Kia’i Moku Column — Page 3 — Maui Invasive Species Committee (MISC)

Gardening This Spring? Plant Pono

Posted on April 28, 2022 by Serena Fukushima

Knowing what to plant and where can be tricky. Planting guides from the Hawaiian moon calendar to publications from the University of Hawaiʻi’s Cooperative Extension Service all help. They offer information and guidance on proper soil conditions and sun requirements, but did you know that along with these great resources, there are also tools and guides to help ensure that the plants themselves are pono?
Programs offered for growers and nurseries through Plant Pono can do just that. Plant Pono is a partnership between the Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species, the Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Council, and the Landscape Industry Council of Hawaiʻi.

First, there’s the Plant Pono Endorsement Program. The program relies on the Hawaiʻi Pacific Weed Risk Assessment (HPWRA). HPWRA is an evaluation of a plant’s potential to become invasive and cause harm in Hawaiʻi. An assessor with the HPWRA looks at the characteristics of a plant – from growing requirements to the number of seeds it produces – and takes into consideration the conditions present in Hawaiʻi -from pollinators to potential predators–to predict the plant’s potential to be invasive. The final result is a guideline for growers and gardeners indicating whether the plant has a low, moderate, or high risk of causing harm.

Businesses endorsed through the program have pledged to use plants that won’t become invasive. By voluntarily choosing to not sell high-risk plants, these businesses are demonstrating their commitment to Hawaiʻi and providing plants that won’t displace native species. At this time, the Pono Endorsement Program is only located on Hawaiʻi Island and Kauaʻi.

If you are not living on an island with a Pono Endorsement Program, the plantpono.org website is a great resource for both nurseries and consumers to look up if a plant is pono or not. With over a thousand plants listed in its database, it’s easy search tool helps to quickly find the perfect fit for your garden or landscape that will also not pose a threat to our greater environment.

But it’s not just the plants themselves that can pose a threat. Pests and diseases hitchhike in plants and shipping materials and are carried long-distance. Inspectors with the State and Federal Departments of Agriculture check plants for unwanted pests and pathogens before and when they arrive in Hawaiʻi. A new program will help provide the tools for identification in the hands of growers as well as inspectors.
The Plant Pest Prevention Training is advanced training for growers to help them know what and where to look for hitchhiking pests. It also includes the steps they can take to stop these species. Covering everything from murder hornets to coconut pathogens, the goal of the program is to build capacity for detecting these problems early. By increasing the number of trained eyes out there looking, the Plant Pest Prevention Training provides additional layers of protection against hitchhiking pests. Information regarding pest distribution can help with purchasing decisions.

Developed with grant funding through the USDA Plant Protection Act 7721, the training will be launched and offered by staff at the county-based Invasive Species Committees to interested nurseries this year. Just like the Pono Endorsement program, participation is voluntary for this training.

As you make your plant purchasing choices this growing season, ask your vendors if they are aware of Plant Pono and the tools offered to nurseries. Visit plantpono.org to learn more.

The website plantpono.org provides great resources for nurseries and consumers alike, including a database with over a thousand plants to help choose the right fit for your garden or landscape without posing an invasive threat. Photo: Forest and Kim Starr

Serena Fukushima is the public relations and education specialist for the Maui Invasive Species Committee. She holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies and a graduate degree in education from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. “Kia’i Moku, Guarding the Island” is written by the Maui Invasive Species Committee to provide information on protecting the island from invasive plants and animals that threaten our islands’ environment, economy and quality of life.

This article was originally published in the Maui News on March 12, 2022 as part of the Kia‘i Moku Column from the Maui Invasive Species Committee.

Avocado Pest Now Widespread on Maui- But There is Hope

Posted on April 28, 2022 by Serena Fukushima

In early January, Richard Smith reached out to the Maui Invasive Species Committee (MISC), concerned about his avocado tree. “The leaves were turning black and brown, and when I turned them over, I could see these black bug-looking things covering them.”, the Wailea resident explained to staff. “I wasn’t sure what it was- or what I could do to save my tree- so I decided to report it.” Smith sent in photos and the MISC early detection team and entomologists at the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture (HDOA) quickly identified the insects as avocado lace bug.

First discovered in 2019 on central O’ahu, the avocado lace bug (ALB) quickly spread throughout the Gathering Island. Shortly thereafter reports came in from Hawai’i Island, Kaua’i, and Maui. Known from Central and South America, the Caribbean, Southeastern United States, and California, ALB is presumed to have arrived in Hawai’i on the leaves of an infested host plant.

“Avocado lace bug probably affects almost every tree on O’ahu to some degree and has spread across the entire island. It is also now well established on Hawai’i Island, and is spreading across Kaua’i and Maui,” said Janis Matsunaga, an entomologist with the HDOA Plant Pest Control Branch. “This has been one of the fastest spreading pests to invade Hawai’i in recent years,” Matsunaga added. On Maui, infestations are concentrated at lower elevations, however, they have been detected as high as Copp Road in upper Kula. There have been no reports of ALB on Molokai or Lānaʻi at the time of publication.

Avocado lace bugs suck the sap from the undersides of avocado leaves, resulting in yellow blotches or browning and leaves falling prematurely. Extensive infestations can result in the tree losing so many leaves that it can’t photosynthesize and sunburning the avocado fruit. Permanent impacts are rare, though. Even trees that sustain severe damage have been able to recover the following fruiting season. Photo: HDOA

ALB does not directly impact the buttery fruit beloved as a Superbowl Sunday staple or as a topping on trendy millennial toast. Instead, it weakens the plant by sucking the sap from the undersides of avocado leaves, resulting in yellow blotches or browning and leaves falling prematurely. If you have an extensive infestation, the tree can lose so many leaves that it can’t photosynthesize and will put the plant under stress. The lack of shade that the leaves provide can also cause the fruit to sunburn. California farmers report reduced crop yields with large infestations, however, permanent impacts are rare; even trees that sustain severe damage have been able to recover the following fruiting season- a glimmer of hope for Hawaii farmers and backyard growers.

The bugs themselves are tiny. “They are about 1/16 inches long and have black and yellow bodies with a thick horizontal stripe against their lace-patterned wings, where they get the second part of their name. Immature avocado lace bugs are much smaller in size and are black” Matsunaga says. Another clue is black dots amongst the colonies, which are fecal matter and eggs cased in excrement.

A close-up photo shows mature and immature avocado lace bugs, their eggs, and feces. ALB are about 1/16 inches long and have black and yellow bodies with a thick horizontal stripe against their lace-patterned wings. Immature avocado lace bugs are much smaller in size and are black. The black dots are fecal matter and eggs cased in excrement, and are the most visible sign (besides leaf damage) to the naked eye that a tree may have ALB. Photo: HDOA

The University of Hawaiʻi College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR) is determining the best treatment methods for avocado lace bug in our islands. They encourage limiting chemical applications to when infestations are high, and timing applications to avoid spraying when trees are flowering to protect beneficial insects like honeybees. Trials are also underway in determining particular avocado varieties that are more resistant to avocado lace bug than others. For backyard gardeners that discover a light infestation of ALB and want to treat it, CTAHR recommends using insecticidal soaps to control this pest. For further information and control, visit CTAHR’s website at ctahr.hawaii.edu.

In reporting this pest, Richard Smith was concerned that his avocado lace bug infestation would lead to him losing his beloved avocado tree, echoing the concern of many Hawaiʻi residents. Being vigilant by observing what’s happening in your backyard, reporting something new (such as to MISC or 643pest.org), and catching infestations early, it is likely that Smithʻs tree- and many others in our islands- will survive and continue to produce this delicious fruit.

This article was originally published in the Maui News on February 12, 2022 as part of the Kia‘i Moku Column from the Maui Invasive Species Committee.

Need a New Year’s resolution?
Here’s twelve ways to protect Maui from invasive species all year long

Posted on January 14, 2022 by Serena Fukushima

At the start of a new year, many of us are taking time to reflect and set goals. Consider adding to your list a resolution to do small things each month to protect our environment. Here are a few simple actions you can take that will help make a difference on the invasive species front throughout the year.

January– Clean before you go. If exercise is on your list of resolutions, hiking is a great way to crush your step goal! Take a few minutes to clean your boots, gear, and car of mud and dirt before and after going to a new place. This helps prevent seeds and other invasive hitchhikers from spreading into a new area.

Exercise is on many New Year’s resolution lists for 2022, and hiking is a great way to accomplish this while getting outside. Before hitting the trail, take a few minutes to clean your boots, gear and car of mud and dirt before and after going to a new place. This helps prevent seeds and other invasive hitchhikers from spreading into a new area. — Photo: MISC

February- Learn about statewide invasive species efforts. February is Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Awareness Month (HISAM), an initiative to share and bring awareness to statewide invasive species efforts. Join in on this year’s activities by visiting http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/hisc.

March– Report chirping coqui. Hawaii’s wet season (hoʻoilo) is typically November through April. Coqui tend to go out during rainfall or just after it has rained, especially when the temperatures are above 70 degrees, making this month especially good to be alert to coqui calls. If you hear one, report it to mauiinvasive.org.

April– Plant native. April is Native Hawaiian Plant Month. Celebrate by planting native! Native plants use less water, fertilizer, and fewer pesticides, in addition to creating a healthy environment, watershed, and helping native species thrive.

May– Make lei. May day is lei day in Hawaiʻi, and a great time to learn about this important cultural practice. Many lei are made using native plants, some of which you may have planted in April. Some modern lei even include invasive species to highlight environmental issues artistically.

You can keep up your New Year’s resolution all year by doing small things each month to protect our environment. Making lei- with either native or nonnative materials- is a creative way to learn about this important practice and the plants used to make it.- Photo: MISC

June– Prevent the spread of Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death (ROD). ʻŌhiʻa flowers year-round but bloom heaviest March-June. Although Maui has only had one positive ROD case since 2019, it is important to stay vigilant in protecting this cherished tree from this deadly fungus. Report ʻōhiʻa trees that have browned and died suddenly to 573-MISC.

July– Travel smart. Check twice before you bring something interisland. The Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture must inspect plants and plant cuttings before being taken interisland to ensure there are no unwanted pests or diseases riding along. Also, if you traveled to Hawaiʻi Island, make sure to decontaminate boots and gear before returning home to prevent spreading ROD to other islands.

August– Report pampas grass. This highly invasive grass starts to bloom in August, and large clumps have the potential of producing millions of wind-borne seeds in just one year! In forests, pampas compete against native plants in our watershed and can create a fire hazard. It is illegal to propagate or transport pampas into the state. If you see pampas- either planted in the ground or in an arrangement, report it to 573-MISC.

September– Be neighborly. Some invasive species problems are too big to tackle alone, but left unchecked will become everyone’s problem. Offer to help out your neighbors with an invasive species in their yard. If you have coqui frogs in your neighborhood, joining the Community Coqui Control Program with MISC is one way to get involved in tackling this invasive pest. Visit mauiinvasive.org to learn more.

Some invasive species issues are too big for just one person, or ‘ohana, to tackle alone. Helping a neighbor with invasive species in their yard is a great way to not only protect our environment, but meet members of your community. Got coqui in your neighborhood? Join the Community Coqui Control Program! Learn more at mauiinvasive.org. Photo- MISC

October– Survey your yard for little fire ants. October is Stop the Ant Month! Prevent the spread of this painful invasive pest by surveying your yard at least four times a year. Learn more and request a free collection kit at stoptheant.org, and always report stinging ants!

November– Eat an invasive. The season of eating offers plenty of edible invasive species, from axis deer to strawberry guava to pigs. Make a meal, or part of a meal, in the spirit of removing invasive species. Visit chefhui.com to learn more about creative ways to cook invasive species.

December- Have a local Christmas. Choose a locally grown Christmas tree from the Kula Botanical Garden, or get a permit from DLNR and cut down an invasive pine in Kula Forest Reserve! Native alaheʻe also make a great substitute and grow well in pots to use year after year.

If you want to do more, there are a host of organizations and volunteer activities for any interest. You can find volunteer opportunities on Maui at http://mauimauka.org/volunteer..

This article was originally published in the Maui News on January 8, 2022 as part of the Kia‘i Moku Column from the Maui Invasive Species Committee.

A Hawaiʻi Christmas Story

Posted on December 14, 2021 by Serena Fukushima

Nothing heralds the holiday season like the Christmas tree, but did you know that most of Hawaiʻiʻs Christmas trees are not from here? This year, over 150 shipping containers are estimated to arrive in our State, equating to over 90,000 trees. About 99% of them are Douglas and Noble Firs, grown and shipped from Oregon. Invasive pests not known in Hawaiʻi may be lurking in their boughs, but the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture inspector elves remain on the frontlines to keep these harmful grinches out.

*Over 90,000 Christmas trees are expected to be imported to Hawaiʻi this year. Ninety-nine percent of these trees are grown and flown from Oregon state. Photo: Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture*

From field to living room, a Christmas tree goes through quite a journey to deck your halls. State Planned Regulatory Official (SPRO) for Hawai’i Department of Agriculture (HDOA), Helmuth Rogg, knows this all too well. Rogg served for 17 years as the SPRO for the Oregon Department of Agriculture before starting his position with HDOA last year. “Oregon is the number one Christmas tree producer in America and exports to over 36 countries”, Rogg said. “The process begins well before the holidays when Oregon inspectors check fields for infestations of specific pests, such as the Douglas Fir twig beetle. If there is an infestation, nothing in the field will be exported that year.”

After an eight-year growing period, trees are harvested on farms, then airlifted to a staging area to prevent excess amounts of mud from sticking to them. Once they land, they are gathered, cleaned, and baled. Oregon inspectors then check for pests by vigorously shaking trees and tapping their stumps on the ground to dislodge any hitchhikers before loading them into shipping containers. Before the container doors are closed, inspectors take out three random trees and shakes them. If anything falls out, the entire container is unloaded, and the whole process begins again.

Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture inspectors shake incoming Christmas trees on a white tarp and check for any invasive hitchhikers. If pests are detected, the store that ordered the trees will either send the container back to its origin or pay HDOA to clean the trees in a sealed quarantine facility before heading to the store. *Photos: Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture*

After Christmas trees are loaded into their containers, they are shipped to Hawaiʻi and greeted by HDOA inspectors. Three trees will be pulled out of each container and shaken on a white tarp. If inspectors find any pests, the container is closed, sealed, and put on hold. The store that ordered the trees will either send the container back to its origin or pay HDOA to clean the trees in a sealed quarantine facility. This process can take up to half a day with ten inspectors, where all trees are unloaded, cleaned, and reloaded into a sanitized container before heading to the store.

This year, over 150 shipping containers are estimated to arrive in our State, equating to over 90,000 trees. About 99% of them are Douglas and Noble Firs, grown and shipped from Oregon. Invasive pests not known in Hawaiʻi may be lurking in their boughs.

Even with all of this effort, pests still manage to sneak in. The most common pests on Hawaiʻi Christmas trees are slugs and yellow jackets. In 2020, inspectors captured a live garter snake in a Christmas tree container. As long as trees are imported, the risk of accidental introductions remains. Still, Rogg reassures, “So far this year, only four out of the 150 containers that arrived needed to be cleaned by HDOA inspectors, or about 1% of Christmas tree arrivals.” Rogg does encourage the public to be vigilant, though. “If something hitchhikes on your Christmas tree, safely collect it in a zip-top bag, take a photo of it, place it in the freezer and report it to 643pest.org, where officials can identify it.”

Choosing local is a great way to eliminate the threat of invasive species arriving to your door. Maui residents have the option to buy locally grown trees, cut down their own tree in Kula Forest Reserve (with a permit) or use a native tree, such as alaheʻe, as a festive alternative. Photo: MISC

Want to eliminate the risk of invasive imported hitchhikers altogether? Choose local. Kula Botanical Gardens is one of the largest Christmas tree growers in the State, with an assortment of upcountry grown Monterey Pines. Kula Kelly’s Farm in ʻŌmaʻopio boasts a small selection of Norfolk Pines. If you crave a family adventure and want to cut down your own tree, the Department of Land and Natural Resources issues collection permits for Monterey Pines, 15 feet or under, for a $20 fee. Lance DeSilva, Forest Management Supervisor with the Maui DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife, shares, “Kula Forest Reserve is the only State area on Maui allowed for Christmas tree cutting. If you would like to cut down your own Christmas tree, please give our office a call at (808) 984-8100.” Lastly, Alaheʻe is a native option with a similar growth pattern to a Christmas tree and does well in pots, so it can be potted up and used every year before planting in your yard. Another bonus? Itʻs tiny, white flowers are reminiscent of mock orange blossoms, providing good tidings and cheer well beyond the holidays.

Gobble Gobble! Maui’s Wild Turkeys

Posted on November 23, 2021 by Serena Fukushima

With Thanksgiving only 12 days away, the traditional centerpiece of this holiday meal is likely on your mind. Stores will be flooded with them, the president will pardon one, old family recipes dusted off to make a favorite variation of it, and leftovers will be eaten for a week as sandwiches and jook. If you haven’t guessed it, I’m talking turkey. But did you know that outside of the freezer, this Thanksgiving icon resides in our islands?

Male wild turkeys show off their plumage in Ulupalakua as a courtship display to nearby turkey hens. Maui turkeys are concentrated mainly throughout private ranch lands above Mākena, Wailea and Kīhei. Although they are introduced species, they are not considered harmful invasive pests. — Forest and Kim Starr photo

According to the Bishop Museum archives, turkeys may be one of the first bird species introduced to our islands post-Western contact. In 1788, several birds arrived from China. In the 1800s, they were abundant on Oʻahu and Kauaʻi as escaped domestic birds formed wild, self-sustaining populations. During the 1930s, a particularly deadly parasite called blackhead disease swept through, greatly diminishing turkeys throughout the state. Efforts to reintroduce them as a game bird resumed to give us the turkeys we have today. The Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DLNR-DOFAW) currently manages wild turkey populations. Although they do not have estimates on the total population statewide, Hawaiʻi Island is thought to have the largest number of wild turkeys, and Lānaʻi has the most in Maui County. In fact, turkeys were so abundant on Lānaʻi in the 1900s, that they were harvested and distributed to other islands to provide the classic centerpiece to Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner. Today they are considered a nuisance by many residents of Hawaiʻi’s third smallest island- seen often along the roadside, in neighborhoods, on hotel properties, and even eating crabs on the beach!

The Maui gobblers are concentrated in the southern parts of the island, dispersed throughout ranch lands above Mākena, Wailea, and Kīhei. They have also been observed in ʻUlupalakua and one was even spotted near Kuihelani Highway recently. Although they are introduced species, they are not considered harmful invasive pests according to Shane De Mattos, Wildlife Biologist for the Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife. “Turkeys do not seem to make a substantial negative impact on our environment. The areas they frequent are not pristine ecosystems, and their numbers arenʻt so large that they are competing with natives” They do have the potential to spread invasive seeds, however, as they forage primarily on non-native grasses, seeds, and berries.

Turkeys have been in Hawaii since the late 1700s and quickly escaped domestication. The largest population of wild turkeys in our islands today occur on Hawaii island, with Lanai having the most in Maui County. — Forest and Kim Starr photo

In regards to hunting turkeys on Maui, De Mattos says, “Turkeys are allowed to be harvested during the State game bird season, usually held November through January. On Maui island, they can only be harvested on private lands with a valid State of Hawaiʻi hunting license.” De Mattos encourages hunters and birders wanting to observe wild turkeys to make sure they have permission before entering private lands and to follow best sanitation practices to prevent the spread of invasive species or diseases like Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death. “When hunting or going into wild areas, make sure to clean your boots of any mud, as well as wash and clean clothing and gear. Washing vehicles and tires before and after going to new areas is also a great practice,” De Mattos encourages, “Just doing these simple practices can create a huge positive impact to reduce the spread of invasive species in our islands.”

A wild turkey was featured on the 2018-2019 Hawaiʻi Game Bird Stamp. Turkeys are allowed to be harvested during the State game bird season On Maui, they can only be harvested on private lands with a valid State of Hawaiʻi hunting license. – DLNR photo

As for how they taste, Upcountry rancher and hunter, Steven Wong remarks, “You have to know how to cook them right, otherwise they’re dry, tough, and rubbery.” Wong grew up hunting and eating wild turkey and recommends cooking it with green papaya (similar to chicken papaya soup) or in an imu- but with added pork or beef fat to prevent it from drying out. For most of us, it may be best to stick to the Butterball.

Serena Fukushima is the Public Relations and Education Specialist for the Maui Invasive Species Committee. She holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies and a graduate degree in education from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. “Kiaʻi Moku, Guarding the Island” is written by the Maui Invasive Species Committee to provide information on protecting the island from invasive plants and animals that threaten our islands’ environment, economy and quality of life.

This article was originally published in the Maui News on November 13, 2021 as part of the Kia‘i Moku Column from the Maui Invasive Species Committee.

Read more Kiaʻi Moku articles.

Not All Fire Ants Are The Same

Posted on October 13, 2021 by Serena Fukushima

It’s a familiar feeling many of us have experienced. You may have been picnicking in a park, loading up a surfboard, or walking your dog when OUCH! The sensation between fire and an electric shock move slowly up your leg. You look down and see them. Fire ants. A familiar yet frightening sight, yet are all fire ants in Hawaiʻi alike?

Hawaiʻi has no native ant species. Since humans first began to inhabit the islands (and bring cargo), over 60 species of ants have hitchhiked here. One of the most common and notorious is the tropical fire ant. With a native range from the southern U.S. to South America, tropical fire ants were first documented in Hawaiʻi as early as 1879. These small red ants are now commonly found on every major Hawaiian island. Ground-nesting, they prefer dry, sunny locations and are right at home in beach parks, lawns, fields, driveways, and dirt roads. When a human foot or leg disturbs their nest, they attack – and they pack a punch and immediately start hurting. Because these ants live only on the ground, stings are almost always found on the victim’s feet and legs.

Hawaiʻi has no native ant species. Since humans first began to inhabit the islands… over 60 species of ants have hitchhiked here.

Fire ants are not all the same. Relatively new to Hawaiʻi, the little fire ant (Wasmannia auropunctata) usually stick to humid and shady locations: think dense foliage and rainy or irrigated areas. Tropical fire ants are on the ground, whereas little fire ants (LFA) can live in brush and treetops. They don’t have a good grip, so if you brush against an infested plant (or it’s a windy day), they can rain down on you, stinging your neck and falling down your shirt and on your arms, leaving painful rash like wounds that become increasingly itchy and swollen over time.

Size is one of the best ways to tell what type of fire ant you may have encountered. Tropical fire ants are giant compared to LFA, and TFA moves quickly and aggressively, making them easy to see with the naked eye. LFA are slow and sloth-like and extremely tiny. You most likely will feel their sting without even seeing them! Don’t let their size fool you, though- these tiny terrors have an enormous impact, affecting our economy, health, environment, cultural practices, and quality of life.

Established tropical fire ants are much larger than newer, invasive little fire ants. Tropical fire ants live in the ground and are commonly found in beach parks, fields and driveways. These are the ants that will typically sting your feet and legs. Little fire ants are not established on Maui, and can live in brush and treetops. Stings by LFA are typically on the neck, down the shirt, or on arms since they donʻt have good grip and will fall on passerby from above. Photo: MISC

LFA were first detected outside of Hilo in the 1990s, then spread throughout the state, first reaching Maui in 2009. The Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture, Hawaiʻi Ant Lab, and Invasive Species Committees endeavor to stop the spread of these pests, and solicit help from the community in these efforts. In fact, 12 out of the 18 known little fire ant populations on Maui were detected by members of the public.

Maui Invasive Species Committee (MISC) and the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture are working to prevent little fire ants from establishing a permanent foothold on Maui. Monte Tudor-Long, Little Fire Ant Crew Leader with MISC, feels hopeful. “Our control methods are working, and we are proud to say that we have declared several little fire ant populations on Maui eradicated, and those undergoing treatment are showing positive results. But we need the public’s continued help to detect these pests early.” Research and efforts by the Hawaiʻi Ant Lab, based on Hawaiʻi Island, has led to the development of new control methods and tools.

Tudor-Long says that it’s important to collect any stinging ants, even if they might be tropical fire ants. By doing so, you can help detect any new populations of LFA or prevent new invasive ants like the Red Imported Fire Ant, a notoriously invasive tropical fire ant lookalike not known to be in Hawaiʻi yet.

Collecting ants is simple “All you need is some peanut butter and a chopstick. Smear the bait on your stick, leave it in a shady place, and check back on it in an hour. If there are any ants on the stick, send them to us!”, Tudor-Long encourages. On Maui, MISC will identify your ants and let you know if you indeed have LFA and then help, free of charge. Don’t have LFA? Your ant sample will still help by contributing to understanding what ants are present in Hawaiʻi’s environment.

Testing for little fire ants is easy, and a great way to ensure that LFA, or other harmful ants, aren’t present on your property. Watch the video above to learn how to test for ants, and request a free testing kit at www.stoptheant.org, or by calling (808) 573-MISC. Video: Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources

October’s Stop the Ant Month is a state-wide campaign that brings awareness to little fire ants and encourages the public to test for ants in the backyards. You can request a test kit at www.stoptheant.org. Throughout the month, kits will also be available at local libraries, garden stores, veterinary clinics, and farmstands in Maui Nui.

This article was originally published in the Maui News on October 9, 2021 as part of the Kia‘i Moku Column from the Maui Invasive Species Committee.

Read more Kiaʻi Moku articles.

Be like Bob: The Importance of Reporting Something Out of Place

Posted on September 24, 2021 by Serena Fukushima

Retired state forester Bob Hobdy knows his trees. So, when he was driving through his Haʻikū neighborhood earlier this summer and saw a tree he didn’t recognize, he collected a branch complete with the flowers and seeds. After some sleuthing, he determined that it was Vernonthura polyanthes, a tree that has never been documented in Hawaiʻi, hiding in plain sight. Hobdy, concerned about the invasive potential of this plant, shared his findings with MISC’s Early Detection Specialists, Forest and Kim Starr, who quickly confirmed the identifications. The surprise lies in how far it had already spread.

Vernonanthura polyanthes, or assa-peixe, can grow to about 20 feet in height and has oblong-shaped green leaves. During the winter months in Brazil, assa-peixe puts on a display of delicate white and pink-colored flowers beloved by bees and resembling the blooms of invasive haole koa. Photo: Forest & Kim Starr.

The Starr’s gathered historical aerial photos of the area where this tree was discovered, looking for an indication of how many trees might be there. The results were shocking. In 2008, the area was completely cleared and bare dirt. Photos from 2015 show vegetation regrowth and a sprinkling of this new arrival in open pasture. In 2019, the pasture was completely clogged with mature trees. Recent data shows that this tree has sprouted up from Māliko Gulch to Kaupakalua Gulch, and ranges from about 600-1,000 ft. elevation. Aerial imagery can only go so far, and the Starrʻs are concerned that the pest may have expanded farther than can be detected with only aerial photos. As of the publication date of this article, the invasive tree has colonized an estimated 1,000 acres. Though current data shows this tree to only be in the Haʻikū area, Hobdy has concerns about its potential to spread further. “If left unmanaged, this tree will invade Maui’s agricultural and pasture lands and even has the potential to reach Haleakalā’s leeward native forests.”

Aerial photos taken on Maui of an area where assa-peixe is prevalent shows just how quickly this invasive plant can quickly invade open land. If you spot this invasive tree outside of the Haiku area, report it to 643pest.org. Photo: Forest & Kim Starr .

Vernonathura polyanthes is commonly called assa-peixe (ah-sa-payshay) in its native Brazil. Its leaves are breaded and fried and eaten as a snack, and when prepared this way, the veins of the leaves are reminiscent of fish bones, inspiring the tree’s common name, which translates to “fish roaster.” The tree can grow to about 20 feet in height and has oblong-shaped green leaves. During the winter months in Brazil, assa-peixe puts on a display of delicate white and pink colored flowers, resembling the blooms on invasive haole koa.

Beloved by bees and beekeepers, assa-peixe was exported in the 1990s to Mozambique as a nectar plant for honeybees. It invaded quickly- thriving in open agriculture fields, pasture lands, roadsides, and other areas disturbed by humans and animals. It soon began impacting agricultural communities and economies while creating a significant wildfire threat. Able to regrow after being cut down or after a fire and with seeds that travel easily by wind, assa-peixe moved into neighboring Zimbabwe and quickly became a dominant invasive species in the region within 25 years.
No stranger to working with invasive species throughout his 38-year career, Hobdy remarks, “In less than 20 years, it seems to be doing the same thing on Maui that it’s been doing in Africa. Frankly, this one scares me.”

In less than 20 years, it seems to be doing the same thing on Maui that it’s been doing in Africa. Frankly, this one scares me.

Maui Invasive Species Committee staff and partners plan to conduct more surveys to determine many trees are established. “Even if it seems like something you’ve seen before, be like Bob and investigate. You just may have found something early enough to stop it.” says Starr. He encourages the Maui community to keep an eye out for assa-peixe to learn if it has moved further from the known area. Since the seeds of this tree can quickly disperse on Maui’s trade winds, it has the potential to spread to other places, so catching it early and controlling it in your backyard before it gets out of hand is critical. If you find assa-peixe outside of the Haʻikū area, take a photo and report it to 643pest.org.

Serena Fukushima is the Public Relations and Education Specialist for the Maui Invasive Species Committee. She holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies and a graduate degree in education from the University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa. “Kiaʻi Moku, Guarding the Island” is written by the Maui Invasive Species Committee to provide information on protecting the island from invasive plants and animals that threaten our islands’ environment, economy and quality of life

This article was originally published in the Maui News on September 11, 2021 as part of the Kia‘i Moku Column from the Maui Invasive Species Committee.

Read more Kiaʻi Moku articles.

Keep an eye out for invasive parakeet

Posted on August 18, 2021 by Serena Fukushima

In July 2021, a Kīhei resident reported a strange-looking bird near their condo to the State-wide online pest reporting system, 643PEST.org. The concerned citizen knew that was not the rosy-faced lovebird, which is already established on Maui. The next day, a Nāpili resident reported an oversized visitor at their bird feeder. Both reports described lime-green parrot-like birds that were loud – really loud! These citizen reports led to the detection of a small band of rose-ringed parakeets, a species known to be invasive throughout the world.

Rose-ringed parakeets were recently observed at a bird feeder in Napili. These invasive species are not established on Maui and can cause harm to the agriculture industry, native ecosystem, and public health. Report RRP sightings to www.643pest.org or call (808) 643-PEST. Photo: Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project.

Parakeets are members of the parrot family, absent from the native fauna in Hawaiʻi. They are one of the most popular bird species in pet trade globally and are transported from their native ranges of Africa and Asia. With the ability to survive a range of climates, rose-ringed parakeets have established wild breeding populations in over 40 countries throughout the globe- ultimately making them one of the most invasive birds species in the world. In the United States, the largest and most problematic population of rose-ringed parakeets roost in Hawaiʻi, resulting in the State of Hawai‘i deeming it illegal to import them as pets.

It is unclear when rose-ringed parakeets arrived in Hawaiʻi. Escaped pet birds have been reported in the wild on Oʻahu since the 1930s, with about 4,700 birds present to date. Reports of rose-ringed parakeets have occurred since the 1980s in locations throughout Hawaiʻi Island; however, not much is known about their current population and distribution. The largest and most problematic population of rose-ringed parakeets are found on Kauaʻi. Recent estimates have the population over 10,000 and counting.

Rose-ringed Parakeets can be identified by their long tails (about the same length as their lime green bodies), red beaks, and loud call. Mature male parakeets have a black or rose-colored ring around their cheeks. Report RRP sightings to www.643pest.org or call (808) 643-PEST. Photo: Bishop Museum.

Released in the wild near Lāwaʻi in the 1960s, they have caused hundreds of thousands of dollars of damage to date on fruit and grain crops grown on Kauaʻi. Highly intelligent, wild flocks of rose-ringed parakeets will send scouts to deem if a location is safe, and if so, the movable feast begins like a hoard of tourists on a cruise ship buffet line. Flocks of birds will descend onto fruit trees and strip them bare. What’s left of the harvest may be covered in excrement and no longer viable for sale- bad news for small, local farmers already on tight margins.

It’s not just their appetite that makes them problematic. Their loud, high-pitched calls have been described as “deafening” when roosting at sunset, and the noise is not much better again at sunrise. Large congregations of birds also mean large piles of excrement- often on cars parked under trees. One hotel has even resorted to installing its own car wash to help clean up the nightly mess. The vast volume of feces can also become a potential human health hazard and encourages other invasive species like mice and rodents in the area. The Kauaʻi Invasive Species Committee, partnered with the Rose-ringed Parakeet Working Group, leads the research to determine the best way to manage these invasive pests.

Currently only found in lowland environments near humans, there is a growing concern on what effects they may cause if they reach upland native ecosystems. Potential impacts could be eating native plant seeds and damaging trees, spreading diseases such as avian pox to native forest birds, and impacting Hawaiʻi’s unique biodiversity, thus threatening our watersheds and cultural connections to some of the world’s most unique and threatened ecosystems.

Rose-ringed Parakeets may look similar to wild love birds, which are species already established on Maui, but there are some key physical differences that help to tell them apart.

Back on Maui, the rose-ringed parakeet found in Kīhei was captured; however, at the time of this publication, at least four more birds remain at large in West Maui. An interagency effort between the Maui Invasive Species Committee, Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture, Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife, Maui Nui Seabird Recovery Project, and Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project has been working to locate and capture these remaining birds to prevent them from becoming established on Maui.

The Maui community can help protect our island’s environment, agriculture, and quality of life by reporting rose-ringed parakeet sightings to www.643pest.org or calling (808) 643-PEST.

Serena Fukushima is the Public Relations and Education Specialist for the Maui Invasive Species Committee. She holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies and a graduate degree in education from the University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa. “Kiaʻi Moku, Guarding the Island” is written by the Maui Invasive Species Committee to provide information on protecting the island from invasive plants and animals that threaten our islands’ environment, economy and quality of life

This article was originally published in the Maui News on August 9, 2021 as part of the Kia‘i Moku Column from the Maui Invasive Species Committee.

Read more Kiaʻi Moku articles.

Coffee Leaf Rust Never Sleeps

Posted on July 21, 2021 by Serena Fukushima

You may be holding a cup of it now as you read this. Warm and comforting, coffee is the fuel for many facing an early morning or a much-needed pick me up. In the United States, coffee is the most commonly consumed beverage (more than tap water!) and percolates more than $200 billion into the United States economy. Hawaiʻi is the largest producer of coffee in the country, with over 1,400 coffee farms statewide. It is the second-highest value crop, contributing nearly $150 million annually to the economy of the Aloha State. The Kona Typica variety of coffee, primarily grown in the Kona region of Hawaiʻi island is world-renowned. Maui also contributes to the Hawaiʻi coffee industry, with over 1,000 acres in active production and the second greatest number of coffee farmers in the state.

A fungus that has been spreading and threatening the global coffee industry has now arrived on our shores. Coffee leaf rust (Hemileia vastatrix) is the most destructive and economically devastating disease of coffee worldwide. It was first discovered in Africa in 1861 and has slowly spread throughout coffee-growing regions worldwide. In October 2020, a Haʻikū coffee farmer reported suspicious orange spots on their coffee leaves. The Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture (HDOA) soon confirmed it as Hawaiʻi’s first case of coffee leaf rust. It is now found island-wide on Maui and confirmed on Oʻahu, Lānaʻi, and Hawaiʻi Island. Kauaʻi has had no reported findings to date*.

A coffee tree infected with coffee leaf rust will display irregular-shaped, yellowish spots on the surfaces of the leaves. Underneath the leaves, there may be powdery spores, yellow to orange in color, that can be spread on the wind or by humans through footwear, vehicles, clothing and tools. Learn how to dispose of infected trees, decontaminate gear and report coffee leave rust at www.hawaii coffeeed.com. — Andrea Kawabata and HDOA photo

Coffee leaf rust spores spread quickly on the wind and can also be easily moved by humans. An infected plant will display irregular-shaped, yellowish spots on the surfaces of the leaves. Underneath the leaves, there may be powdery spores, yellow to orange in color. The fungus usually appears on the lower leaves and slowly moves up the tree. Infected leaves die and drop, which can inevitably reduce production and, in severe cases, kill the tree as it becomes unable to photosynthesize.

Maintaining healthy plants and good sanitation practices are integral in managing coffee rust. Gerry Ross, President of the Maui Coffee Association and farmer at Kūpaʻa Farms, discovered coffee leaf rust on his trees shortly after its arrival to Maui. “We are vigilant in observing all of our crops and caught coffee leaf rust on our trees early,” Ross says, “Maintaining tree health is key. We have an active pruning program to prevent the spread of the fungus and use organic fungicide sprays to manage it.”

Pruning, using fungicide sprays, and controlling weeds around the base of coffee trees are some methods of control. Still, wild coffee has also proven to be a host susceptible to this pest. Ross sees a silver lining though, “Wild coffee that dies from coffee leaf rust would reduce habitat for coffee berry borer, hopefully bringing its populations down.” The coffee berry borer is an invasive beetle that arrived to Hawaiʻi in 2010. It bores into coffee beans and can ruin entire harvests if left unchecked.

Gerry Ross, president of Maui Coffee Association and farmer at Kūpaʻa Farms, stands amongst his organic coffee trees. Maintaining coffee tree health by pruning, weeding and using fungicide sprays has helped coffee farmers like Ross keep coffee leaf rust at bay. — Ann Tuomela photo

Long-term plans are in motion to further combat coffee leaf rust. Research in Hawaiʻi is currently underway on coffee leaf rust-resistant cultivars; however, it may take some time to import, breed and multiply new coffee varieties for that superior cup of Hawaiʻi-grown joe.

Slowing the human spread of coffee leaf rust is possible through proper sanitation measures. Aut Fleming, Noxious Weed Specialist with Mauiʻs HDOA Plant Pest Control Branch, recommends decontaminating after being in areas with coffee leaf rust. “If you are visiting, working on, or touring coffee farms, make sure to decontaminate with at least 70% alcohol or a 10% bleach and water solution. If you think you have come into contact with coffee leaf rust, wash your clothing, footwear, and any other gear that may have been in contact with it. Use laundry detergent and hot water, and dry on high heat.” Fleming also encourages reporting suspect coffee leaf rust and following proper disposal procedures.

Although this new pest is daunting, people like Gerry have hope, “Farmers are resilient. We will find a way to adapt. It’s not game over.”

To learn more about coffee leaf rust and how to report it, visit this online resource created by Andrea Kawabata, Assistant Extension Agent with the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources: www.hawaiicoffeeed.com/

*Update: As of July 21, 2021, coffee leaf rust has been detected on all major Hawaiian Islands.

This article was originally published in the Maui News on July 10, 2021 as part of the Kia‘i Moku Column from the Maui Invasive Species Committee.

Read more Kiaʻi Moku articles.

The Case of the Stinging Hitchhiker

Posted on June 23, 2021 by Serena Fukushima

In March of this year, a Lahaina couple reported a stinging but slow-moving, tiny ant- armed with a large stinger that left itchy, red welts. Maui Invasive Species Committee (MISC) little fire ant crew leader, Monte Tudor-Long, responded to their report, concerned that the couple had uncovered a new little fire ant infestation. MISC regularly responds to stinging ant reports from members of the public in an effort to prevent the spread of little fire ants (LFA). After samples of the stinging insects were collected and examined, Monte was shocked to find that this was not an ant at all.

The Maui Invasive Species Committee regularly responds to reports of stinging ants in order to rapidly contain and control new little fire ant populations. If you get a sting, give MISC a ring at (808) 573-MISC and learn how to test for LFA here. Photo: Maui Invasive Species Committee

Hawaiʻi has no native ants. About 60 ants have become established in our islands since humans arrived. One of the most damaging is the little fire ant, which accidentally arrived to Hawaii Island in the late 1990s, hitchhiking on imported nursery plants. LFA eventually spread to other islands, including Maui, where they were first discovered on an organic farm in 2009. In Hawaii, these invasive ants create multiple super colonies that cover the trees and the ground, quickly outcompeting other insects in the area. In homes and communities, encounters with LFA have left painful welts on humans and have blinded pets and livestock from repeated stings to their eyes.

LFA are considered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as one of the world’s 100 worst invasive species and are currently being targeted for removal in Maui County.

When Tudor-Long collected several common ants from the Lahaina report, he expected to also find LFA based on the couple’s experience and the red welts they showed him. After viewing them under a microscope, the suspect little fire ant was ruled out from being LFA because its features didn’t match up to one – in fact, its features didn’t match any ant known to be in Hawaii. Upon reaching out to experts to identify this “mystery ant,” it was revealed that it was actually a tiny wasp!

Microscopic images of a little fire ant (left) and wasp (right) show similarities in their appearance (both are armed with stingers that inflict painful stings), however, they are completely different species. If you think you have been stung by little fire ants, report it right away to www.643pest.org. Photo: Maui Invasive Species Committee

Cephalonomia gallicola is a flightless wasp that arrived in Hawai’i around 1930, hitchhiking in beetle-infested cardboard from India. It typically preys on woodboring and tobacco beetles, which make their homes in everything from shipping materials, furniture, and kitchen cupboards. Parasitic wasps like this one are known to infest sofas and other furniture, particularly second-hand furniture, for this buffet of beetles. This is also where they typically encounter and sting unsuspecting humans.

The Lahaina couple identified the primary source of stings from a recently purchased, second-hand couch- the same location Tudor-Long collected the wasp. Although different treatments are available, the couple opted to dispose of their couch and rid their home of this uninvited guest.

Although cases like this stinging, flightless parasitic wasp may not be common, it is a good example of how pests arrive in Hawaii. On average, one new species arrives in the Hawaiian Islands every three days, usually as an accidental hitchhiker. Although they may not become invasive or established in the wild, reporting unusual and different-looking species right away helps officials respond and identify new potential threats. If you see a strange new plant, insect, or animal, or get stung by a suspect ant, report it to www.643pest.org.

This article was originally published in the Maui News on June 12, 2021 as part of the Kia‘i Moku Column from the Maui Invasive Species Committee.

Read more Kiaʻi Moku articles.

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Gardening This Spring? Plant Pono

Avocado Pest Now Widespread on Maui- But There is Hope

Need a New Year’s resolution?
Here’s twelve ways to protect Maui from invasive species all year long

A Hawaiʻi Christmas Story

Gobble Gobble! Maui’s Wild Turkeys

Not All Fire Ants Are The Same

Be like Bob: The Importance of Reporting Something Out of Place

Keep an eye out for invasive parakeet

Coffee Leaf Rust Never Sleeps

The Case of the Stinging Hitchhiker

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