at http://www.nass.usda.gov/Statistics_by_State/Hawaii/index.asp

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

HIGHER 2006 BANANA SALES

The 2006 crop value for bananas was seven percent higher than the previous year despite production being four percent below 2005 levels.  This higher farm gate value is attributed to the farm price, at 49 cents per pound, being 5.1 cents or 12 percent higher than previous year.  The state record value of sales was $10.6 million set in 2001.  Utilized fresh production totaled 20 million pounds which was four percent below 2005 levels.  Six weeks of heavy rainfall from late February through March resulted in slow fruit maturation in many orchards.  Field activities were curtailed during this wet weather period.

2006 Highlights for Banana

*           Utilized production, 20 million pounds, down four percent

*           Harvested acres, at 1,000, was two percent above 2005

*           Average price per pound was $0.490 compared to $0.439 in the previous year

*           Farm gate value estimated at $9.8 million, up seven percent from last year

Complete results for all surveys conducted by the Hawaii Agricultural Statistics Office can be found at http://www.nass.usda.gov/Statistics_by_State/Hawaii/index.asp