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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Survey of Mediterranean Fruit Fly Parasitoids in the Kauai Coffee Farm
Roshan Manandhar
College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources Cooperative Extension, Kauai County University of Hawaii at Manoa
What damage is caused by the Mediterranean fruit fly (Medfly)? As it is considered one of the most costly agricultural pests in the world, a major pest of over 300 fruit species, the Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata) is found in most tropical and subtropical climates across the world, arriving in Hawai’i in 1906. The medfly is a little smaller than a common housefly, with adults having dark bodies with two white bands and its characteristic black and yellow wing markings. The damage that the Medfly causes is primarily caused by the female, piercing the fruit with its ovipositor. The hatched larvae feed on the pulp causing the fruit to decay and drop prematurely. How do you control the Mediterranean fly? To control the spread of the Mediterranean fruit fly, the Area-Wide Pest Management program integrated two or more control components creating a comprehensive package that has been economically viable, sustainable and environmentally acceptable. Previous studies have demonstrated that fruit fly pests are associated with larval parasitoids, which were introduced to Hawai’i unintentionally. However, the import of new parasitoids has become a more practical means of controlling the Medfly population. To investigate the impact of the parasitoids on a Medfly population, the article “Survey of Mediterranean fruit fly parasitoids in Hawaii coffee farm”, surveyed the presence of both the Medfly and parasitoids on coffee beans on the island of Kauai and discusses the current results here.
FMI: Roshan Manandhar
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4-H Camp Kau Kau:
Cultural Cooking with Local Crops & Livestock
Christine Hanakawa, Marielle Hampton, Nancy Ooki, Hallie Cristobal, and Tina Mueller
University of Hawaii at Manoa, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources
Department of Family and Consumer Sciences
Do you remember summer camp? The thought of summer camp can conjure up some fond memories. Campfires at the beach, s'mores, roasting hotdogs, water fights and flashlight wars with friends and family. Everyone has memories from their summertime youth. For the keiki that participated in the 4-H Camp Kau Kau Program, summer camp was about culture, agriculture and cooking. The keiki learned to use local recipes as a way to experience and learn about the impact that the plantation-era had on local food. They used recipes that incorporated local crops and livestock to make dishes such as Haupia, Saimin, and Pinakbet to name a few. The keiki learned about the cultures associated with the recipes by sharing their fondest memories about food and the special occasions surrounding those memories. You can read all about the 4-H Camp Kau Kau: Cultural Cooking with Local Crops & Livestock and the wonderful experiences and memories of the program.
FMI: Christina Hanakawa
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Food Introduction in Hawai’i Based Schools
Hallie Cristobal
University of Hawaii at Manoa, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources
Department of Family and Consumer Sciences
Approximately one in three children entering kindergarten in Hawai‘i are already overweight or obese (Pobutsky et al., 2013). Adult obesity rates are also increasing in Hawai‘i, a condition that disproportionately impacts Native Hawaiians (40%) and Other Pacific Islanders (43.6%) (CDC, 2022). To address the obesity epidemic, the CDC recommends focusing community efforts in a variety of settings, including schools and early care and education (CDC, 2022). School-based Nutrition education for children that includes family support and food environment changes can improve attitudes, knowledge, and behavior around healthy eating (Langford et al., 2014), which can have positive impacts on weight status (Yip et al., 2016). To address health and nutrition in rural Hawai‘i communities, the Tasting with Keiki 4-H nutrition education program provides school-based food introduction lessons for students in kindergarten through second grade and healthy food access outreach services for students’ families. First started on Kauai in 2019 as a Food Introduction Spin/School Enrichment program has now bloomed into a Rural Health and Education grant reaching more students throughout the state. Read full Food Introduction in Hawai’i Based Schools article
FMI: Hallie Cristobal
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Cloud Castle Farm: An Upcountry Maui Success Story
Natural Resources Conservation Services, U.S. Department of Agriculture
With a unique farming operation in Kula, Maui, Andrew Walker and his partner Jennifer Ely raise an assortment of livestock that are different than most.
They raise Suri alpaca, Angora goats, various sheep, Nigerian dwarf goats, Angora rabbits, primarily for natural fiber, on their property named Cloud Castle Farm. As well, the couple owns all the equipment needed to process the fiber and make rugs. They also have chickens, ducks and, most recently, bees.
Theirs is a story of success and second chances that began when they first applied for the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program in fiscal year 2022. Known as EQIP, the program provides financial and technical assistance to address natural resource concerns and to deliver environmental benefits, such as improved water and air quality, conserved ground and surface water, reduced soil erosion and sedimentation, and improved or created wildlife habitat. Read the full Cloud Castle Farm: An Upcountry Maui Success Story.
FMI: Derrick Crawford
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Comparison of coco coir, sphagnum moss and potting mix for air layer production of `ulu (breadfruit, Artocarpus altilis) Ma`afala
Alberto Ricordi, Joshua Silva
Department of Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Hawaii at Manoa
‘Ulu, or breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis), is a fruit tree that is widely cultivated in the Pacific and one of the main canoe plants that were brought to Hawaii by Polynesian settlers. ‘Ulu is a common landscape tree and a growing fruit tree crop for fresh fruits, flour, and other added valued products. Air layer is an affordable propagation method that can be easily timed with pruning schedule to propagate seedless cultivars and cultivars in high demand, such as Ma’afala, which is well known for its compact growth habit and high yields. This trial looked at comparing readily available growing media on the success of air layer rooting for propagation of the ‘ulu variety Ma`afala. Read the full Comparison of coco coir, sphagnum moss and potting mix for air layer production of `ulu (breadfruit, Artocarpus altilis) Ma`afala article.
FMI: Alberto Ricordi
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Field Study to compare the effectiveness of OneGuard, Imajet10, and Nanotek2000 in preventing damage from Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle in Waipio, Oahu, Hawaii
Alberto Ricordi1, Joshua Silva1, Keith Weiser2, Mike Melzer2, Rian Huizingh2
1Department of Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences; 2Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa
Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (Oryctes rhinoceros L., CRB) was first detected on Oʻahu in 2013 but since then has become a major pest of coconut and other palm species. CRB bores the palm crown, causing either leaf damage or possibly complete crown death. Management of CRB can take an integrated pest management (IPM) approach of various preventative, cultural, physical, biological, or chemical practices. Current management for nursery and landscape applications focuses on the palm tree to target adults with the use of synthetic insecticide injections, contact insecticide spray, or soil drenching. In response to requests from the industry, the objective of this trial was to compare the effectiveness of different products according to their recommended method of application. Read the full Field Study to compare the effectiveness of OneGuard, Imajet10, and Nanotek2000 in preventing damage from Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle in Waipio, Oahu, Hawaii article
FMI: Alberto Ricordi
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Field evaluation of essential oils in preventing damage from
Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle in young coconut palms
Alberto Ricordi
Department of Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa
Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (Oryctes rhinoceros L., CRB) was first detected on Oʻahu in 2013 but since then has become a major pest of coconut and other palm species. CRB bores into the palm crown, causing damage to developing fronds and sometimes complete crown death. Ideal management of CRB uses an integrated pest management (IPM) approach including preventative, cultural, physical, biological, or chemical practices.
Current chemical practices for management of CRB focuses on the use of synthetic insecticides that require the removal of flowers and fruits, to prevent harm to fauna and humans. There is a need for CRB management options that prevent damage from CRB while allowing the harvest of coconuts for edible or cultural uses.
Previous research (Ravindran et al, 2019; Ricordi and Silva, 2023) confirmed that essential oils can repel and kill CRB adult beetles and larvae. In Hawaii, essential oils were tested under controlled conditions. Essential oil extracted from basil (Ocimum basilicum) at a 6% dilution repelled and caused death of CRB when the 6% oil solution was sprayed directly on the adult beetles and 1st instar larvae (Ricordi and Silva, 2023).
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of different essential oils in preventing damage from CRB in young coconut palms in field conditions. Read the full Field evaluation of essential oils in preventing damage from Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle in young coconut palms article.
FMI: Alberto Ricordi
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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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Up to $750 for Organic Growers- Organic Cost-Share Application Due October 31
Did you know that through the Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP), USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will cover up to 75% of organic certification costs at a maximum of $750 per certification category? The Organic Certification Cost Share Program is a reimbursement program on funds you paid for certification from October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2024 and the deadline to apply is October 31, 2024.
In prior years growers were asked to contact the FSA County office in their service area, this year application processing is being centralized to the FSA Hawaii and Pacific Basin State Office. Josie Lealasola is the lead point of contact for the program.
If you have previously applied with FSA for the OCCSP program please email Josie Lealasola and attach to your email:
• Receipts from your organic certification for expenses incurred between 10/1/2023 through 9/30/2024
• If your ownership structure, address or banking information has changed please let me know the changes so I can update our system
If you are new to the USDA Farm Service Agency, FSA will first work to get your operation registered in thier system using the following forms:
• AD-2047 used to collect your business/individual contact information and social security number or employee identification number
• If you’re a business entity, FSA asks for a CCC-901 – this form outlines who your business owners are/what their shares are/and who can sign for your business applications
• A voided check to establish your banking information in the FSA system, all USDA Farm Service Agency payments are made via electronic funds transfer (EFT)
• Additionally FSA will need your receipts from organic certification for expenses incurred between 10/1/2023 through 9/30/2024
Contact josephine.lealasola@usda.gov at the FSA Hawaii and Pacific Basin State Office to apply or request more information.
National Organic Standards Board Fall 2024 Meeting
The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) will convene its Fall 2024 meeting in Portland, Oregon this October. This biannual public forum allows the NOSB to discuss and vote on recommendations that help shape and refine organic standards for the USDA.
The Fall 2024 NOSB meeting will take place over several days:
• Online Comment Webinars: October 15 & 17, 2024, 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm Eastern
• In-Person Public Meeting: October 22-24, 2024, 8:30 am - 6:00 pm Pacific
The in-person meeting will be held at:
Hilton Portland Downtown
21 SW Sixth Avenue
Portland, Oregon 97204
(503) 226-1611
For those unable to attend in person, the meeting will be webcast live. In the event that circumstances prevent an in-person gathering, the meeting will transition to a virtual format.
To ensure consideration during the Fall 2024 Meeting, all written comments and requests for oral comment slots must be received by 11:59 pm ET on Monday, September 30, 2024. This deadline allows the Board sufficient time to review all comments prior to the meeting.
Meeting materials, including the tentative agenda, proposals, and discussion documents, are now available on the NOSB Fall 2024 meeting webpage. Zoom information for accessing the webinars and live meeting webcast will be posted on this webpage in October, before the events begin.
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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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The University of Hawai'i O'ahu Master Gardeners gave a two part series of workshops on how to grow a nutritious food crop to feed you and your family.
During Session 1, attendees learned to grow 'Poamoho' stringless variety of pole bean developed by University of Hawai'i (UH) researchers. We explained how to grow and when to harvest pole beans in just 6-8 weeks from planting seeds. The session also included the importance of testing soil pH and understanding how pH affects plant health, amending and fertilizing the soil, harvesting beans for eating and saving seeds for the next season.
Slideshow Session 1 - Growing Green Beans: Soil, Seeds, to Harvest
Session 2 covered how to grow healthy and nutritious green bean plants by identifying and addressing soil nutrient deficiencies, pests, and diseases. Attendees shared with the other attendees, photos of their bean plant problems for discussion. Some of the content and gardening techniques apply to growing other garden vegetables. Our objective is to help home gardeners produce food to feed their families by learning from each other.
Slideshow Session 2 - Growing Green Beans: Nutrients, Pest, & Diseases
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Coworking Hub
Small businesses and entrepreneurs can get in-person support at the Coworking Hub on the second Wednesday of each month from the City's Resource Connector team.
Get referrals for help with government contracting, connecting with accelerator programs, social media and marketing, how to import or export goods, and more. A full list of services is below.
Appointments are free! If you’re a startup that has been operating for less than 24 months, or if you are an existing business, make an appointment for in-person support now!
Services:
- Exploring Government Contracting
- Agricultural Support Services
- Energy Rebates
- Help Navigating City Processes
- Connecting with Accelerator Programs
- Buying or Selling a Business
- Social Media
- Marketing Strategies
- Importing/Exporting
- Veteran-Owned Business Assistance
The Coworking Hub Location:
1050 Queen St. Suite #100, Honolulu, HI 96814
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Pakini loan fund for small businesses
The new Pakini loan fund program offers loans from $1,000 to $30,000 for small businesses in Hawaiʻi. While the Pakini fund prioritizes serving Native Hawaiians living and working in the Waiʻanae Moku on Oʻahu, the program fund is open to all eligible small businesses in Hawai'i. Visit their website for more information.
Solution Focused
- Provide financial products and services, including loans and financial/business education.
- Collaborate with other financial institutions and financial service providers to support our participants.
- Provide 1:1 business consulting to prepare our participants and strengthen their ability to secure traditional funding.
- Support our participants through the process by being a Hawaiian-culture-based model and reinforcing the inherent strengths of our community.
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The Office of Economic Revitalization (OER) was created to drive the City and County of Honolulu's economic development strategy.
OER works with partners to create an economy for Oʻahu that is more resilient, diverse, equitable, and filled with good jobs that care for our people and our place. OER provides information and opportunities for small business owners, job-seekers, farmers, innovators, community-based organizations, and everyone who is doing their part to improve the quality of life on Oʻahu.
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HFUU is Pleased to Announce Our 13th Annual Convention: A Celebration of Agriculture, Culture, and Community!
Mark your calendars for an inspiring and enriching experience at the 2024 HFUU (Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United) Annual Convention! Join us on October 4th, 5th, and 6th at the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College for a weekend filled with knowledge, connection, and celebration. In partnership with HTFG (Hawaiʻi Tropical Fruit Growers) and the MFIC (Maui Food Innovation Center), this year’s convention promises to be our best yet. Read here for full event information
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Exporting to Australia & New Zealand from Hawaii
Wednesday, October 2, 2024, 3:00PM – 4:00PM HST (Virtual Session)
For more information and to register virtually: Register Here on Zoom
Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) are potentially interesting markets for Hawaii exporters as both countries have: direct flights to the islands, strong beach and surf cultures, and a growing appetite for natural and organic products. This webinar will feature US commercial service officers and businesspeople joining us from ANZ to discuss market trends and provide insights as to how to market your products to those markets.
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Farmer-Led Trials (FLT) Program
Research studies have shown that farmers greatly benefit when they lead on-farm research trials at their farms. Conducting your own research allows you to address your farm-specific questions, and has historically supported the adoption and innovation of sustainable agricultural practices across the world (Wettasinha, et al. 2014).
The goals of the FLT Program are to support farmers and ranchers in conducting practical, on-farm research that can address their farming challenges and to support farmer-led innovations in organic farming. While the FLT program includes direct technical and financial support, OFRF also aims to foster a broad community of farmer-researchers. Our recently released Farmers Guide to Conducting On-Farm Research (available now, free to download!) can be a reference for any farmer or rancher wanting to conduct their own on farm trials.
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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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Western SARE, Professional+Producer
This grant program involves agricultural technical advisor (main applicant) and producers implementing projects to address identified needs in sustainable agriculture. With the collaboration of at least three producers, projects must integrate research and education aiming to advance the three components of sustainable agriculture- environmental, economic, and social- and use innovative educational outreach to disseminate new knowledge to producers and other agricultural stakeholders. It is expected that outcomes of funded projects will result in quantifiable benefits for producers, increase the preservation of the natural and social resources upon which agriculture relies, and be shared with other producers. $85,000 limit/one-three years in scope. Read full description of Professional + Producer
Reach out with any questions: wsare-partnership@sare.org
Farmer/Rancher
With a Farmer/Rancher Grant, a producer and a technical advisor work together to develop a project (1-3 years in scope) that conducts both research and outreach on a sustainable agriculture topic. With the support and guidance of the technical advisor, producers must integrate research and education to conduct on-site/on-farm experiments to address social, environmental, and economic aspects of agricultural sustainability. The goal of this program is to achieve results that can be communicated to other producers and professionals; sustain and improve the environmental quality and natural resource base on which agriculture depends; improve the profitability of producers and associated agricultural businesses; and enhance the quality of life for producers in local communities. Outreach activities may include on-farm/ranch demonstrations, farmer-to-farmer educational activities, and other approaches to assist producer adoption of sustainable agricultural practices. Read full description of the Western SARE Farmer/Rancher Grant
Local Education and Demonstration Grants (Closes November 6, 2024)
Funding for the Local Education and Demonstration (LED) grants will help increase the application and adoption of the results and recommendations from previous SARE-funded research by identifying and overcoming the environmental, economic, and social hindrances of adopting sustainable agricultural practices locally.
How the Program Works
The Local Education and Demonstration grant program is founded on the understanding that adopting sustainable agricultural practice(s) entails change and managing potential financial, environmental, and social risks. The implementation of demonstration and/or education events can address local issues related to the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices, bolstering confidence in adoption, and reducing risks. Successful proposals are required to integrate findings from previously-funded SARE research projects, translate those results into practical demonstrations of application, and bring those results into the field through demonstration and/or educational activities for agricultural professionals and producers.
Strategies to conduct education and/or demonstration for adopting sustainable agricultural practices include, but are not limited to:
- local demonstrations
- trainings
- focus groups
- providing technical assistance
- developing educational materials
- the application of research results
by farmers, ranchers, Extension agents, governmental agencies, or non-governmental agencies.
Successful projects incorporate the environmental, economic, and social dimensions of sustainable agriculture. Projects can be up to 3 years (36 months) in length and funded up to $60,000. Read full description of the Local Education and Demonstration Grants
Grant Resources:
Grant Writing Tutorials & Webinars
Resources for Applying
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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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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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