Providing science-based information to serve Hawaiʻi's Farming Community
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Sustainable & Organic Research &
Outreach News
News from Hawaiʻi's Researchers and Extension Professionals
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Foliar and Seedborne Fungal Pathogens
of Tomato in Hawai'i
Saimon Errel S. Caligayahan1, Jensen Y. Uyeda2,
and Jane Marian S. Luis1
College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience, University of Hawai’i at Manoa
1Department of Plant and Environment Protection Sciences
2Department of Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences
In Hawai'i tomatos are grown commercially and in backyard gardens, but because of the islands’ climate, it creates the perfect conditions for fungal diseases. Interestingly, researchers at University of Hawai'i at Mānoa recently conducted a survey that identified several foliar and seedborne pathogens affecting common tomato varieties. The study highlights the importance of choosing the right variety, monitoring seed health, and being alert to changing conditions. Read "Foliar and Seedborne Fungal Pathogens of Tomato in Hawai'i" for full results.
FMI: Jane Marian S. Luis
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Nutrient Management Through Organic Practices
Amjad A. Ahmad1 *, Maria E.O. Escobar2 and Nguyen V. Hue1 1Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences Department, University of Hawaii at Manoa, USA; 2Soil Science Department, Federal University of Ceara, Brazil
This chapter featured in the book "Advances in Organic Farming" explores nutrient management through organic practices, focusing on practical and sustainable methods for enhancing soil fertility in agricultural systems. the article discusses a variety of organic nutrient sources including animal manures, green manures, biofertilizers, compost, and biochar, as well as their benefits for soil health and crop growth. By examining specific case studies and nutrient cycles for nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium, the article provides valuable guidance for farmers and researchers seeking to optimize crop yields while preserving environmental quality. Read "Nutrient Management Through Organic Practices" for full article.
FMI: Amjad Ahmad
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Growing Ginger in Pots/Soilless Media Suitable For Producing Seeds For Propagation and Consumption
Amjad Ahmad, Sharon Wages, Jensen Uyeda, Emilie Kirk, Rosemary Gutierrez-Coarite, Russell Galanti, Jennifer Hawkins, Alberto Ricordi, and Shawn Meaney
College of Tropical Agriculture & Human Resilience; University of Hawaii at Manoa
Growing ginger in pots using soilless media offers a promising solution to increase yield, enhance quality, and combat soil-borne diseases such as bacterial wilt. With proven benefits for both farmers and home gardeners, container-grown ginger is suitable for diverse environments, including orchards and urban farming, and can potentially meet the rising demand for this healthy, high-value crop. Researchers at the University of Hawai'i conducted a trial to investigate which growing media was best suitable for growing ginger in large pots. Read "Growing Ginger in Pots/Soilless Media Suitable For Producing Seeds For Propagation and Consumption" for full results.
FMI: Dr. Amjad Ahmad
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Shelterbelt Planting and Sheet Mulching for Nematode, Soil Health and Weed Management in a Taro Agroecosystem
Angelina Johnson, Koon-Hui Wang, and Roshan Paudel
1Department of Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences University of Hawai`i at Manoa
Sheet mulching and shelterbelt planting in taro agroecosystems were evaluated by University of Hawai’i researchers to determine its effects on nematode populations, soil health, weed control, and taro growth. Sheet mulching uses layers of recycled organic matter, which significantly improved soil nutrients, increased beneficial nematodes, boosted microbial activity, and decreased soil salinity. It also reduced weeding time and enhanced taro height and leaf production. Read the full “Shelterbelt Planting and Sheet Mulching for Nematode, Soil Health and Weed Management in a Taro Agroecosystem” poster to review results.
FMI: Koon-Hui Wang
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The Effect of Rooting Hormone Treatment on Tip Cuttings of Pakalana (Telosma cordata)
Daryl Bolosan1 , Alberto Ricordi2 1 O’ahu County, Cooperative Extension; 2 Department of Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences, O’ahu County, Cooperative Extension, University of Hawaii at Manoa
Pakalana (Telosma cordata), also known as Chinese violet, is a vining plant prized for its fragrant blossoms and use in Hawaiian lei-making traditions. Native to Southeast Asia, Pakalana thrives in warm climates and climbs on trellises and fences, making it a popular choice for gardeners and farmers interested in ornamental and productive landscaping. This article introduces effective propagation methods for Pakalana, focusing on tip cuttings and the use of rooting hormone to optimize root development and success in cultivation. Read "The Effect of Rooting Hormone Treatment on Tip Cuttings of Pakalana (Telosma cordata)" for full results.
FMI: Alberto H Ricordi
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Mental Health Equity for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Farmers in Hawai'i
Shubhanshu Jain, John Souza Jr., Thao N Le
Department of Family Consumer Sciences, College of Tropical Agriculture & Human Resilience, University of Hawai‘i Mānoa
This study addresses the mental health needs of culturally and linguistically diverse farmers in Hawaiʻi, highlighting challenges such as stigma, geographic isolation, and limited access to culturally responsive care. Through geospatial analysis, document reviews, and interviews, University of Hawai'i researchers found that most Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) are not well aligned with farming communities, and few offer tailored programs for farmers. Local researchers recommend expanding mobile clinics, improving language support, and integrating cultural practices to improve mental health equity and support for Hawaiʻi’s diverse agricultural workers. Read "Mental Health Equity for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Farmers in Hawai'i" for full article.
FMI: Thao Le
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Other CTAHR Publications & Programs
for sustainable and organic production systems
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Organic Corner + University of Hawai'i Organic Transition (UHOT)
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The University of Hawai’i Helps Interested Farmers Transition to Organic
U.H.O.T. (University of Hawai’i at Mānoa Organic Transition Program) is a TOPP partner program dedicated to fostering organic workforce development, providing organic transfer and certification guidance, mentoring services, technical assistance, and community building in Hawaii. Learn more at UHOT.org
The TOPP (Transition to Organic Partnership Program) is a 5-year collaborative partnership network covering six regions. The University of Hawai’i at Mānoa Sustainable and Organic Agriculture Program, in partnership with CCOF as the Western Region lead, Hawai’i Farmers Union United and Ma’o Farms to provide mentoring services, technical assistance, community building, and organic workforce development for transitioning and exciting organic farmers.
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Organic Corner
National Organic Standards Board – Fall 2025 Meeting
Meeting resources for the upcoming National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) Fall 2025 session are now posted online. Stakeholders can review the tentative agenda, board proposals, and details for participating in public comment opportunities.
Key Dates & Details
- Public Comment Webinars (online): October 28 & 30, 2025, from 12:00 – 5:00 p.m. ET
- In-person Meeting: November 4–6, 2025, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. CT in Omaha, Nebraska
The NOSB strongly encourages public engagement. Both oral and written comments on agenda items are welcome. Registration for oral comments and submission of written statements are open now through October 8, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Written comments must be filed via Regulations.gov under
Docket Number AMS-NOP-25-0034.
For instructions on registering, submitting comments, and accessing the meeting webcast, visit the
NOSB Fall 2025 Meeting webpage.
National Organic Program Update
The USDA National Organic Program (NOP) shared important updates at the Spring 2025 National
Organic Standards Board meeting. Oversight is now stronger than ever under the Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) rule. Since last fall, all importers must be certified, and NOP is fully enforcing the rules. Over 7,000 new organic handlers have joined worldwide, and nearly 178,000 import certificates have been processed.
NOP is also increasing surveillance on high-risk imports such as soybeans, corn, and livestock feed, and new residue testing methods are being used to help spot fraud. Two major new rules are now in effect:
Organic Pet Food and Mushrooms (effective March 2025) and the Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards (compliance beginning January 2025).
For more details, visit the full update here: Spring 2025 NOP Update (PDF).
NOSB Clarifies Compost Feedstock Standards
At its Spring 2025 meeting, the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) reaffirmed that any synthetic substance intentionally added to compost feedstocks for use on organic farms must go through the same approval process as other synthetic inputs. This means a substance must first be reviewed and recommended by a two-thirds NOSB vote, then added to the National List through USDA’s public rulemaking process.
The decision came in response to a petition from the Biodegradable Products Institute, which sought to allow certain compostable packaging materials in organic compost without full review. The Board determined that such a shortcut would bypass the established protections of the Organic Foods Production Act and could open the door to prohibited synthetics entering organic systems.
By reaffirming the National List process, NOSB aims to maintain trust in organic compost, protect soil and crop integrity, and ensure consistent oversight for farmers and certifiers. For more information click here.
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U.H.O.T. Podcast: Why Organic in Hawai'i?
U.H.O.T. Podcast explores why local producers choose certified organic production. Local producers hearing from local producers.
Listen to All Episodes
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This Hawai'i Peer Mentorship Program is Supporting Farmers' Mental Wellbeing - Overstory
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Despite losing its federal funding, the University of Hawai'i's Seeds of Wellbeing's peer mentor network continues to help farmers navigate stress-and reduce stigma about mental health in the local agricultural industry.
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HFUU is looking for both interested farmer participants and for experienced mentors. It has been decided to roll out the program statewide and HFUU is seeking applicants from all islands! There has been a lot of interest in the program and we thought it would be best to roll things out as quickly as possible.
Please reach out to organictransitions@hfuu.org and we will get you an application! Once you are signed up as an interested farmer, the Project Coordinator will get you the application form. Once it has been returned, there will be an initial interview to learn more about your farming operation before being paired with a mentor to begin your journey to becoming an organic farming operation!
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Starting a Business in Hawaii
This webinar provides an overview of the four key areas that prospective and new business owners need to know in starting a business.
- Key elements to be a successful business owner
- Overview of a business plan and why it is important to have a plan to establish, market, operate, and ensure profitability of your business
- Legal, tax, and compliance considerations when you establish and register your business in Hawai'i
- Small business resources and other helpful information
Date and time
Thursday, October 23, 2025
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. HST
Event cost
$15.00
Location
Online
Organizer
Cynthia Yamasaki
stephanie.chan@hisbdc.org
808-945-1430
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Medicinal Plant Crafting Workshop
Want to learn how to make healing medicines from the plants growing all around you, even the ones you walk by everyday and consider weeds? Come to this workshop to learn the basics of medicinal plant gathering and preparation put on by the Hawai'i Tropical Fruit Growers and Waikiki Elementary as part of a series that includes propagation and pruning. Your instructor, Nat Bletter, aka Dr. Leaves, who has been studying medicinal plants for 30 years, will cover proper good evidenced-based medicinal plant research, gathering practices, and prepartion and use of safe medicinal plant tinctures. No need Longs no more!
Sign up below and bring any plants or diseases you have questions about.
$35 for HTFG members, $40 for non-members,
plus a requested 30 min help on the Waikiki Elementary School garden as a thank you for providing a beautiful venue for this class.
all materials provided.
Use the code HTFGer when registering here to get your HTFG discount.
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Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP)
How It Works
The Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP) is administered as two programs:
- Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP) 2023 and 2024 Drought and Wildfire, announced in May, compensates producers who suffered eligible grazing losses due to drought and wildfire in 2023 and/or 2024.
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- Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP) 2023 and 2024 Flood and Wildfire helps offset increased supplemental feed costs due to qualifying floods or wildfires on non-federally managed land in 2023 and/or 2024.
These programs are administered separately as they provide compensation for different losses and have different eligibility requirements and payment calculations.
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Livestock Wala'au: Livestock Podcast
Livestock Wala'au podcast presented by the University of Hawaiʻi College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources. This podcast serves as a way for the livestock community to connect, talk story, and learn.
Listen to the Podcast
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Western Region Sustainable Agriculture and Education Program (WSARE)
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SARE is a program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute for Food and Agriculture that provides competitive grants and educational materials. Our grants programs are conducted cooperatively by farmers, ranchers, researchers, and ag professionals to advance farm and ranch systems that are profitable, environmentally sound, and good for communities.
The SARE grant program mission is to advance innovations that improve profitability, stewardship, and quality of life in American agriculture by investing in groundbreaking research and education. To achieve that, Western SARE believes that our programs must include the involvement of agricultural producers from inception to finish, and therefore we require producer involvement in the planning, design, implementation, and educational outreach of any funded project.
Western SARE Goals
• Promote good stewardship of the nation’s natural resources by providing site-specific, regional, and profitable sustainable farming and ranching methods that strengthen agricultural competitiveness; satisfy human food and fiber needs; maintain and enhance the quality and productivity of soil; conserve soil,
water, energy, natural resources, and fish and wildlife habitat; and maintain and improve the quality of surface and ground water.
• Enhance the quality of life of farmers and ranchers and ensure the viability of rural communities, for example, by increasing income and employment, especially profitable self-employment and innovative marketing opportunities in agricultural and rural communities.
• Protect the health and safety of those involved in food and farm systems by reducing, where feasible and practical, the use of toxic materials in agricultural production, and by optimizing on-farm resources and integrating, where appropriate, biological cycles
and controls.
• Promote crop, livestock, and enterprise diversification.
• Examine the regional, economic, social, and environmental implications of adopting sustainable agriculture practices and systems.
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This e-publication is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP).
This e-publication has been prepared by CTAHR research scientists and extension staff to deliver science-based information about sustainable and organic production systems to serve Hawaiʻi's farming community.
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- Tell us about your research needs.
Mahalo nui loa,
Eric Collier Education Specialist and Managing Editor
Amjad Ahmad, Kylie Tavares & Emilie Kirk Co-Reviewers
Sharon Wages & Jensen Uyeda WSARE Content Reviewers
Theodor Radovich Editor-in-Chief
Sustainable and Organic Agriculture Program
Cooperative Extension Service
College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources
On-line version of newsletter as well as archived issues available at:
http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/sustainag/news/
Hawai‘i Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution providing programs and services to the people of Hawai‘i without regard to race, sex, gender identity and expression, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, marital status, arrest and court record, sexual orientation, or status as a covered veteran.
Eric Collier | Education Specialist, Social Media & Web Manager | colliere@hawaii.edu
Copyright ©2013 University of Hawai‘i - College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources. Updated 4 Nov, 2021
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