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Knowledge Itself is Power!
-Sir Francis Bacon Find out about educational opportunities being
offered in Hawaii here. Growers are diversifying and may be interested in other crops. As a result, not all information provided below is related to coffee. Please read through the information and use what may be helpful to you. |
Want to Know What UH CTAHR is Doing These Days?
Check out CTAHR Notes and find out who is doing what at CTAHR. Click here for current and archived notes. 
HDOA News Releases 4/12/16 Here is a link to a news release on the capture of an illegal lizard in Waianae: http://hdoa.hawaii.gov/blog/main/nrbdragon/ 3/29/16 Here is a link to a news release on a Board of Agriculture decision that establishes permit conditions for the movement of soil from Hawaii Island to help stop the spread of Rapid Ohia Death. http://hdoa.hawaii.gov/blog/main/nr-rodsoil/ 3/23/16 Here is a link to a news release alerting Merrie Monarch travelers to ohia quarantine restrictions from Hawaii Island: http://hdoa.hawaii.gov/blog/main/nrohiatravel/ 2/17/16 - The Hawaii Department of Agriculture has released the Statewide Agricultural Land Use Baseline 2015 study. Here is a link to the news release, which contains a link to the full report: http://hdoa.hawaii.gov/blog/main/nrsalus2015/ 
USDA APHIS - Comments Open on Proposed Rule to Amend Import Requirements for Fresh Cherimoya Fruit and Lemons from Chile into the United States (Posted 4/4/16)
USDA APHIS is seeking comments on two proposed rules to amend the import requirements on fresh cherimoya fruit from Chile into the US and fresh Lemon fruit from Chile into the continental US. The proposed rules will be available for review and comment beginning on or about April 4 and the comment period will be open for 60 days after publication (June 3). For more information on the proposed rule on cherimoya, go to http://tinyurl.com/z5vx8he. For more information on the proposed rule on lemons, go to http://tinyurl.com/j8gp9b5. 
Farmers Urged to Participate in Cover Crop Survey (Posted 4/4/16)
A nationwide survey of farmers on cover crop use is seeking insight from growers around the country — whether or not you plant cover crops now, used to plant them or never tried.. Visit sare.org/covercropsurvey for more information. To take the online survey, go to http://tinyurl.com/ccsurvey2016. 
Hawaii Coffee Association - New Member Benefits (Posted 3/28/16)
Click here to view HCA's new benefits for members and other announcements. 
Pesticide Risk Reduction Education Short Course - Maui (Posted 3/23/16)
Tuesday and Wednesday, June 14-15, 2016 In Kahului (zip code 96732) on the island of Maui Registration deadline: May 17 Registration fee: $100 per person Study packet fee: $35 (if you need one) This in-depth two-day short course is about handling pesticides (including herbicides) in ways that will reduce risks to people and our environment. It will be conducted by an instructor from the Cooperative Extension Service, a part of the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, University of Hawaii at Manoa. For more information, click the flyer. Questions: contact Charles Nagamine at 808-956-6007 or visit, http://pestworld.stjohn.hawaii.edu/pat/schedule.html |
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Monthly Meetings
Ka'u Coffee Growers Cooperative Monthly Meeting
(first Tuesday of the month) 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Pahala Community Center (96-1149 Kamani Street Pāhala, HI) Kona Coffee Council Board Meeting
(first Thursday of the month) 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM Kona Cooperative Extension Service (79-7381 Mamalahoa Hwy, Kealakekua, HI) Natural Farming Monthly Meeting
(second Tuesday of the month) 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Komohana Research and Extension Center (875 Komohana Street, Hilo, HI) Hawaii Coffee Association Board Meeting
(second Wednesday of the month) 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM Kona Cooperative Extension Service (79-7381 Mamalahoa Hwy, Kealakekua, HI) Hawaii Tropical Fruit Growers Monthly Meeting
(third Monday of the month) 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM 81-6393 Mamalahoa Hwy, Kealakekua, HI 96750 If headed south, turn right after the white house/building that is across the street from the thrift store. If headed north, turn left after the mock orange hedge and before the white house/building. Hawaii Macadamia Nut Association Monthly Meeting
(third Tuesday of the month) 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM Wainaku Executive Center (Old C. Brewer building just past the airplane/singing bridge) (26-238 Hawaii Belt Rd, Hilo, HI) Reminder - Membership fees are due. Click here for a registration form or contact Phyllis Stine at [email protected] Kona Coffee Farmers Association Board Meeting
(third Tuesday of the month) 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM Kona Cooperative Extension Service (79-7381 Mamalahoa Hwy, Kealakekua, HI) Kona Young Farmers Monthly Meeting
(last Wednesday of the month) 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM Teshima's Restaurant (Honalo) (797251 Mamalahoa Hwy, Holualoa, HI) |
UH CTAHR Agricultural Diagnostic Service Center - Seed Program (Posted 3/23/16)
If you are interested in purchasing seeds from ADSC, click here for their latest order list.
For more information on ADSC's Seed Program, go to http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/seed/.
If you are interested in purchasing seeds from ADSC, click here for their latest order list.
For more information on ADSC's Seed Program, go to http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/seed/.
Article on the Specialty Crop Industry - GenNext Growers Advisory Board Members Give Their Take On 2016 (Posted 3/23/16)
Click here to view the article.
Click here to view the article.
USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) - Hawaii Farmers Reminded to Respond to the 2015 Certified Organic Survey (Posted 3/22/16)
The 2015 Certified Organic Survey is underway and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) is reminding Hawaii farmers and ranchers that it’s not too late to respond. Click the news release for more information.
For more information about the 2015 Certified Organic Survey visit
www.nass.usda.gov/Surveys/Guide_to_NASS_Surveys/Organic_Production/index.php.
The 2015 Certified Organic Survey is underway and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) is reminding Hawaii farmers and ranchers that it’s not too late to respond. Click the news release for more information.
For more information about the 2015 Certified Organic Survey visit
www.nass.usda.gov/Surveys/Guide_to_NASS_Surveys/Organic_Production/index.php.
KCFA (HDOA) Beauveria Subsidy Grant Updates (Posted 3/21/16)
Aloha KCFA HDOA Bb grant participants,
Since the newest formulation of Mycotrol means that what you can get is in powder instead of liquid form, and since the available bags are the enough for a quart, you are thereby entitled to purchase up to eight (8) bags every 30 days to match the 2-gallon allowance.
If any problems with this, state to the staff at Farm & Garden that this is what was told to me (Colehour Bondera of KCFA) by Mike of Farm & Garden on March 21, 2016.
Further, regarding the increased prices of Botanigard and Mycotrol, there is no way that Farm & Garden can avoid passing on the price increases that they have received from their suppliers, and therefore those passed on price increases are not from Farm & Garden, but directly reflect the price changes that they have been subjected to at this time....
Please feel free to contact me with any other questions regarding the grant.
Sincerely,
Colehour Bondera
[email protected]
Aloha KCFA HDOA Bb grant participants,
Since the newest formulation of Mycotrol means that what you can get is in powder instead of liquid form, and since the available bags are the enough for a quart, you are thereby entitled to purchase up to eight (8) bags every 30 days to match the 2-gallon allowance.
If any problems with this, state to the staff at Farm & Garden that this is what was told to me (Colehour Bondera of KCFA) by Mike of Farm & Garden on March 21, 2016.
Further, regarding the increased prices of Botanigard and Mycotrol, there is no way that Farm & Garden can avoid passing on the price increases that they have received from their suppliers, and therefore those passed on price increases are not from Farm & Garden, but directly reflect the price changes that they have been subjected to at this time....
Please feel free to contact me with any other questions regarding the grant.
Sincerely,
Colehour Bondera
[email protected]
Horticultural Mobile Apps (Posted 3/7/16)
Kent Kobayashi from UH CTAHR has three websites where you can find a listing of free agricultural/horticultural related mobile apps for either iOS, Android, or Windows. Click the links below to view and go to Description of Apps.
iOS
https://sites.google.com/a/hawaii.edu/hort-apps/
Android
https://sites.google.com/a/hawaii.edu/android-hort-apps/
Windows
https://sites.google.com/a/hawaii.edu/windows-hort-apps/home
Kent Kobayashi from UH CTAHR has three websites where you can find a listing of free agricultural/horticultural related mobile apps for either iOS, Android, or Windows. Click the links below to view and go to Description of Apps.
iOS
https://sites.google.com/a/hawaii.edu/hort-apps/
Android
https://sites.google.com/a/hawaii.edu/android-hort-apps/
Windows
https://sites.google.com/a/hawaii.edu/windows-hort-apps/home
Bagrada Bug News - First Issue (Posted 3/7/16)
Bagrada Bug News is a quarterly periodical put together by the Bagrada Bug Working Group, a collaboration between CCOF and researchers at CDFA’s Plant Health and Pest Prevention Services, UC Cooperative Extension, USDA-ARS, UC Davis, UC Riverside, and University of Arizona.
Bagrada Bug News is a quarterly periodical put together by the Bagrada Bug Working Group, a collaboration between CCOF and researchers at CDFA’s Plant Health and Pest Prevention Services, UC Cooperative Extension, USDA-ARS, UC Davis, UC Riverside, and University of Arizona.
FDA Seeks Public Input on Assessing the Risk of Raw Manure as Fertilizer (Posted 3/7/16)
The FDA wants input from stakeholders as it develops the framework for a risk assessment on the use of raw manure and other biological soil amendments of animal origin as fertilizer on produce farms. The agency is concerned about their potential to contain disease-causing bacteria, while growers see them as an effective way to enrich the quality of their soil. A Federal Register notice requests public comments and scientific data, including information about how farms use raw manure and what strategies could reduce public health risk.
For more information:
· Federal Register Notice for the Risk Assessment
· FSMA Final Rule on Produce Safety: Raw Manure; Questions and Answers with Samir Assar
For more information on FDA's Food Safety Modernization Act, visit http://www.fda.gov/fsma.
The FDA wants input from stakeholders as it develops the framework for a risk assessment on the use of raw manure and other biological soil amendments of animal origin as fertilizer on produce farms. The agency is concerned about their potential to contain disease-causing bacteria, while growers see them as an effective way to enrich the quality of their soil. A Federal Register notice requests public comments and scientific data, including information about how farms use raw manure and what strategies could reduce public health risk.
For more information:
· Federal Register Notice for the Risk Assessment
· FSMA Final Rule on Produce Safety: Raw Manure; Questions and Answers with Samir Assar
For more information on FDA's Food Safety Modernization Act, visit http://www.fda.gov/fsma.
Western Plant Diagnostic Network 2016 Winter Newsletter (Posted 3/7/16)
This issue includes the following topics:
- Editor's Note
- Asian citrus psyllid and Huanglongbing spreading in CA
- Citrus longhorned beetle
- Chilli thrips are now in the West
- Brown marmorated stinkbug information
- Rapid Ohi'a death on the island of Hawai'i
This issue includes the following topics:
- Editor's Note
- Asian citrus psyllid and Huanglongbing spreading in CA
- Citrus longhorned beetle
- Chilli thrips are now in the West
- Brown marmorated stinkbug information
- Rapid Ohi'a death on the island of Hawai'i
Mycotrol WPO (wettable powder organic) is Now Available! (Posted 3/3/16)
Mycotrol WPO (Beauveria bassiana) is now on island for organic and certified organic producers, and in stock at both Al's and Farm & Garden. The formulation that was certified is the wettable powder. It is quite a bit more expensive than the previous liquid formulation, at $97.50 per pound. From the label, one pound has the equivalent spores to a liquid quart. The label also has a ratio on how to mix based on volume (cups) versus weight.
No word on when the liquid will be certified by either OMRI or Washington state.
Aloha,
Suzanne Shriner (SHAC)
Mycotrol WPO (Beauveria bassiana) is now on island for organic and certified organic producers, and in stock at both Al's and Farm & Garden. The formulation that was certified is the wettable powder. It is quite a bit more expensive than the previous liquid formulation, at $97.50 per pound. From the label, one pound has the equivalent spores to a liquid quart. The label also has a ratio on how to mix based on volume (cups) versus weight.
No word on when the liquid will be certified by either OMRI or Washington state.
Aloha,
Suzanne Shriner (SHAC)
USDA Farm Service Agency Hawaii & Pacific Basin Newsletter February 2016 (Posted 3/1/16)
Click here for the newsletter.
Click here for the newsletter.
Hawaii Coffee Association - Annual Conference and Statewide Cupping
Competition (Posted 3/1/16)
Annual Conference
July 14 - 16, 2016
Courtyard Marriot King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel
75-5660 Palani Rd, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
This year's presentations include:
- Quality Coffee Processing Workshop
- Shipping Logistics
- Social Media & Ecommerce Review
- Barista Demo
- Cupping Workshops
- Legal Information
- Optical Sorter / Farm-level Equipment Demo
- Roasting Workshop
Registration coming soon. Sign up for the H.C.A. newsletter to receive registration information.
Cupping Competition
July 16, 2016
Courtyard Marriot King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel
75-5660 Palani Rd, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Sponsored by the Hawaii Coffee Association
Cupping entry deadline is April 27, 2016.
Click here to review the announcement and entry form.
Click here for more information on sponsoring the event.
For questions about the cupping competition, please contact:
Greg Stille, 808-280-5603, [email protected]
David Gridley, 808-280-1623, [email protected]
Competition (Posted 3/1/16)
Annual Conference
July 14 - 16, 2016
Courtyard Marriot King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel
75-5660 Palani Rd, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
This year's presentations include:
- Quality Coffee Processing Workshop
- Shipping Logistics
- Social Media & Ecommerce Review
- Barista Demo
- Cupping Workshops
- Legal Information
- Optical Sorter / Farm-level Equipment Demo
- Roasting Workshop
Registration coming soon. Sign up for the H.C.A. newsletter to receive registration information.
Cupping Competition
July 16, 2016
Courtyard Marriot King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel
75-5660 Palani Rd, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Sponsored by the Hawaii Coffee Association
Cupping entry deadline is April 27, 2016.
Click here to review the announcement and entry form.
Click here for more information on sponsoring the event.
For questions about the cupping competition, please contact:
Greg Stille, 808-280-5603, [email protected]
David Gridley, 808-280-1623, [email protected]
Oahu Resource Conservation & Development Council - Newsletter (Posted 2/18/16)
Click here to view the newsletter. This issue includes the following topics:
Click here to view the newsletter. This issue includes the following topics:
- In the Field
- Upcoming Workshops & Meetings
- Grant Opportunities
USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) - Hawaii Coffee Marketings, Preliminary Season Estimates (Posted 2/18/16)
"HAWAII COFFEE ACREAGE, MARKETINGS, VALUE DECREASE FOR THE 2015-2016 SEASON"
Click the report on the right to view the latest NASS coffee report.
Click here for the 2014-2015 Preliminary Season Estimates Report.
"HAWAII COFFEE ACREAGE, MARKETINGS, VALUE DECREASE FOR THE 2015-2016 SEASON"
Click the report on the right to view the latest NASS coffee report.
Click here for the 2014-2015 Preliminary Season Estimates Report.
EPA Updates Standards to Increase Safety and Protect the Health of America’s Farmworkers (Posted 2/11/16)
Click here to view the press release from September.
For more information on EPA’s Revisions to the Worker Protection Standard, visit, www2.epa.gov/pesticide-worker-safety/revisions-worker-protection-standard
Click here to view the press release from September.
For more information on EPA’s Revisions to the Worker Protection Standard, visit, www2.epa.gov/pesticide-worker-safety/revisions-worker-protection-standard
KCFA Beauveria Grant Program - Vouchers are still available (Posted 2/11/16)
KCFA’s discount through Farm and Garden will be ongoing through June 31st, or until HDOA funding is exhausted, whichever comes first. Click here for more information.
KCFA’s discount through Farm and Garden will be ongoing through June 31st, or until HDOA funding is exhausted, whichever comes first. Click here for more information.
Images of Old Hawaii - Article and photos of CTAHR (Posted 2/11/16)
Peter T. Young is the former Hawai’i Director and Chair of the Board of Land and Natural Resources. Since leaving government, Mr. Young has written extensively about the history of Hawai’i and posts on his blog/website “Images of Old Hawaii”. In a recent post, he writes and shares photographs about the history of CTAHR, http://imagesofoldhawaii.com/ctahr/.
Peter T. Young is the former Hawai’i Director and Chair of the Board of Land and Natural Resources. Since leaving government, Mr. Young has written extensively about the history of Hawai’i and posts on his blog/website “Images of Old Hawaii”. In a recent post, he writes and shares photographs about the history of CTAHR, http://imagesofoldhawaii.com/ctahr/.
Hawaii County, Department of Research and Development - Economic Development Grants for Fiscal Year 2016-2017 (Posted 2/9/16)
The Department of Research and Development is soliciting proposals for economic development grant awards in preparation for the 2016-2017 fiscal year. The intent of the grant program is to support sustainable economic development in agriculture, business development, energy, film, STEM, and tourism.
Sealed proposals must be received on or before 4:30 p.m. Hawai‘i-Aleutian Standard Time, Friday, April 22, 2016, in either of two County of Hawai‘i Department of Research and Development locations. In Hilo, deliver to 25 Aupuni Street, Room 1301, Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720. in Kona, deliver to 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway, Building C (Second Floor,) Kailua-Kona, Hawai‘i 96740. The deadline noted above is not a post mark date.
For more information and application forms, please visit http://www.hawaiicounty.gov/research-and-development/
The Department of Research and Development is soliciting proposals for economic development grant awards in preparation for the 2016-2017 fiscal year. The intent of the grant program is to support sustainable economic development in agriculture, business development, energy, film, STEM, and tourism.
Sealed proposals must be received on or before 4:30 p.m. Hawai‘i-Aleutian Standard Time, Friday, April 22, 2016, in either of two County of Hawai‘i Department of Research and Development locations. In Hilo, deliver to 25 Aupuni Street, Room 1301, Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720. in Kona, deliver to 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway, Building C (Second Floor,) Kailua-Kona, Hawai‘i 96740. The deadline noted above is not a post mark date.
For more information and application forms, please visit http://www.hawaiicounty.gov/research-and-development/
USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) - Coffee Report (Posted 1/29/16)
Click the report on the right to view the latest NASS coffee report or visit,
http://www.usda.gov/nass/PUBS/TODAYRPT/coffyy16.pdf
Click the report on the right to view the latest NASS coffee report or visit,
http://www.usda.gov/nass/PUBS/TODAYRPT/coffyy16.pdf
Honolulu Star Advertiser Article: Isle coffee farmers have some company (Posted 1/28/16)
Click here to view the article about a Californian farmer growing coffee commercially.
Click here to view the article about a Californian farmer growing coffee commercially.
NEW Little Fire Ant Video (Posted 1/26/16)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_u3lyvhhR-s&feature=youtu.be
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_u3lyvhhR-s&feature=youtu.be
CBB Information from SHAC (Posted 1/7/16)
New Grant in the works SHAC is in the process of renewing our USDA grant for 2016 and 2017. We have received a verbal commitment that we will receive funding, and expect the official letter by late February.
In the meantime we still have Botanigard available under last year's funding. If you have already stripped your trees, no need to do a 12 trees count, but we do need you to report the CBB percentage on your last round of picking (as measured by you or as reported to you by your processor.) Use the 12 Trees form to report this.
Spraying the Soil? At the IPM presentation by Colombian expert Pablo Benevides, many noted that the protocol in Colombia includes spraying Beauveria on fallen cherry at the end of the season. We don't yet have research in Hawaii on when, or how much, to spray. But, if you have visible raisin on your soil, pick a few up and check them for CBB. If CBB is present, then consider spraying them. Remember, the fungus likes shade and moisture so consider the weather when doing so.
Other Subsidies in 2016 The Hawaii Dept of Ag will also have a subsidy program this year. SHAC and HDOA are in talks on how to collaborate to best benefit our farmers. An official rollout of their program will happen soon.
Mycotrol Update
Good news! The new formulation, Mycotrol ESO, has been certified as Organic by WSDA.
The next step is HDOA approval. We have asked them to fast track the approval and we'll keep you updated.
New Grant in the works SHAC is in the process of renewing our USDA grant for 2016 and 2017. We have received a verbal commitment that we will receive funding, and expect the official letter by late February.
In the meantime we still have Botanigard available under last year's funding. If you have already stripped your trees, no need to do a 12 trees count, but we do need you to report the CBB percentage on your last round of picking (as measured by you or as reported to you by your processor.) Use the 12 Trees form to report this.
Spraying the Soil? At the IPM presentation by Colombian expert Pablo Benevides, many noted that the protocol in Colombia includes spraying Beauveria on fallen cherry at the end of the season. We don't yet have research in Hawaii on when, or how much, to spray. But, if you have visible raisin on your soil, pick a few up and check them for CBB. If CBB is present, then consider spraying them. Remember, the fungus likes shade and moisture so consider the weather when doing so.
Other Subsidies in 2016 The Hawaii Dept of Ag will also have a subsidy program this year. SHAC and HDOA are in talks on how to collaborate to best benefit our farmers. An official rollout of their program will happen soon.
Mycotrol Update
Good news! The new formulation, Mycotrol ESO, has been certified as Organic by WSDA.
The next step is HDOA approval. We have asked them to fast track the approval and we'll keep you updated.
Tips for Warding Against Mosquitoes on your Farm (Posted 12/11/15)
- Wear loose-fitting long sleeve shirts and pants. Mosquitoes have been known to bite people through thin and tight clothing.
- Use mosquito repellent.
- Spray your ankles and wrists and areas where clothing may not cover or ride up to expose skin.
- Infected workers should not be working. With the reality of the coffee season, at the minimum, workers should cover up completely and use repellent to minimize contamination of others.
- Clean and remove empty tires, containers, old vehicles, etc. that can hold sitting water. (By the way, this is a good agricultural practice for farm food safety.)
- For plants that hold water, ponds and bird baths, flush with a hose once a week or spray with soapy water weekly to kill mosquito wigglers.
- Spray areas known for mosquitoes and use mosquito wiggler dunks and briskets to minimize populations.
List of Mosquito Repellent Products Based on Active Ingredient and Hours of Protection (Posted 12/9/15)
http://cfpub.epa.gov/oppref/insect/search_results.cfm#
If you haven't taken precautions already, EPA has a sortable list of mosquito repellent products based on active ingredient and hours of protection. CDC recommends products containing DEET, picaridin, or IR3535, and some products with oil of lemon eucalyptus and para-menthane-diol, due to their longer-lasting effects.
http://cfpub.epa.gov/oppref/insect/search_results.cfm#
If you haven't taken precautions already, EPA has a sortable list of mosquito repellent products based on active ingredient and hours of protection. CDC recommends products containing DEET, picaridin, or IR3535, and some products with oil of lemon eucalyptus and para-menthane-diol, due to their longer-lasting effects.
Open Recruitment for UH CTAHR Agricultural Extension Agent Positions (Posted 11/18/15)
Each land grant university has a federally mandated Cooperative Extension Service (CES) associated with its institution to disseminate research-based information to the public at large. The College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR) serves as the land grant college of the University of Hawai‘i (UH).
UH CTAHR is committed to fulfilling the Land Grant University’s purpose of instruction, scientific research, and outreach. UH CTAHR utilizes the human resources of statewide extension agents and various forms of traditional and distance education technologies to transfer research and technology discoveries that improve farmers’ ability to deal with the many facets of crop and pest management.
County extension agents are not typically located on the University of Hawaii at Manoa campus. They are based in county offices in the communities they serve. Extension agents transfer research based information, knowledge, and skills that help agricultural producers correctly choose and utilize specific technology and practices best suited to meet their diverse educational needs. This information enables agricultural producers to make informed decisions.
UH CTAHR is now advertising for three tenure-track positions (executive decision by Dean Gallo) and four are temporary positions (funded by the 2015 Hawaii State Legislature). The positions posted are as follows:
Tenure-track positions:
Temporary positions:
These positions will help us meet our federal mandate in offering the public noncredit, tax-supported educational programs and information based on the results of university research. We appreciate your patience as we search for additional support of our edible crop industries throughout the state. Lastly, thank you to everyone who submitted testimony for the bills (SB314/HB 850) that went through the legislature last session. It really made a difference.
-Jari Sugano (Oahu County Extension Agent)
Each land grant university has a federally mandated Cooperative Extension Service (CES) associated with its institution to disseminate research-based information to the public at large. The College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR) serves as the land grant college of the University of Hawai‘i (UH).
UH CTAHR is committed to fulfilling the Land Grant University’s purpose of instruction, scientific research, and outreach. UH CTAHR utilizes the human resources of statewide extension agents and various forms of traditional and distance education technologies to transfer research and technology discoveries that improve farmers’ ability to deal with the many facets of crop and pest management.
County extension agents are not typically located on the University of Hawaii at Manoa campus. They are based in county offices in the communities they serve. Extension agents transfer research based information, knowledge, and skills that help agricultural producers correctly choose and utilize specific technology and practices best suited to meet their diverse educational needs. This information enables agricultural producers to make informed decisions.
UH CTAHR is now advertising for three tenure-track positions (executive decision by Dean Gallo) and four are temporary positions (funded by the 2015 Hawaii State Legislature). The positions posted are as follows:
Tenure-track positions:
- 0084070, Asst Extension Agent, edible crop industries, Wahiawa, Hawaii.
- 0082485, Asst Extension Agent, edible crop industries and food safety and security, Hilo, Hawaii.
- 0082639, Asst Extension Agent, livestock, 4-H Youth livestock programs, Kahului, Hawaii.
Temporary positions:
- 0085422T, Junior or Asst Extension Agent, invasive species with emphasis on but not limited to, insects and diseases in support of edible crop and ornamental industries, Lihue, Hawaii.
- 0086764T, Junior or Asst Extension Agent, farm food safety and sustainable agriculture in support of edible crop industries, Manoa Campus.
- 0086220T, Junior or Asst Extension Agent, sustainable agriculture, organic and natural farming involving soil health and soil fertility and food farm safety in support of edible crop industries, Kahului, Hawaii.
- 0085545T, Junior or Asst Extension Agent, sustainable agriculture and organic farming including soil health and soil fertility in support of edible crop industries, educational support for urban gardeners and homeowners, Hilo, Hawaii.
These positions will help us meet our federal mandate in offering the public noncredit, tax-supported educational programs and information based on the results of university research. We appreciate your patience as we search for additional support of our edible crop industries throughout the state. Lastly, thank you to everyone who submitted testimony for the bills (SB314/HB 850) that went through the legislature last session. It really made a difference.
-Jari Sugano (Oahu County Extension Agent)
Dengue Fever (Posted 11/10/15)
The Hawaii State Department of Health launched “Fight the Bite,” a statewide public education campaign that seeks to end the spread of dengue fever in Hawaii. Click the flyer to view ways to eliminate mosquitoes around your home and how to protect yourself.
For more information and for updates, please visit http://health.hawaii.gov/.
The Hawaii State Department of Health launched “Fight the Bite,” a statewide public education campaign that seeks to end the spread of dengue fever in Hawaii. Click the flyer to view ways to eliminate mosquitoes around your home and how to protect yourself.
For more information and for updates, please visit http://health.hawaii.gov/.
Hawaii Tropical Fruit Growers 2015 Conference Proceedings (Posted 11/9/15)
Hawaii Tropical Fruit Growers 2015 Conference Proceedings are available to view. You can find them on their website, http://www.hawaiitropicalfruitgrowers.org/pages/conference.html
Hawaii Tropical Fruit Growers 2015 Conference Proceedings are available to view. You can find them on their website, http://www.hawaiitropicalfruitgrowers.org/pages/conference.html
HDOA - New Pest Advisory - Phyllanthus Rust (Posted 11/4/15)
There is a new rust on Phyllanthus. Click the fact sheet for more information.
There is a new rust on Phyllanthus. Click the fact sheet for more information.
USDA New Beginning Farmer Website (Posted 11/4/15)
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) unveiled a new website for beginning farmers and ranchers and announced that it will prioritize $5.6 billion over the next two years within USDA programs and services to help serve the next generation of growers. Visit the new website at https://newfarmers.usda.gov/.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) unveiled a new website for beginning farmers and ranchers and announced that it will prioritize $5.6 billion over the next two years within USDA programs and services to help serve the next generation of growers. Visit the new website at https://newfarmers.usda.gov/.
Shippers and importers of Ohi'a Plant and Plant parts from Hawaii Island (Posted 9/3/15)
On August 25, 2015, the Board of Agriculture (BOA), adopted an Interim Rule 15-1, to prohibit the intrastate movement of Metrosideros (all species in genus), from the Hawaii Island. Please read and review quarantine measures (click below), if you have any questions please feel free to contact me.
Lance S. Sakaino
Acting Plant Specialist
Hawaii Department of Agriculture, Plant Quarantine Branch
1849 Auiki Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96819-3100
Phone: (808) 832-0566, Fax: (808) 832-0584
Email: [email protected]
Click here to read the letter for the adoption of the Interim Rule 15-1.
Click here for the PQ-7 permit application.
Click here to read Interim Rule 15-1.
On August 25, 2015, the Board of Agriculture (BOA), adopted an Interim Rule 15-1, to prohibit the intrastate movement of Metrosideros (all species in genus), from the Hawaii Island. Please read and review quarantine measures (click below), if you have any questions please feel free to contact me.
Lance S. Sakaino
Acting Plant Specialist
Hawaii Department of Agriculture, Plant Quarantine Branch
1849 Auiki Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96819-3100
Phone: (808) 832-0566, Fax: (808) 832-0584
Email: [email protected]
Click here to read the letter for the adoption of the Interim Rule 15-1.
Click here for the PQ-7 permit application.
Click here to read Interim Rule 15-1.
Update! Mycotrol O (Posted 8/19/15)
BioWorks, the distributor of Mycotrol O, has confirmed that the use of Mycotrol O in certified organic systems will no longer be allowed and will be prohibited (stated in a letter to BioWorks) once the product certification has expired on August 28, 2015.
Please contact your certifier directly as use of Mycotrol O past this date can affect your certification.
We understand that this causes an enormous problem for those combating CBB with certified organic practices. Other certified organic products that you may use to manage CBB until Mycotrol ESO is available are:
Mention of a trademark or proprietary name does not constitute an endorsement, guarantee, or warranty by the University of Hawaii Cooperative Extension Service or its employees and does not imply recommendation to the exclusion of other suitable products.
BioWorks, the distributor of Mycotrol O, has confirmed that the use of Mycotrol O in certified organic systems will no longer be allowed and will be prohibited (stated in a letter to BioWorks) once the product certification has expired on August 28, 2015.
Please contact your certifier directly as use of Mycotrol O past this date can affect your certification.
We understand that this causes an enormous problem for those combating CBB with certified organic practices. Other certified organic products that you may use to manage CBB until Mycotrol ESO is available are:
- Surround WP Crop Protectant for repellancy
- Garlic Barrier for repellancy
- Pyganic Crop Protection EC 5.0 for direct contact
Mention of a trademark or proprietary name does not constitute an endorsement, guarantee, or warranty by the University of Hawaii Cooperative Extension Service or its employees and does not imply recommendation to the exclusion of other suitable products.
Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Updates - Oahu (Posted 8/19/15)
If you operate an agri-business that grows, sells, packs, processes, holds, or manufactures fresh produce, the Food Safety Modernization Act or FSMA rules may apply to you.
We have been receiving an increasing number of inquiries about FSMA and Food Safety Certification. Please stay current with the recent chances as these new changes may affect you and some may not.
This video provides a great overview of the FSMA process:
http://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/FSMA/ucm334765.htm
The website below will help you determine if your operation will be affected by the proposed FSMA rules, or if you maybe exempt. Please note these are draft rules at the moment and the final rules will be released in October 2015. The final rule will address the concerns raised during the public comment period. .
http://sustainableagriculture.net/fsma/who-is-affected/
Jensen and I have been conducting food safety educational workshops and on farm coaching across the island for the past few years in conjunction with CTAHR’s Food Safety team. While the on farm coaching program (grant funded) is no longer being offered, we will be meeting with members of CTAHR, HDOA, and HFB later this week to understand how we can collaborate to reach a wider audience.
http://manoa.hawaii.edu/ctahr/farmfoodsafety/tools-pubs/
Thank you for bringing these concerns forward. We are working to gather additional resources to support your respective agri-business operations.
Aloha,
Jari S.K. Sugano
County Extension Agent
Wahiawa Extension Office
910 California Avenue
Wahiawa, HI 96786
Phone: (808) 622-4185
Fax: (808) 621-0928
If you operate an agri-business that grows, sells, packs, processes, holds, or manufactures fresh produce, the Food Safety Modernization Act or FSMA rules may apply to you.
We have been receiving an increasing number of inquiries about FSMA and Food Safety Certification. Please stay current with the recent chances as these new changes may affect you and some may not.
This video provides a great overview of the FSMA process:
http://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/FSMA/ucm334765.htm
The website below will help you determine if your operation will be affected by the proposed FSMA rules, or if you maybe exempt. Please note these are draft rules at the moment and the final rules will be released in October 2015. The final rule will address the concerns raised during the public comment period. .
http://sustainableagriculture.net/fsma/who-is-affected/
Jensen and I have been conducting food safety educational workshops and on farm coaching across the island for the past few years in conjunction with CTAHR’s Food Safety team. While the on farm coaching program (grant funded) is no longer being offered, we will be meeting with members of CTAHR, HDOA, and HFB later this week to understand how we can collaborate to reach a wider audience.
http://manoa.hawaii.edu/ctahr/farmfoodsafety/tools-pubs/
Thank you for bringing these concerns forward. We are working to gather additional resources to support your respective agri-business operations.
Aloha,
Jari S.K. Sugano
County Extension Agent
Wahiawa Extension Office
910 California Avenue
Wahiawa, HI 96786
Phone: (808) 622-4185
Fax: (808) 621-0928
Farmers, Property Owners, and Resident Cooperators Requested for Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Eradication Program – Oahu (Posted 8/12/15)
Kailee Tam, Outreach and Field Assistant for the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Eradication Program, is looking for cooperators from farmers, property owners, and residents in the Nanakulii area. Specifically, they are looking to contact people on Hakimo, Paakea, Kaukama, Iliili, Papaya, Apuupuu and Apana roads.
Recently, they have had an increase in beetles caught in traps as well as an increase in damage done by the beetle in the Nanakuli area. The program is trying to raise awareness and educate the public, identify possible breeding sites, trace green waste movement, and monitor damage.
Other crops that the beetle is known to feed on besides coconut include other palms, taro, banana, pineapple, sugarcane, cacao, hala and agave.
For more information and to become a cooperator, please contact, Kailee Tam at [email protected].
Kailee Tam, Outreach and Field Assistant for the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Eradication Program, is looking for cooperators from farmers, property owners, and residents in the Nanakulii area. Specifically, they are looking to contact people on Hakimo, Paakea, Kaukama, Iliili, Papaya, Apuupuu and Apana roads.
Recently, they have had an increase in beetles caught in traps as well as an increase in damage done by the beetle in the Nanakuli area. The program is trying to raise awareness and educate the public, identify possible breeding sites, trace green waste movement, and monitor damage.
Other crops that the beetle is known to feed on besides coconut include other palms, taro, banana, pineapple, sugarcane, cacao, hala and agave.
For more information and to become a cooperator, please contact, Kailee Tam at [email protected].
Contacting Me: (Posted 8/5/15)
Just a friendly reminder that if you need to get a hold of me, please call 808-322-4892. If I am not available, please leave a message with Gina or email me at [email protected]. I will call or email you back as soon as I am able to. I apologize for not being in the office to directly receive your calls as I have many meetings, on-going field projects, as well as have state-wide responsibilities in coffee and island-wide responsibilities for fruit and nut clientele that take me away from the office.
Thank you,
Andrea Kawabata
Kona Cooperative Extension Service
Assistant Extension Agent for Coffee and Orchard Crops
Just a friendly reminder that if you need to get a hold of me, please call 808-322-4892. If I am not available, please leave a message with Gina or email me at [email protected]. I will call or email you back as soon as I am able to. I apologize for not being in the office to directly receive your calls as I have many meetings, on-going field projects, as well as have state-wide responsibilities in coffee and island-wide responsibilities for fruit and nut clientele that take me away from the office.
Thank you,
Andrea Kawabata
Kona Cooperative Extension Service
Assistant Extension Agent for Coffee and Orchard Crops
Reminder for Coffee Growers: Continue to Spray for CBB During Harvest (Posted 8/5/15)
CBB populations will explode if you stop spraying during the harvest season. Continue to sample, monitor and spray for CBB throughout the harvest season and especially after picking, as CBB tends to be actively moving around the coffee trees and farm because of the shaking of trees and removal of cherry. Completely enclose picking bags and line them on the inside with a plastic trash bag, if possible, to reduce CBB escapes.
Click here to view a CBB reproduction poster.
CBB populations will explode if you stop spraying during the harvest season. Continue to sample, monitor and spray for CBB throughout the harvest season and especially after picking, as CBB tends to be actively moving around the coffee trees and farm because of the shaking of trees and removal of cherry. Completely enclose picking bags and line them on the inside with a plastic trash bag, if possible, to reduce CBB escapes.
Click here to view a CBB reproduction poster.
CTAHR's Sustainable and Organic Agriculture Program (SOAP) Newsletter (Posted 7/28/15)
The newest issue is available here:
http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/SustainAg/news/index.html
The newest issue is available here:
http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/SustainAg/news/index.html
Hawaii Macadamia Nut Association - Mac Facts - Fall 2015 (Posted 7/28/15)
Click here for the HMNA President's Message.
Click here for the HMNA President's Message.
Click here for an interesting article about Pseudomonas fulva, a bacteria in Coffee Berry Borer gut. (Posted 7/22/15)
Are you spraying Pyrethrin products that contain Piperonyl Butoxide? (Posted 7/9/15)
Hawaii allows the use of Pyrethrin products that contain Piperonyl butoxide (PBO) to be sprayed on coffee as long as the product labels states that it is ok for use on coffee and label directs are followed. However, in recent months, Japan has stopped green coffee shipments from Hawaii due to the detection of PBO residues. The reason this is happening is because Japan does not have a Maximum Residue Level (MRL) published in Japan for PBO in Coffee and the standard practice is then to fall back to the 0.01 parts per million (ppm) measure, which is a considerably low level.
If you are using products containing PBO and send coffee to Japan, I suggest that you be aware of this situation and also highly encourage farmers to contact and talk to their processor.
Hawaii allows the use of Pyrethrin products that contain Piperonyl butoxide (PBO) to be sprayed on coffee as long as the product labels states that it is ok for use on coffee and label directs are followed. However, in recent months, Japan has stopped green coffee shipments from Hawaii due to the detection of PBO residues. The reason this is happening is because Japan does not have a Maximum Residue Level (MRL) published in Japan for PBO in Coffee and the standard practice is then to fall back to the 0.01 parts per million (ppm) measure, which is a considerably low level.
If you are using products containing PBO and send coffee to Japan, I suggest that you be aware of this situation and also highly encourage farmers to contact and talk to their processor.
Bagrada Bug Found on the Big Island (Posted 6/11/15)
This pest of crucifer (and other) plants has now been found on the Big Island. Please be alert for this invasive insect.
Link to HDOA New Pest Advisory: http://hdoa.hawaii.gov/pi/files/2013/01/Bagrada-hilaris-NPA12-9-14.pdf
If you suspect this insect on your farm or property, please contact Stacey Chun (HDOA Hilo) at 808-974-4146 or stacey.g.chun@hawaii.gov or Rob Curtiss (HDOA Kona) at 808-323-7579 or [email protected]
This pest of crucifer (and other) plants has now been found on the Big Island. Please be alert for this invasive insect.
Link to HDOA New Pest Advisory: http://hdoa.hawaii.gov/pi/files/2013/01/Bagrada-hilaris-NPA12-9-14.pdf
If you suspect this insect on your farm or property, please contact Stacey Chun (HDOA Hilo) at 808-974-4146 or stacey.g.chun@hawaii.gov or Rob Curtiss (HDOA Kona) at 808-323-7579 or [email protected]
Huanglongbing - Citrus Greening Disease in Guam (Posted 5/28/15)
Earlier in the year (2015), a devastating disease of citrus trees and other plants in the Rutaceae family called Huanglongbing or Citrus Greening Disease, was found in Guam. We currently do not have this disease in Hawaii, but please be vigilant as we have the vector, which has been here for many years.
Please do not import citrus plants without first consulting with the Hawaii Department of Agriculture's Plant Quarantine Branch (mainland imports) or United States Department of Agriculture's Plant Protection & Quarantine (international imports).
The newsletter below provides information on pests in brief, Panana Disease on banana, Huanglongbing, other pests of concern and offers links to important websites. You can find current Pacific Pest Detector News Newsletters and archived newsletters here.
Earlier in the year (2015), a devastating disease of citrus trees and other plants in the Rutaceae family called Huanglongbing or Citrus Greening Disease, was found in Guam. We currently do not have this disease in Hawaii, but please be vigilant as we have the vector, which has been here for many years.
Please do not import citrus plants without first consulting with the Hawaii Department of Agriculture's Plant Quarantine Branch (mainland imports) or United States Department of Agriculture's Plant Protection & Quarantine (international imports).
The newsletter below provides information on pests in brief, Panana Disease on banana, Huanglongbing, other pests of concern and offers links to important websites. You can find current Pacific Pest Detector News Newsletters and archived newsletters here.
Reminder about Organic Labeling of Coffee (Posted 5/8/15)
From Robert Coffee, HDOA Commodities Branch
Aloha Coffee Industry and Retailers,
After receiving several inquiries about labeling roasted coffee as organic I contacted the USDA National Organic Program (NOP), who enforce organic certification and labeling rules. For educational purposes my inquiry and USDA NOP response (in red) is below.
Q. Can organic green coffee beans still be labeled “organic” after fumigation with methyl bromide?
Since Hawaii is a world class coffee growing region there are strict permit requirements for importing green bean coffee into Hawaii. Green coffee beans “shall be treated prior to shipment to Hawaii with methyl bromide at a rate of three (3) lbs. per 1,000 cubic feet with an exposure time of eight (8) to twenty four (24) hours at atmospheric pressure according to label directions”.
Example:
A coffee broker in California buys a lot of organic Peruvian coffee, then fumigates lot with methyl bromide before shipping to a buyer in Hawaii. Hawaii buyer / roaster, then roasts said beans and labels retail packages as “Organic Peruvian Roasted Coffee”.
1. Would this label violate NOP rules?
2. If yes, who enforces NOP labeling violations?
3. Are there any other concerns regarding this organic labeling practice?
USDA NOP replied:
1. Would this label violate NOP rules?
Yes, this would be in breach of the USDA Organic Regulations for two reasons:
1. Any operation that is processing organic product and labeling it as organic needs to be certified, unless the gross organic sales are less than $5,000 per year. Please see the following fact sheet regarding who needs to be certified. From your email, it appears that the Hawaii buyer/roaster who is roasting (processing) green beans is not a certified organic operation. Further information can be found in the USDA Organic Regulations at 7 CFR 205.100-103. See link to USDA Organic Regulations above.
2. The USDA organic requirements allow the use of certain non-organic substances and materials during organic production and handling. The non-organic materials allowed for use in post-harvest handling are listed in the USDA organic regulations at 7 CFR 205.605 and 205.606. While Organic shipments must include permits, sanitary certificates (animal products), and phytosanitary certificates (plant products) to ensure the product is healthy and free from pests requiring quarantine, if organic products are exposed to substances that are not approved on the National List or approved non-synthetic pest control materials for post-harvest organic products, then the products lose their organic status. For further information, please see the fact sheet on Organic Production and Handling Standards as well as the requirements for pest control following harvest of organic products in the USDA Organic Regulations at 7 CFR 205.271.
2. If yes, who enforces NOP labeling violations? Please see the fact sheet USDA Oversight of Organic Products. Suspected violations of the organic regulations may be reported to the USDA. Send an email to [email protected] or call the National Organic Program at 202-720-3252.
3. Are there any other concerns regarding this organic labeling practice? Please see answers to #1
HDOA does not enforce organic certification or labeling rules. Please direct your organic inquiries to USDA NOP.
Robert Coffey
Hawaii Dept. of Agriculture
Commodities Branch –Maui office
(808)873-3554
Fax (808) 873-3586
From Robert Coffee, HDOA Commodities Branch
Aloha Coffee Industry and Retailers,
After receiving several inquiries about labeling roasted coffee as organic I contacted the USDA National Organic Program (NOP), who enforce organic certification and labeling rules. For educational purposes my inquiry and USDA NOP response (in red) is below.
Q. Can organic green coffee beans still be labeled “organic” after fumigation with methyl bromide?
Since Hawaii is a world class coffee growing region there are strict permit requirements for importing green bean coffee into Hawaii. Green coffee beans “shall be treated prior to shipment to Hawaii with methyl bromide at a rate of three (3) lbs. per 1,000 cubic feet with an exposure time of eight (8) to twenty four (24) hours at atmospheric pressure according to label directions”.
Example:
A coffee broker in California buys a lot of organic Peruvian coffee, then fumigates lot with methyl bromide before shipping to a buyer in Hawaii. Hawaii buyer / roaster, then roasts said beans and labels retail packages as “Organic Peruvian Roasted Coffee”.
1. Would this label violate NOP rules?
2. If yes, who enforces NOP labeling violations?
3. Are there any other concerns regarding this organic labeling practice?
USDA NOP replied:
1. Would this label violate NOP rules?
Yes, this would be in breach of the USDA Organic Regulations for two reasons:
1. Any operation that is processing organic product and labeling it as organic needs to be certified, unless the gross organic sales are less than $5,000 per year. Please see the following fact sheet regarding who needs to be certified. From your email, it appears that the Hawaii buyer/roaster who is roasting (processing) green beans is not a certified organic operation. Further information can be found in the USDA Organic Regulations at 7 CFR 205.100-103. See link to USDA Organic Regulations above.
2. The USDA organic requirements allow the use of certain non-organic substances and materials during organic production and handling. The non-organic materials allowed for use in post-harvest handling are listed in the USDA organic regulations at 7 CFR 205.605 and 205.606. While Organic shipments must include permits, sanitary certificates (animal products), and phytosanitary certificates (plant products) to ensure the product is healthy and free from pests requiring quarantine, if organic products are exposed to substances that are not approved on the National List or approved non-synthetic pest control materials for post-harvest organic products, then the products lose their organic status. For further information, please see the fact sheet on Organic Production and Handling Standards as well as the requirements for pest control following harvest of organic products in the USDA Organic Regulations at 7 CFR 205.271.
2. If yes, who enforces NOP labeling violations? Please see the fact sheet USDA Oversight of Organic Products. Suspected violations of the organic regulations may be reported to the USDA. Send an email to [email protected] or call the National Organic Program at 202-720-3252.
3. Are there any other concerns regarding this organic labeling practice? Please see answers to #1
HDOA does not enforce organic certification or labeling rules. Please direct your organic inquiries to USDA NOP.
Robert Coffey
Hawaii Dept. of Agriculture
Commodities Branch –Maui office
(808)873-3554
Fax (808) 873-3586
Kona USDA NRCS Report on Pilot Program for Best Strategies for Controlling Feral Pigs in Hawaii (Posted 4/28/15)
Yellowing Coffee Leaves and Avoiding Overbearing Dieback (Posted 4/23/15)
Are your coffee leaves turning yellow? Your trees may be telling you that additional fertilizer is needed. During coffee cherry development, the berries will draw out a lot of nitrogen and potassium from the plant and adjacent leaves. If there aren’t enough nutrients in the plant and leaves, the berries can draw out more than the leaves and plant can tolerate. As a result, you will notice that the leaves first turn yellow (lack of nitrogen) and possibly have leave edge burning/browning or necrosis (death of the tissues) (lack of potassium). In severe cases, the coffee tree can die from overbearing dieback.
According to the “Growing Coffee in Hawaii” booklet by Skip and Virginia, it is very important to provide coffee trees with nitrogen fertilizers such as ammonium phosphate, ammonium sulfate or urea in the summer. If production is early and symptoms are seen earlier in the year, provide nitrogen to the plants in the spring. Follow the suggested quantities and avoid providing too much nitrogen to each plant as excessive nitrogen can affect quality of the cup.
Visit http://hawaiicoffee.weebly.com/other-pests-and-problems.html to learn more about overbearing dieback and other coffee pests and diseases.
Are your coffee leaves turning yellow? Your trees may be telling you that additional fertilizer is needed. During coffee cherry development, the berries will draw out a lot of nitrogen and potassium from the plant and adjacent leaves. If there aren’t enough nutrients in the plant and leaves, the berries can draw out more than the leaves and plant can tolerate. As a result, you will notice that the leaves first turn yellow (lack of nitrogen) and possibly have leave edge burning/browning or necrosis (death of the tissues) (lack of potassium). In severe cases, the coffee tree can die from overbearing dieback.
According to the “Growing Coffee in Hawaii” booklet by Skip and Virginia, it is very important to provide coffee trees with nitrogen fertilizers such as ammonium phosphate, ammonium sulfate or urea in the summer. If production is early and symptoms are seen earlier in the year, provide nitrogen to the plants in the spring. Follow the suggested quantities and avoid providing too much nitrogen to each plant as excessive nitrogen can affect quality of the cup.
Visit http://hawaiicoffee.weebly.com/other-pests-and-problems.html to learn more about overbearing dieback and other coffee pests and diseases.
SHAC CBB Grant Beauveria Subsidy Workshops (Posted 2/26/15; Updated 5/1/15)
New farmer signups and refresher training
Get qualified for 75% off Botanigard/Mycotrol
CBB best practices discussion during each workshop
Questions call Suzanne Shriner at 808-365-9041 or [email protected]. Website: http://deadcbb.com/
More classes coming soon!
Click here for instructions on how to find your TMK online. Big Island only.
New farmer signups and refresher training
Get qualified for 75% off Botanigard/Mycotrol
CBB best practices discussion during each workshop
Questions call Suzanne Shriner at 808-365-9041 or [email protected]. Website: http://deadcbb.com/
More classes coming soon!
Click here for instructions on how to find your TMK online. Big Island only.
HDOA Permit Conditions for Intrastate (Interisland) Movement of Green Coffee Beans for Roasting (Posted 3/17/15)
Permit Conditions For:
A). Untreated Green Coffee Beans from Designated CBB Infested Areas to Restricted Areas in Hawaii
B). Treated and Untreated Green Coffee Beans Between Designated CBB Infested Areas (Big Island to Oahu and Oahu to Big Island)
C). Treated Green Coffee Beans from Designated CBB Infested Areas to Restricted Areas in Hawaii
Easy reading list of some requirements for movement of green coffee beans from an infested to a noninfested area within the state of Hawaii for roasting.
An HDOA PQ Form 7 permit is required for movement of green coffee within the state of Hawaii.
Permit Conditions For:
A). Untreated Green Coffee Beans from Designated CBB Infested Areas to Restricted Areas in Hawaii
B). Treated and Untreated Green Coffee Beans Between Designated CBB Infested Areas (Big Island to Oahu and Oahu to Big Island)
C). Treated Green Coffee Beans from Designated CBB Infested Areas to Restricted Areas in Hawaii
Easy reading list of some requirements for movement of green coffee beans from an infested to a noninfested area within the state of Hawaii for roasting.
An HDOA PQ Form 7 permit is required for movement of green coffee within the state of Hawaii.
Early Season CBB Management and the Use of Pyrethrins and other Pesticides (Posted 3/11/15)
Dear Coffee Growers,
With all of this lovely rain, please monitor your young coffee cherry for Coffee Berry Borer (CBB) and be prepared to spray to kill CBB with Beauveria and/or Pyrethrins and to protect your beans from CBB damage. Rains have been observed to encourage CBB to actively look for new cherry to bore into. As such, you may see a lot of CBB at the flower end of the cherry or even “swarming” in coffee fields.
Below, I’d like to address some questions and concerns about the use of pyrethrin-based products, Malathion and Sevin on coffee.
Pyrethrin-based products such as Pyronyl Crop Spray, EverGreen Crop Protection EC 60-6, Pyganic Crop Protection EC 1.4II & 5.0II (for organic use), may be applied to coffee trees to kill CBB. Pyrethrins may also be tank-mixed with Beauveria according to testing by BioWorks (www.bioworksinc.com/products/shared/botanigard-es-tank-mix-compatibility.pdf).
Pyrethrin-based products vary in the amount of active ingredient (pyrethrin) found in the commercially available product. As such, below are some products and their associated rates suggested for killing CBB. These rates are based on research conducted with Evergreen Crop Protection EC 60-6 that contains 6.0% pyrethrin.
· Pyronyl Crop Spray – 16 oz. of Pyronyl per 100 gallons water
· EverGreen Crop Protection EC 60-6 – 16 oz. of Evergreen per 100 gallons water
· Pyganic Crop Protection EC 5.0II – 19.2 oz. of Pyganic 5.0II per 100 gallons water
· Pyganic Crop Protection EC 1.4II – 68.6 oz. of Pyganic 1.4II per 100 gallons water
Pyrethrins may be most effective at the start of the season when CBB are starting to attack coffee cherry and can be used to knock back the population of CBB. Pyrethrins may also be effective in killing CBB during very dry, hot weather. Once sprayed, pyrethrins have a very short kill period and MUST CONTACT THE BEETLE TO KILL CBB. Spray on non-rainy, non-windy days. When handling and applying, you must wear a long-sleeved shirt and long pants, chemical-resistant gloves such as barrier laminate, nitrile rubber, neoprene rubber, or viton, and shoes plus socks. For additional health protection, consider wearing properly fitted respiratory equipment such as a mask with filter and eye protection. Companies such as Gaspro can help you with these purchases and fittings.
Pyrethrins should be used at the proper rates and according to all label directions. Avoid using pyrethrins and spraying for CBB and other insects continuously as resistance has been shown to occur in certain insects.
Do not allow anyone to re-enter a field, unless absolutely necessary and with proper protective gear, for at least 12 hours after spraying pyrethrins. If you FINISH spraying at 4:00 pm, do not re-enter the field until 4:00 am the next morning. Do not calculate this time from when you start spraying.
PBO, or piperonyl butoxide, is the second ingredient in products such as Pyronyl Crop Spray and Evergreen Crop Spray. PBO is a synergist and enhances the pesticidal properties of pyrethrins (npic.orst.edu/factsheets/pbogen.pdf). Please be aware that state, national and international governments have residue tolerances for chemicals sprayed on food products (as well as other items) for many pesticides including pyrethrins and PBO. All pesticides should be stored, handled, applied and discarded according to label directions for the safety and well-being of yourself, consumers, neighbors, youth, animals, the crop, handlers, applicators, and the environment, etc.
We currently do not know if pyrethrins kill flat bark beetles, the predators of CBB that we have here in Hawaii. Future funding will allow us to test these and other products and their effects on flat bark beetles. Please continue to strip pick your coffee, monitor, and spray for CBB to protect your coffee from CBB damage to the bean(s).
Please DO NOT SPRAY Malathion or Sevin on your coffee trees! It is unlawful to do so as these insecticides are not labeled for use on coffee.
Thank you, Andrea
Dear Coffee Growers,
With all of this lovely rain, please monitor your young coffee cherry for Coffee Berry Borer (CBB) and be prepared to spray to kill CBB with Beauveria and/or Pyrethrins and to protect your beans from CBB damage. Rains have been observed to encourage CBB to actively look for new cherry to bore into. As such, you may see a lot of CBB at the flower end of the cherry or even “swarming” in coffee fields.
Below, I’d like to address some questions and concerns about the use of pyrethrin-based products, Malathion and Sevin on coffee.
Pyrethrin-based products such as Pyronyl Crop Spray, EverGreen Crop Protection EC 60-6, Pyganic Crop Protection EC 1.4II & 5.0II (for organic use), may be applied to coffee trees to kill CBB. Pyrethrins may also be tank-mixed with Beauveria according to testing by BioWorks (www.bioworksinc.com/products/shared/botanigard-es-tank-mix-compatibility.pdf).
Pyrethrin-based products vary in the amount of active ingredient (pyrethrin) found in the commercially available product. As such, below are some products and their associated rates suggested for killing CBB. These rates are based on research conducted with Evergreen Crop Protection EC 60-6 that contains 6.0% pyrethrin.
· Pyronyl Crop Spray – 16 oz. of Pyronyl per 100 gallons water
· EverGreen Crop Protection EC 60-6 – 16 oz. of Evergreen per 100 gallons water
· Pyganic Crop Protection EC 5.0II – 19.2 oz. of Pyganic 5.0II per 100 gallons water
· Pyganic Crop Protection EC 1.4II – 68.6 oz. of Pyganic 1.4II per 100 gallons water
Pyrethrins may be most effective at the start of the season when CBB are starting to attack coffee cherry and can be used to knock back the population of CBB. Pyrethrins may also be effective in killing CBB during very dry, hot weather. Once sprayed, pyrethrins have a very short kill period and MUST CONTACT THE BEETLE TO KILL CBB. Spray on non-rainy, non-windy days. When handling and applying, you must wear a long-sleeved shirt and long pants, chemical-resistant gloves such as barrier laminate, nitrile rubber, neoprene rubber, or viton, and shoes plus socks. For additional health protection, consider wearing properly fitted respiratory equipment such as a mask with filter and eye protection. Companies such as Gaspro can help you with these purchases and fittings.
Pyrethrins should be used at the proper rates and according to all label directions. Avoid using pyrethrins and spraying for CBB and other insects continuously as resistance has been shown to occur in certain insects.
Do not allow anyone to re-enter a field, unless absolutely necessary and with proper protective gear, for at least 12 hours after spraying pyrethrins. If you FINISH spraying at 4:00 pm, do not re-enter the field until 4:00 am the next morning. Do not calculate this time from when you start spraying.
PBO, or piperonyl butoxide, is the second ingredient in products such as Pyronyl Crop Spray and Evergreen Crop Spray. PBO is a synergist and enhances the pesticidal properties of pyrethrins (npic.orst.edu/factsheets/pbogen.pdf). Please be aware that state, national and international governments have residue tolerances for chemicals sprayed on food products (as well as other items) for many pesticides including pyrethrins and PBO. All pesticides should be stored, handled, applied and discarded according to label directions for the safety and well-being of yourself, consumers, neighbors, youth, animals, the crop, handlers, applicators, and the environment, etc.
We currently do not know if pyrethrins kill flat bark beetles, the predators of CBB that we have here in Hawaii. Future funding will allow us to test these and other products and their effects on flat bark beetles. Please continue to strip pick your coffee, monitor, and spray for CBB to protect your coffee from CBB damage to the bean(s).
Please DO NOT SPRAY Malathion or Sevin on your coffee trees! It is unlawful to do so as these insecticides are not labeled for use on coffee.
Thank you, Andrea
Opinions or recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of their employers or funding agencies. Mention of a trademark or proprietary name does not constitute an endorsement, guarantee, or warranty, and does not imply recommendation to the exclusion of other suitable products or businesses.
Damages from High Winds and Rain
(Posted 1/3/15; Updated 1/17/15, 3/5/15)
If your farm and/or structures sustains damages from high winds and/or rain, please contact your insurance agent and crop insurance agent immediately.
***BEFORE YOU BEGIN CLEAN UP, document all damages with (clear and focused) photos. Review your inventory and take note of anything damaged or missing.
(Posted 1/3/15; Updated 1/17/15, 3/5/15)
If your farm and/or structures sustains damages from high winds and/or rain, please contact your insurance agent and crop insurance agent immediately.
***BEFORE YOU BEGIN CLEAN UP, document all damages with (clear and focused) photos. Review your inventory and take note of anything damaged or missing.
IMPORTANT!!!
Quarantine Restrictions Extended to ALL Coffee Grown on Oahu (Posted 2/25/15)
Please click on the links below to view the press release and quarantine notice from HDOA.
If you need more information about the quarantine or permit requirements, please call Mr. Lance Sakaino, Acting Plant Quarantine Specialist, at 808-832-0566 or email to: [email protected].
Press Release - Coffee Quarantine Extended to All of Oahu
Written Notice of Oahu CBB Quarantine to Industry
Quarantine Restrictions Extended to ALL Coffee Grown on Oahu (Posted 2/25/15)
Please click on the links below to view the press release and quarantine notice from HDOA.
If you need more information about the quarantine or permit requirements, please call Mr. Lance Sakaino, Acting Plant Quarantine Specialist, at 808-832-0566 or email to: [email protected].
Press Release - Coffee Quarantine Extended to All of Oahu
Written Notice of Oahu CBB Quarantine to Industry
HDOA Needs Your Help! Oahu Residents Asked to Check Mulch and Green Waste for Coconut Rhinoceros Beetles (Posted 2/18/15)
The Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA) is renewing its request for Oahu residents to check their mulch piles for possible breeding populations of the coconut rhinoceros beetles (CRB). HDOA has been concentrating efforts on detecting and destroying (CRB) infestations on Oahu since it was detected in December 2013 in Joint Base Pearl Harbor – Hickam (JBPHH). Read more here...
For more information and photos of CRB on HDOA’s CRB Information webpage, click here. Adult CRB are about 1.5-2.0 inches long. Grubs can be as long as 4 inches. |
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Oahu Cooperative Extension Agricultural Online Updates (Posted 2/2/15)
STARTING OFF THE YEAR FROM THE GROUND UP- SOIL HEALTH IS THE FIRST WORKSHOP SERIES OF 2015
In collaboration with program partners, USDA NRCS, CTAHR’s Centre of Rural Agricultural Training and Entrepreneurship (CRATE) and Sustainable and Organic Agriculture Program’s (SOAP) held educational field days showcasing the diversity and benefits of cover crops; no-till farming systems; cover crop calculations, locally available nutritional supplements; and so much more.
Please find some helpful references below pertaining to soil health.
Please join CTAHR, USDA NRCS, USDA FSA, WSARE, and other program partners as we celebrate soil health.
Soil health, also referred to as soil quality, is defined as the continued capacity of soil to function as a vital living ecosystem that sustains plants, animals, and humans. To do this, we need to remember that soil contains living organisms that when provided the basic necessities of life - food, shelter, and water - perform functions required to produce food and fiber. Only "living" things can have health, so viewing soil as a living ecosystem reflects a fundamental shift in the way we care for our nation's soils. Soil isn’t an inert growing medium, but rather is teaming with billions of bacteria, fungi, and other microbes that are the foundation of an elegant symbiotic ecosystem.
STARTING OFF THE YEAR FROM THE GROUND UP- SOIL HEALTH IS THE FIRST WORKSHOP SERIES OF 2015
In collaboration with program partners, USDA NRCS, CTAHR’s Centre of Rural Agricultural Training and Entrepreneurship (CRATE) and Sustainable and Organic Agriculture Program’s (SOAP) held educational field days showcasing the diversity and benefits of cover crops; no-till farming systems; cover crop calculations, locally available nutritional supplements; and so much more.
Please find some helpful references below pertaining to soil health.
Please join CTAHR, USDA NRCS, USDA FSA, WSARE, and other program partners as we celebrate soil health.
- Symphony of the soil (video) http://www.symphonyofthesoil.com
Soil health, also referred to as soil quality, is defined as the continued capacity of soil to function as a vital living ecosystem that sustains plants, animals, and humans. To do this, we need to remember that soil contains living organisms that when provided the basic necessities of life - food, shelter, and water - perform functions required to produce food and fiber. Only "living" things can have health, so viewing soil as a living ecosystem reflects a fundamental shift in the way we care for our nation's soils. Soil isn’t an inert growing medium, but rather is teaming with billions of bacteria, fungi, and other microbes that are the foundation of an elegant symbiotic ecosystem.
To learn about TKC events, please visit: http://kohalacenter.org/events
White Moths by Your Lights at Night (Posted 11/20/14)
Please do not be alarmed. Those white-ish, paper-airplane shaped moths about 3/4 to 1 inch long with little black dots on their head, are the adults of Secusio extensa. Their young are caterpillars that are black and fuzzy with an orange head and range in size from 1/8th inch when young to just over 1 inch before pupating into a moth.
After 13 years of rigorous testing, Secusio releases by the Hawaii Department of Agriculture began in 2013 to control Madagascar fireweed, also known as Madagascar Ragwort. This very invasive weed with yellow daisy-like flowers is toxic to cattle and horses. Over the years, fireweed has overtaken many pastures and can easily be seen along Saddle Road (Daniel K. Inouye Highway).
Secusio caterpillars also consume other invasive weeds such as Cape ivy or German ivy. This weed has the ability to smother native forests.
"Seeing the caterpillar on other plants doesn’t mean the caterpillar is feeding on them. According to HDOA entomologist Rob Curtiss, most feeding happens at night. The caterpillars often leave the host plants during the day to avoid potential predation. People may also see them when the caterpillars are looking for a place to pupate, preferring a dark place like a garage or shed. “If you see them, leave them alone or take them outside,” advises Curtiss. The moths are nocturnal and attracted to light so leaving outside lights on all night may keep them close to houses rather than seeking out fireweed in adjacent pastures.Turn off lights to encourage moths to return to their host plants."
For more information on Secusio and fireweed, please visit:
http://globalrangelands.org/hawaii/secusio-extensa-release-program
http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/hnfas/publications/pastureRange/fireweed.pdf
http://hdoa.hawaii.gov/
Please do not be alarmed. Those white-ish, paper-airplane shaped moths about 3/4 to 1 inch long with little black dots on their head, are the adults of Secusio extensa. Their young are caterpillars that are black and fuzzy with an orange head and range in size from 1/8th inch when young to just over 1 inch before pupating into a moth.
After 13 years of rigorous testing, Secusio releases by the Hawaii Department of Agriculture began in 2013 to control Madagascar fireweed, also known as Madagascar Ragwort. This very invasive weed with yellow daisy-like flowers is toxic to cattle and horses. Over the years, fireweed has overtaken many pastures and can easily be seen along Saddle Road (Daniel K. Inouye Highway).
Secusio caterpillars also consume other invasive weeds such as Cape ivy or German ivy. This weed has the ability to smother native forests.
"Seeing the caterpillar on other plants doesn’t mean the caterpillar is feeding on them. According to HDOA entomologist Rob Curtiss, most feeding happens at night. The caterpillars often leave the host plants during the day to avoid potential predation. People may also see them when the caterpillars are looking for a place to pupate, preferring a dark place like a garage or shed. “If you see them, leave them alone or take them outside,” advises Curtiss. The moths are nocturnal and attracted to light so leaving outside lights on all night may keep them close to houses rather than seeking out fireweed in adjacent pastures.Turn off lights to encourage moths to return to their host plants."
For more information on Secusio and fireweed, please visit:
http://globalrangelands.org/hawaii/secusio-extensa-release-program
http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/hnfas/publications/pastureRange/fireweed.pdf
http://hdoa.hawaii.gov/
National Agricultural Statistics Service - Hawaii Crop Weather Report
September 6, 2015
August 2, 2015
July 26, 2015
September 6, 2015
August 2, 2015
July 26, 2015
Reminder from USDA Farm Service Agency Re: Appointments
Aloha Everyone,
I would like to ask everyone who will be visiting us, to call and make an appointment. Waiting to be seen has become an unpleasant experience.
Mahalo!
Lester Ueda
County Executive Director
USDA, Farm Service Agency
PO Box 845
Hilo, Hawaii 96721
Phone: 808.933.8341
Fax: 1.855.356.9492
Email: [email protected]
Aloha Everyone,
I would like to ask everyone who will be visiting us, to call and make an appointment. Waiting to be seen has become an unpleasant experience.
Mahalo!
Lester Ueda
County Executive Director
USDA, Farm Service Agency
PO Box 845
Hilo, Hawaii 96721
Phone: 808.933.8341
Fax: 1.855.356.9492
Email: [email protected]
New version of "The Plant Doctor" app for Android users
We uploaded a new version of "The Plant Doctor" app (using CTAHR's Google Developer account)
Note: The old version of this app will no longer function!
Therefore, delete the old version from your Android device and install the new version of the app from the link shown above.
App Name: The Plant Doctor
App Version Number: 2.1
App Type: iOS App
Download it at iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/app/the-plant-doctor/id349613537? mt=8
Download it at the Google store (Android): https://play.google.com/ store/apps/details?id=edu.hawaii.plantdoctor
Also in Español!
Scot C. Nelson, Ph.D.
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Department of Plant & Environmental Protection Sciences
3050 Maile Way, Gilmore 513
Honolulu, HI 96822
USA tel: (808) 956-6741
Leaf Doctor | Pic-a-Papaya | Plant Doctor | Hawaii Plant Disease | Flickr
We uploaded a new version of "The Plant Doctor" app (using CTAHR's Google Developer account)
Note: The old version of this app will no longer function!
Therefore, delete the old version from your Android device and install the new version of the app from the link shown above.
App Name: The Plant Doctor
App Version Number: 2.1
App Type: iOS App
Download it at iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/app/the-plant-doctor/id349613537? mt=8
Download it at the Google store (Android): https://play.google.com/ store/apps/details?id=edu.hawaii.plantdoctor
Also in Español!
Scot C. Nelson, Ph.D.
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Department of Plant & Environmental Protection Sciences
3050 Maile Way, Gilmore 513
Honolulu, HI 96822
USA tel: (808) 956-6741
Leaf Doctor | Pic-a-Papaya | Plant Doctor | Hawaii Plant Disease | Flickr
Coqui Frog
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Coqui Frog Control Reminder from Glenn Sako, County R&D (Updated 7/23/14)
"The County of Hawaii’s R&D department has a voucher program to purchase citric acid to control coqui frogs. We have a sprayer loan program in which sprayers are being held and maintained by collaborators around the island. If a stakeholder would like to spray their grounds, nursery, etc for coqui frog, please let me (Glenn) know and I will give the stakeholder the number to the closest collaborator. If the stakeholder plans on using the sprayers quite often and is willing to maintain the sprayer and trailer, we can look into signing them up as a collaborator." View the updated Coqui Frog Flyer with price and voucher information here. View citric acid mixing instructions here. Thank you, Glenn T. Sako Agriculture Specialist Department of Research and Development 25 Aupuni Street, Room 1301 Hilo, Hawaii 96720 808-961-8811 |
In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, contact USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Civil Rights, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, D.C., 02050-9410 or call 1-866-632-9992Toll Free; or 1-800-877-8339 Federal Relay Service; or 1-800-845-6136 (In Spanish); or 1-800-795-3272 between the hours of 8:30 am and 5:00 pm Eastern Standard Time; or (TDD) 720-2600. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. For information or to request an auxiliary aid or service (e.g., sign language interpreter, designated parking, or materials in alternate format), contact Gina ([email protected]) or Andrea ([email protected]) at (808)322-4892 at least seven days before the activity/event.
We reserve the right to refuse, reformat or add disclaimers to postings on this website, on the Kona Extension calendar and on the Kona Orchard Crops Facebook site. This information is being provided as a service to those interested in agriculture. It does not imply recommendation or endorsement by UH CTAHR, University of Hawaii or funding agencies.
We reserve the right to refuse, reformat or add disclaimers to postings on this website, on the Kona Extension calendar and on the Kona Orchard Crops Facebook site. This information is being provided as a service to those interested in agriculture. It does not imply recommendation or endorsement by UH CTAHR, University of Hawaii or funding agencies.