American Samoa Technical Reports and Brochures

These reports are in PDF format.  If you need Adobe Acrobat to open the file you will need to download that first.

Technical Report Number Description

No. 59. Prevalence of Obesity in American Samoan Schoolchildren (2013/2014 School Year)

Report to the Directors, Department of Health, Department of Education, April 2014

No. 58. Final Report on Water Quality Program—American Samoa (6pp) (Sunia & Vargo 2013)

Final Report on Water Quality Program—American Samoa

No. 57. Electrical Conductivity and Major Cation Concentrations in Municipal Water from Tutuila Island, American Samoa(6pp) (Sunia & Vargo 2012)

Electrical Conductivity and Major Cation Concentrations in
Municipal Water from Tutuila Island, American Samoa

No. 56. Prevalence of Obesity in American Samoan Schoolchildren (2008/2009 School Year) (Don Vargo 2009) Prevalence of Obesity in American Samoan Schoolchildren (2008/2009 School Year)

No. 55. Stream fauna of American Samoa (Booklet) (Don Vargo 2009)  

An illustrated guide to snails, shrimps, and fishes of American Samoan streams.

No. 54. Animals in American Samoa streams (Poster) (Lisa Wade 2008)  

Poster of some of the animals occurring in American Samoa's streams.

No. 53. Freshwater fishes of American Samoa (Poster) (Lisa Wade 2008)  

Poster of the territory's freshwater fish species.

No. 52. Freshwater shrimps of American Samoa (Poster) (Lisa Wade 2008)  

Poster of the territory's freshwater shrimp species.

No. 51. Freshwater snails of American Samoa (Poster) (Lisa Wade 2008)  

Poster of the territory's freshwater snail species.

No. 50. Guide to the Most Commonly Used Medicinal Plants of Samoa (Art Whistler 1999)  

Identification key and species accounts for major medicinal plants of Samoan islands.

No. 49. An Illustrated Key to the Earthworms of the Samoan Archipelago (Oligochaeta: Glossoscolecidae, Moniligastridae) (Samuel W. James 2000)  

Identification guide for Samoan earthworms uses external characters.

No. 48. Prevalance of Overweight in American Samoan Schoolchildren (2007/2008 School Year) (Don Vargo 2008)  

Survey for overweight and obesity in schoolchildren grades K-12. Expands on the 2007 survey and includes data on diet and physical activity.

No. 47. Prevalence of Overweight in American Samoan Schoolchildren (2006-2007 School Year) (Don Vargo 2007)  

Large-sample survey for prevalence of overweight and obesity in schoolchildren grades K, 3, 6, 9, & 12

No. 46. Stream water chemical parameters for Tutuila Island, American Samoa (Eliana Bardi, Sharon Fanolua, Kristel van Houte-Howes, Lisa M. Wade, Agnes M. Vargo, & Donald L. Vargo 2007)  

Measured pH, conductivity, turbidity, temperature, dissolved oxygen, calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, reactive phosphorus, ammonium-N, and nitrate-N over two years for 44 streams with different levels of human impact

No. 45. Concerns in Assessing Overweight and Obesity in American Samoan Adolescents (Nicky Davison, Sharon Fanolua, Maggie Rosaine, and Donald L. Vargo 2007)  

Documents incidence of overweight and obesity among children 11-18 using body mass index and waist circumference assessments

No. 44. List of plant diseases in American Samoa 2006 (Fred Brooks, November 2006)
ColorPlates2006 separate for faster download.

Host-pathogen and pathogen-host indexes plus updated lists of wood decay fungi, plant-parasitic algae and fungal pathogens of insects

No. 43. Methods of propagation for some important Samoan timber tree species (Eric Hanson, September 2005) 

Vegetative and seed propagation methods for selected local tree species are compared and suggestions made for future investigations  (Published with permission)

No. 42. Plant-parasitic nematodes of banana in American Samoa (Fred Brooks, November 2004) 

Identification and population densities of root-parasitic nematodes in 24 banana plantations, including estimated external and cortical root damage  (Published with permission)

No. 41. List of plant diseases in American Samoa 2004 (Fred Brooks, October 2004)    ColorPlates separate for faster download.

Host-pathogen and pathogen-host indexes are followed by new lists of wood decay fungi and plant-parasitic algae.  Also included: fungal pathogens of insects

 No. 40. Mangrove inventory and assessment project in American Samoa: Phase I, mangrove delineation and preliminary rapid assessment (Eliana Bardi & Sheri S. Mann, July 2004)

Boundaries of mangrove forests on the islands of Tutuila and Aunu'u are measured (GPS) and the impact of piggeries and dumpsites assessed

No. 39. Plant parasitic algae (Trentepohliales, Chlorophyta) in American Samoa (Fred Brooks, August 2003)

Trentepohlian algae in American Samoa, with an emphasis on Cephaleuros spp., their plant host range, lichenized form, and pathogenicity  (Published with permission)

No. 38. List of Plant Diseases in American Samoa 2002 (Fred Brooks, September 2002)

This updated version of Report No. 32 includes 36 color images of plant diseases and pathogens, as well as expanded host-pathogen and pathogen-host indexes

No. 37. Brown root rot disease in American Samoa (Fred Brooks, December 2001)

Incidence, distribution and host range of Phellinus noxius is measured in primary and secondary forests on Tutuila Island  (Published with permission)

No. 36. Comparative yields and costs of teepee-, clothesline-, and non-trellised cucumber production in American Samoa: October 1999-December 1999 (Larry S. Hirata, March 2001)

Marketable yield for cucumber cultivar 'Delight Green' is compared when grown on two types of trellis support systems and without trellis support

No. 35. Methods of measuring taro leaf blight severity and its effect on yield (Fred E. Brooks, December 2000)

A direct estimate of percent disease and a pictorial key, along with other physical parameters, are compared for their ability to estimate taro corm yield

No. 34. Cultivar resistance to taro leaf blight disease in American Samoa (Fred E. Brooks, December 2000)

Trials in 1999 and 2000 show effects of taro leaf blight disease on newly introduced resistant taro cultivars

No. 33. Comparative cost of teepee-trellised vs. non-trellised cucumber production in American Samoa: October 1998-December 1998 (Larry S. Hirata, October 2000)

Comparison of yield and cost of production between teepee-trellised and non-trellised cucumbers

No. 32. List of plant diseases in American Samoa 2000 (Fred Brooks, August 2000)

Host-pathogen and pathogen-host indexes for fungi, bacteria, viruses and nematodes on plants and insects; collected during 1999-2000

No. 31. Incidence and distribution of banana bunchy top virus in American Samoa (Fred Brooks, January 1999)

Survey of over 40,000 banana mats throughout the Territory for presence of banana bunchy top virus  (Published with permission)

No. 30. Indigenous Agroforestry in American Samoa (Malala (Mike) Misa and Agnes M. Vargo, circa 1995)

Important aspects of agroforestry: nutritional, cultural, ecological, economic, etc.; components; threats; recommendations for its continuance

No. 29. Feeding Cycle of the Fruit Piercing Moth in American Samoa (A.M. Vargo, S. Fatuese, and L. Ali, circa 1995)

Methodology, feeding observations of moths on tomato, and implications for management

No. 28.  The Effectiveness of a Net Barrier in Excluding the Fruit Piercing Moth from Tomato Fruit in American Samoa (Lloyd Ali and Agnes M. Vargo, circa 1995)

Effectiveness of netting in protecting trellised tomatoes against fruit piercing moth

No. 27.  Application of a New Strain of Metarhizium anisopliae (Fungi Imperfecti) as a Means of Biological Control Against the Coconut Leaf Hispid, Brontispa Longissima (Coleoptera: Hispidae) in Samoa (Karl J. Marshall, Agnes M. Vargo, and Sipaia Fatuesi, circa 1995)

Collection, mass production of spores, and successful use of M. anisopliae against coconut leaf hispid beetle in American Samoa and Samoa

No. 26.  An Initial Evaluation of Biological and Cultural Controls of Taro Pests in American Samoa (Sipaia Fatuesi and Agnes M. Vargo, circa 1995)

Taro pests and effectiveness of existing predators and hyperparasites reported

No. 25.  Growing Bananas in American Samoa (Frank W. Pritchard, circa 1995)

Aspects of banana production, including site preparation, spacing, thinning, harvesting, and plant protection

No. 24.  Growing Taroes in American Samoa (Frank W. Pritchard, circa 1995)

Suggestions for improving taro production, export potential, other uses of taro in American Samoa

No. 23.  Effect of Production and Handling Practices on the Recovery of Taro Flour (Wai-Kit Nip and Don Vargo, circa 1995)

Factors affecting recovery of taro flour from corms, including soil type and corm specific gravity

No. 22.  Application of Taro Flour in Cookie Formulations (Wai-Kit Nip, Carol S. Whitaker, and Don Vargo, circa 1995)

Formulation and taste tests of snap- and drop-type cookies using different ratios of taro and wheat flour

No. 21.  Excluding Tomato Pests with a Net Barrier (Ikenasio Sagaga and Don Vargo, December 1991)

Costs and benefits of growing tomatoes in net cages to exclude birds, rodents, moths, and snails

No. 20.  Chinese Cabbage Variety Trial: Bouquet, Kwang Moon, Mei Qing Choi, Tip Top, and Tropical Pride Varieties (Lia Marie Lewis, Iareto Fitiao, Raymond Tilialo, Don Vargo, September 1991)

Survival rate, harvest weight, and recommendations for five varieties of Chinese cabbage

No. 19.  Taro Corm Specific Gravity Response to Harvest Age and Soil Type (Ikenasio Sagaga and Don Vargo, circa 1991)

Effects of soil type, harvest time, and corm weight on corm specific gravity

No. 18.  Taro Corm Weight and Specific Gravity Response to Sett Size and Fertilizer Amendments (Ikenasio Sagaga and Don Vargo, circa 1991)

Correlation between sett weight and nutrients (N, P, K, Ca) on corm harvest weight, specific gravity

No. 17.  Chinese Cabbage Trial: Tropical Pride, Early Top, Joi Choi, Saladeer, and Kurihara Hybrid Varieties (Ikenasio Sagaga and Don Vargo, December 1990)

Comparison of five Chinese cabbage varieties for yield and insect and disease resistance

No. 16.  Influence of Soil Type and Harvest Age on Taro Corm Density (Second Year Results) (Ikenasio Sagaga and Don Vargo, October 1990)

Second-year results of effect of soil type on taro corm weight and specific gravity

No. 15.  Introduction of New Tomato Varieties in American Samoa for the 1990s Part 2 (Wen-hsiu Kuo, Ikenasio Sagaga, Don Vargo, July 1990)

Variety trials comparing two currently grown tomato cultivars with five new selections

No. 14.  Introduction of New Tomato Varieties in American Samoa for the 1990s Part 1 (Wen-hsiu Kuo, Ikenasio Sagaga, Don Vargo, June 1990)

Comparison of vine- and bush-type tomato varieties for yield, bacterial wilt resistance, and minimum-input management

No. 13.  Cucumber Variety Trial Using Varieties from Known-You Seed Co. (Wen-hsiu Kuo, Nonumaifale Tuisamoa, Don Vargo, May 1990)

 Field tests of eight cucumber varieties for fruit size, color, and yield

No. 12.  Container Tomato Variety Trial: Basket King, Toy Boy, and Patio (Don Vargo, December 1989)

Fruit size and yield for three container-grown tomato varieties

No. 11.  Information on Some Tropical and Subtropical Fruit Trees at the Land Grant Agricultural Experiment Station Malaeimi, American Samoa (Don Vargo, October 1989)

Descriptions of 23 tropical and subtropical fruit and nut trees in American Samoa

No. 10.  Introduction of Tropical and Subtropical Fruit and Nut Trees to Tutuila, American Samoa (P. Tauiliili, A. Navarro, A. Vargo, S. Fatuesi, L. Hirata, R. Areta, M. Misa, T. Pepe, S. Matau, and D. Vargo, September 1989)

Introduction of 23 fruit trees at six sites on Tutuila Is., American Samoa, with information on growth rate, flowering, and pests

No. 9.  Influence of Soil Type and Harvest Age on Taro Corm Density (First Year Results) (Ikenasio Sagaga and Don Vargo, August 1989)

Effect of soil type and plant age at harvest on density of taro 'Niue' corms

No. 8.  Preemergence Herbicides Trial Dacthal, Karmex, and Treflan (Nonumaifale Tuisamoa and Don Vargo, May 1988)

Results of herbicide trials in American Samoa

No. 7.  Cover Crop Trial (Don Vargo, March 1988)

Evaluation of six cover crops planted to reduce soil erosion

No. 6.  Soybean Trial in American Samoa (Lloyd Ali and Don Vargo, January 1988)

Yield of soybeans in American Samoa compared with other soybean-producing areas

No. 5.  Evaluating Yield Performance and Pest and Disease Losses for Two Tomato Varieties (Don Vargo, December 1987)

Yield of two tomato varieties, including losses due to birds, fruit-piercing moth, and African snails

No. 4.  Feasibility Study for Conducting Hydroponic Research at the A.S.C.C. Land Grant Station (Don Vargo, October 1987)

Advantages and disadvantages of introducing hydroponic vegetable production; recommendations

No. 3.  Comparative Study of Soil Test Kits (Don Vargo, March 1987)

Comparison of N, P, K measurements between two soil test kits and against standard SSSA-approve methods

No. 2.  Taro Experiment: Cultivar and Spacing Trial No. 2 (Adriano Navarro, Ropeti Areta, Don Vargo, December 1986)

Average corm weight per plant and corm weight relative to plant spacing are evaluated for three taro cultivars

No. 1.  Vegetable Crop Research 1983-1985 (Adriano A. Navarro and Malaeti'a Misa)

Evaluations of yield for different treatments on beans, cabbage, cucumber, watermelon, corn, and taro

American Samoa Brochures and Technical Reports

Brochures Description

No. 14.Stop dengue by stopping mosquitoes at the source [Samoan] (Mark Schmaedick and Neil Gurr 2007)

Informational brochure on dengue vector breeding sites and their elimination in American Samoa. [Samoan version]

No. 13.Stop dengue by stopping mosquitoes at the source [English] (Mark Schmaedick and Neil Gurr 2007)

Informational brochure on dengue vector breeding sites and their elimination in American Samoa. [English version]

No. 12. Phytophthora palmivora (pests and diseases)   (Fred Brooks, September 2005)             

Discusses black pod of cocoa, fruit rot of breadfruit, and papaya root rot, their ecology and  management in American Samoa.

No. 11. Wood decay fungi (pests and diseases) (Fred Brooks, October 2004)

An introduction to wood decay fungi and their role in biodegradation, nutrient recycling, and as plant pathogens.  An up to date list of wood rot fungi and their authors is included.

No. 10. Black leaf streak disease (pests and diseases) (Fred Brooks, August 2004)

Summarizes the impact of the disease worldwide, pathogen life cycle, symptoms, and methods of control, including cultural, chemical, and resistant varieties

No. 9. Parasitic nematodes of banana (pests and diseases) (Fred Brooks, June 2004)

Identifies nematodes extracted from banana roots, their population densities, root damage, and integrated management options

No. 8. Rhinoceros beetle (pests and diseases) (Mark Schmaedick, October 2005)

Coconut rhinoceros beetle biology and management

No. 7. Aedes polynesiensis (pests and diseases) (Mark Schmaedick, October 2005)

Biology and control of the Aedes polynesiensis mosquito, a major vector of dengue and   filariasis in the South Pacific

No. 6. Banana scab moth (pests and diseases) (Mark Schmaedick, October 2005)

Banana scab moth biology and management

No.5. Plant-parasitic algae (pests and diseases) (Fred Brooks, August 2003)

Presents the fascinating algae of the Trentepohliales, focusing on the pathogenic species, Cephaleuros

No.4. Brown root rot disease (pests and diseases) (Fred Brooks, November 2001)

Incidence and distribution of Phellinus noxius in native and disturbed forests, host list, and suggested management practices

No.3. Taro leaf blight (pests and diseases) (Fred Brooks, September 2000)

Taro production in American Samoa before and after the 1993-1994 TLB epidemic; cultural, biological and chemical control

No.2. Taro in American Samoa (pests and diseases) (Fred Brooks, September 2000)

Taro production in American Samoa, including cultural practices, pests, and diseases

No.1. Banana bunchy top virus (pests and diseases) (Fred Brooks, September 2000)

History and incidence of BBTV in American Samoa including step-by-step control measures