ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES FOR TROPICAL INVASIVE PEST MANAGEMENT IN HAWAII

Fruit flies, ants, beetles, moths and other invasive insect pests pose serious and continuing threats to Hawaii and U.S. mainland agriculture. Recent arrivals in Hawaii include the olive fruit fly, coconut rhinoceros beetle, and avocado lace bug. Many of the pests introduced to Hawaii might move from the islands to the U.S. mainland due to high air travel and increasing climatic suitability due to climate change. Collaborative research is needed to address the ongoing impacts of established pests on tropical crops and the looming problems from the more than 20 new insects introduced annually to the Hawaiian Islands. The objectives of this cooperative agreement are to: 1) Develop improved methods or technologies to prevent, detect, and rapidly respond to new invasive pests; 2) Address how changes to climate should be incorporated in detection and response programs; 3) Develop new biocontrol options for tropical pests of agricultural importance; 4) Test new postharvest methods to meet phytosanitary requirements; and 5) Identify opportunities for smart-agriculture to aid pest management in Hawaii and adapt existing systems to small, diversified farms.