Annual Report of Accomplishments and Results

Fiscal Year 2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources

University of Hawaii at Manoa

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Research and Extension Programs

UGOAL 1U:      UAN AGRICULTURAL SYSTEM THAT IS HIGHLY COMPETITIVE IN THE GLOBAL ECONOMYU

 

UOverviewU:

 

CTAHR continued to commit significant research and extension efforts to advance agricultural competitiveness in 2004.  Areas addressed by research and extension projects include:  adding value to agricultural products, agricultural competitiveness and profitability, aquaculture, biotechnology, bioterrorism, diversified agriculture, invasive species, organic agriculture, ornamental agriculture, plant health, plant production efficiency, rangeland and pasture management, and urban gardening.

 

Aphids can cause distortion of flowers and foliage, stunt plant growth, and transmit virus diseases resulting in crop losses.  A survey identified several new aphid species not previously known to occur in the state.  An ongoing project is investigating the use of beneficial bacteria as biological control agents (BCAs) in anthurium production.

 

Extension faculty made almost 1,000 farm visits to assist flower and nursery growers with specific problems related to nutrient management and integrated pest management (IPM) practices.  Turfgrass is an important commodity for landscapes and golf courses in Hawaii.  Extension faculty conducted adaptation trials using many different seed and vegetative propagated turfgrasses.

 

To reduce excessive fertilizer application in macadamia nut orchards and make more efficient use of fertilizers, emphasis was placed on educating growers on the utilization of soil and tissue analysis to assess the nutritional status of orchards.

 

The Origin Inspection Program allows approved shipments of cut flowers to be sent out of state with minimal inspection.  This Program provides expeditious movement of flowers to consumers.  Using this Program, 14 Hawaii County flower marketers made over 5,000 shipments without problems.

 

The 9P^thP annual “A Taste of the Hawaiian Range” food show was held in 2004 to promote the Hawaii beef cattle industry.  Thirty-one restaurants participated in this event and over 1,800 people attended the event celebrating the best of Hawaiian agriculture.  According to the local media, this event is rated as one of the best food show in the State of Hawaii.

 

Extension faculty are working on ways to decrease the production cost for mushroom farmers.  Five fast‑growing tree species common in Hawaii were found to be potentially suitable and inexpensive substrates for oyster mushroom production.

 

The Urban Garden Center is a one stop educational center for information in the area of horticulture, landscaping, plant material displays, produce utilization, recycling of products and environmental awareness.  More than 12,000 contacts in terms of telephone consultations, garden visits, garden clinics, demonstrations, classes, and correspondence were made in 2004.

 

U
Allocated Resources -- Goal 1U:

 

Fiscal Year	Research Hatch Funds ($)	Research State Funds ($)	Research Other Fed & Non Fed Funds ($)	Research Total Funds ($)	Research Scientist Years (SY)
2004	654,142	7,427,631	715,331	8,797,104	36.3

 

Fiscal Year	Extension Smith-Lever Funds ($)	Extension State Funds ($)	Extension Other Funds ($)	Extension Total Funds ($)	Extension Faculty Years (FY)
2004	400,010	1,729,264	149,251	2,278,525	21.0

 

UKey Theme – Invasive Species

 

a.   UDescription of ActivityU.  Aphids can cause distortion of flowers and foliage, stunt plant growth, and transmit virus diseases resulting in crop losses.  Aphids attack many vegetables, fruits, grasses, ornamentals, and native plants.  An important first step in the fight against invasive species is to determine the distribution and plant host range of the invasive species.  CTAHR scientists conducted an extensive survey of aphids on five Hawaiian Islands by preparing slide-mounts and digitally photographing aphids at different locations.  (994-1014S/970-H)

 

b.   UImpact/AccomplishmentU.  A survey identified several new aphid species not previously known to occur in the state and documented aphid attack on 364 plant species, including 58 native Hawaiian plants.  The team also identified an adventitious parasitoid Endaphis maculans, which may lead to reduction in aphid plant attack.  Baseline data on aphid population dynamics in several vegetable crops will help in identifying potential biological control agents and measure the impact of new natural enemies accurately.  Further, the distance diagnostic website will provide essential identification information for agricultural inspectors to make informed decisions on the fate of inspected cargo.  The use of biological control agents that are effective against aphids will have the added benefit of reducing the use of insecticides, while increasing the yield of marketable crops.

 

c.   USource of FundingU.  Hatch, State, and Grant

 

d.   UScope of ImpactU.  National and Hawaii

 

UKey Theme – Plant Health

 

a.   UDescription of ActivityU.  Bacterial plant diseases are not easily controlled and result in serious damage to crops.  An ongoing project is investigating the use of beneficial bacteria as biological control agents (BCAs) in anthurium production.  The BCAs are sprayed on anthuriums, then challenged with the bacterial blight pathogen Xanthomonas campestris pv. dieffenbachiae (Xcd), and scored for leaf infections.  To assess and quantify the movement of the bacterial pathogen, a bioluminescent Xcd strain was used and measured by recording colonized areas of leaves.  Physical measurements of treated and non-treated plants were also recorded 12 weeks after treatments with BCAs.  Leaf areas, leaf width, leaf length, plant height, plant dry weights and root masses were compared for treated and non-treated plants.  (984-1014S/969-H)

 

b.   UImpact/AccomplishmentU.  The BCA treated plants were 50% less infected than the untreated plants.  Interestingly, the treated plants were 8-21% taller, 6-16% longer leaves, and 7-23% wider leaves than the untreated plants.  In replicated greenhouse studies, BCA treatment enhanced transgenic anthuriums resistance to bacterial blight.  These finding demonstrate that engineered-bacterial resistance technology and the use of BCAs are compatible and synergistic.  This research opens new avenues for improving plant health and increasing desirable traits.

 

c.   USource of FundingU.  Hatch, State, and Grant

 

d.   UScope of ImpactU.  National and Hawaii

 

UKey Theme – Ornamental/Green Agriculture

 

a.   UDescription of ActivityU.  The competitive demands of the flower and nursery industries require implementation of optimum nutrient management and integrated pest management (IPM) practices.  Educate growers on using appropriate pesticide (i.e. insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides) for plant protection through site visits and various types of educational activities.  (22‑30)

 

b.   UImpact/AccomplishmentU.  Extension agents made over 900 site visits to provide information needed to resolve specific problems related to insect infestation and plant diseases.  Recommendations led to the use of environmentally safer chemicals, or chemicals that delay the onset of pest resistance.  The agent’s recommendations on the use of the insect growth regulators (IGR) led to the wider adoption of these less toxic and safer chemicals.  Distance, an IGR used for controlling whiteflies and blossom midges, was added to many Pikake flower growers’ chemical rotations in spite of its higher cost.  To the surprise of many growers, this selective insecticide made control easier and resulted in fewer applications of pesticides.  Regularly updated information on nutrient and pest management issues reaches over 300 growers and florists through an educational newsletter (Ka Lono Pua) in electronic or printed format on a quarterly basis.

 

c.   USource of FundingU.  Smith Lever and State

 

d.   UScope of ImpactU.  Oahu County

 

UKey Theme – Ornamental/Green Agriculture

 

a.   UDescription of ActivityU.  Turfgrass is an important commodity for landscapes and golf courses in Hawaii.  The value of turfgrass related industries is approximately $508 million.  For nearly twenty years, many new and improved warm and cool weather turfgrass cultivars have been developed and evaluated for adaptability throughout the U.S. and Canada.  There is a need to evaluate the adaptability of turfgrasses in Maui’s varied sub-tropical environments.  There is also a need to develop and/or transfer research-based information on new plants, insect pest and disease management strategies, and improved cultural practices to the landscape and golf course “industry.”  (21‑027)

 

b.   UImpact/AccomplishmentU.  Adaptability trials of turfgrasses were established to compare and evaluate 21 cultivars of bermudagrass and four seashore paspalum cultivars.  Displays of four newly imported zoysiagrasses and five locally grown cultivars, 14 grasses for use in erosion control, and miscellaneous turfgrasses were established.  Surveys taken during several field days indicated that industry representatives are planning to use the information from these trials and displays within six months, while others would utilize the information sometime in the near future.  Their knowledge of these grasses increased by 43%.  This correlates to an estimated increase in their profits by 33%.  Feedback from erosion control demonstrations indicated that participants increased their knowledge of these grasses by 55.5%, and that 81% of the participants plan to use the new information in their jobs within 6 months.

 

c.   USource of FundingU.  Smith-Lever and State

 

d.   UScope of ImpactU.  Maui County

 

UKey Theme – Plant Production Efficiency

 

a.   UDescription of ActivityU.  To reduce excessive fertilizer application to macadamia orchards and to make more efficient use of fertilizers, emphasis was placed on educating growers to use soil and tissue analysis to assess the nutritional status of orchards.  Producers were taught that through soil and leaf analysis, over fertilization and potential contamination of the environment can be avoided.  Producers were also taught that the type of fertilizer applied could be formulated to meet the specific needs of the trees in an orchard.  A simplified tissue sampling method was developed.  (16‑911)

 

b.   UImpact/AccomplishmentU.  Nearly 70% of the macadamia growers in the state rely fully upon tissue and soil analyses to determine the types and amounts of fertilizer to apply.  Growers were shown that the nutritional status of an orchard can be determined through the leaf and soil analyses.  After leaf analyses are completed, growers were taught to plot the concentrations of individual nutrients over time on graphs.  Growers used the results of these analyses to develop a crop log of their orchards.  This information along with records of fertilizer and lime inputs were used by growers to detect trends in nutrient levels within an orchard and to apply corrective measures, if necessary.

 

c.   USource of FundingU.  Smith-Lever and State

 

d.   UScope of ImpactU.  State

 

UKey Theme – Plant Production Efficiency

 

a.   UDescription of ActivityU.  The Origin Inspection Program allows approved shipments of cut flowers to be exported with minimal inspection.  This program allows for the expeditious shipment of flowers to consumers.  This Program also sends a message that Hawaii’s shippers offer flowers with a higher standard of cleanliness.  (20-024)

 

b.   UImpact/AccomplishmentU.  Fourteen Hawaii County flower shippers exported 5,089 lots (shipments) containing 7,685 parcels (boxes) with no rejections (Hawaii Department of Agriculture, Plant Quarantine records).  Although keeping the number of export shipment rejections to below 0.1% is a high standard that is difficult to achieve, Hawaii County flower shippers are now confident that this very low level of rejections can be achieved on a continuing basis with the Origin Inspection Program.

 

c.   USource of FundingU.  Smith-Lever and State

 

d.   UScope of ImpactU.  Hawaii County

 

UKey Theme – Adding Value

 

a.   UDescription of ActivityU.  Orchids are one of the fastest growing segments of the potted plant market.  Varieties with new colors and improved disease resistance are two pathways to adding value to this ornamental plant.  CTAHR scientists have utilized molecular tools to understand the genetic control of flower color and disease resistance.  (842-H)

 

b.   UImpact/AccomplishmentU.  Two key Dendrobium orchid anthocyanin biosynthetic (color) genes have been cloned and characterized.  This effort will enable more productive hybridization strategies to meet market demands for new color varieties.  In a separate project, orchids that are resistance to the cymbidium mosaic virus were produced.  Viral resistance adds value and increases the competitiveness of Hawaii’s orchids.

 

c.   USource of FundingU.  Hatch and State

 

d.   UScope of ImpactU.  National and Hawaii

 

UKey Theme – Biotechnology

 

a.   UDescription of ActivityU.  The cut flower industry is limited by the post-harvest life of the flowers.  Currently, expensive dip-treatments are used to extend self-life of flowers.  Anthuriums make up an increasing portion of Hawaii’s cut flower industry.  Research into the biochemical and genetic processes that control senescence (aging) in Anthuriums is important and has delivered promising results.  (551-1012S/544-H)

 

b.   UImpact/AccomplishmentU.  CTAHR scientist have cloned and characterized the anth 17 gene, which encodes an enzyme that degrades proteins in aging tissue and recycles the resulting amino acids to younger tissue.  anth 17 expression was shown to be activated during leaf senescence.  This research will enhance leaf productivity, the number of flowers per plant, and the post-harvest life of flowers.  Thus, Hawaii’s growers will be more competitive due to producing more desirable products at higher levels.

 

c.   USource of FundingU.  Hatch, State, and Grant

 

d.   UScope of ImpactU.  National and Hawaii

 

UKey Theme – Rangeland/Pasture Management

 

a.   UDescription of ActivityU.  The Beef Industry Initiative Project is a collaborative effort of extension agents and specialists, researchers, and stakeholders that prioritizes research and extension activities to enhance the sustainability of the Hawaii beef cattle industry.  Current priority areas include cost of production and economic analyses, marketing options, beef cattle genetic improvement, pastoral system, meat science, field days, and demonstration events.  (T20-049T)

 

b.   UImpact/AccomplishmentU.  The 9P^thP annual “A Taste of the Hawaiian Range” food festival was held in 2004.  This forum educates the culinary industry, food service buyers, general public and visitors about the diversity and quality of products grown in Hawaii.  According to the local media, this food show is rated as one of the best food shows in the State of Hawaii.  Thirty-one restaurants were represented, along with a record 37 food service vendors.  Promotional booths were setup by many vegetable growers and the ranch industry.  More than 1,800 people attended the event.  The event entered its second year targeting the tourism market.  Participants from 19 other states made up 6.1% of the attendees and 8% of the guests were from counties other than Hawaii County.

 

c.   USource of FundingU.  Smith-Lever and State

 

d.   UScope of ImpactU.  Hawaii

 

UKey Theme – Agricultural Profitability

 

a.   UDescription of ActivityU.  The high cost of importing raw materials for agricultural production is a significant impediment for Hawaii’s growers.  CTAHR extension agents are working on ways to decrease production costs for mushroom farmers who have to import wood chips from the mainland United States.  The extension agents identified five fast-growing tree species common in Hawaii that are potentially suitable and inexpensive substrates for oyster mushrooms.  The trees are eucalyptus (Eucalyptus grandis), ironwood (Casuarina equisetifolia), albizia (Falcataria moluccana), strawberry guava (Psidium cattleianum), and gunpowder tree (Trema orientalis).  Three liters of wood chips from the five species was used in outdoor mushroom cultivation.  Mushroom yield and mean biological efficiency were measured and taste tests were conducted.  (811-M)

 

b.   UImpact/AccomplishmentU.  An average of 200 to 275 grams of fresh mushrooms were produced with a mean biological efficiency as high as 80% with five types of local wood chips.  Taste tests revealed that the wood chip substrate did influence flavor but not aroma.  Mushrooms grown on ironwood were deemed to be the most flavorful and preferred.  Using the locally available raw materials will decrease production costs and increase profitability.  Moreover, adoption of project methods could spur the development of a wood chip industry.

 

c.   USource of FundingU.  McIntire-Stennis and State

 

d.   UScope of ImpactU.  Hawaii

 

UKey Theme – Urban Gardening

 

a.   UDescription of ActivityU.  The Urban Garden Center (UGC) is a one stop educational center for information on horticulture, landscaping, many different types of plant materials, utilizing produce, recycling products and environmental awareness.  Gardening continues to be one of America’s favorite past times, with over 80% of U.S. households involved in some form of gardening and spending over $12 billion in garden products.  To meet the increasing demand for educational information on urban gardening, the UGC offers demonstrations, tours, special presentations, many types of publications, and informal classes to the general public.  (22-040)

 

b.   UImpact/AccomplishmentU.  More than 12,000 contacts (i.e. phone consultations, garden visits, garden clinics, demonstrations, classes, correspondence, etc.) were made during 2004.  The 137 volunteers provided almost 13,000 hours to plan, develop, maintain and participate in gardening activities sponsored by the UGC.  Home gardeners visited the UGC to view different ground covers, turfgrasses, shade trees, tropical fruit trees, etc.  The home gardeners were interested in determining what plants are suitable for their gardens and yards.  These are some of the many hands-on garden activities that were offered to the public:  garden classes, plant sales, Arbor Day activities, Make a Difference Day, and the dedication of the Children's Garden dedication.  Plant materials including native plants, turfgrasses, and ornamental shade trees were distributed to schools and government and non-profit agencies to beautify their outdoor environments.  The success of the Children's Garden was featured in magazine and TV articles.

 

c.   USource of FundingU.  Smith-Lever, State, and Donations

 

d.   UScope of ImpactU.  Oahu County

 

UGOAL 2U:      UA SAFE AND SECURE FOOD AND FIBER SYSTEMU

 

A report for Goal 2 will not be provided.  The Hawaii POW for Goal 2 contains the following statement:  “Hawaii’s program under Goal 2 will be the Smith-Lever 3d Targeted program in Food Quality and Safety."

 

UGOAL 3U:      UA HEALTHY, WELL-NOURISHED POPULATIONU

 

UOverviewU:

 

Areas addressed by research and extension project include human nutrition, medicinal plants, and neutricueticals.  CTAHR made important contributions to ensuring a healthy, well-nourished population.  Stakeholder benefits included educational programs for Hawaii’s parents and youth stressing the importance of calcium in their diets for long‑term bone health.  A diabetes screening program was provided.  An educational program on how diabetes can be managed to mitigate lifelong effects was provided for this silent and devastating disease.

 

UAllocated Resources -- Goal 3U:

 

Fiscal Year	Research Hatch Funds ($)	Research State Funds ($)	Research Other Fed & Non Fed Funds ($)	Research Total Funds ($)	Research Scientist Years (SY)
2004	26,601	71,900		98,501	0.7

 

Fiscal Year	Extension Smith-Lever Funds ($)	Extension State Funds ($)	Extension Other Funds ($)	Extension Total Funds ($)	Extension Faculty Years (FY)
2004	59,279	43,856	147,737	250,872	1.4

 

UKey Theme – Human Nutrition

 

a.   UDescription of ActivityU.  Osteoporosis is a major public health problem.  It affects every gender, race and economic group.  It is responsible for more than 1.5 million bone fractures annually.  Low calcium consumption may lead to osteoporosis, especially among Asians and Hispanics.  Improving bone health in adolescence through targeted behavioral intervention was the approach studied.  Nineteen subjects from four local public schools were recruited for this project.  (211-H)

 

b.   UImpact/AccomplishmentU.  Current research indicates that the greater the accretion of bone mass prior to the period of bone loss (adulthood, particularly the later years) the lower the incidence of osteoporosis.  Peak bone mass is, in part, affected by calcium intake in childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood.  Unfortunately, calcium intake actually declines during adolescence particularly in young women.  Therefore, there is a pressing need to develop behaviorally based interventions for the youth of America.  This project has developed and is testing an educational intervention in a classroom setting among multiple ethnic groups.  The impact on calcium intake and bone health will be determined.

 

c.   USource of FundingU.  Hatch and State

 

d.   UScope of ImpactU.  National and Hawaii

 

UKey Theme – Human Health

 

a.   UDescription of ActivityU.  It is estimated that 13% of Hawaii’s population has diabetes, or 80,000 citizens.  In East Hawaii County, up to 15% of the population has diabetes, and many are unaware, are not aware of their condition, or are not actively managing their blood sugar levels.  Diabetes screening and education to manage diabetes can mitigate lifelong effects of this silent and devastating disease.  This project introduces and educates participants about five medical tests that measure indicators of diabetes health, encourage people to have tests, and provides educational opportunities for participants to learn to manage diabetes.  (20-072)

 

b.   UImpact/AccomplishmentU.  In the past year, 76 participants enrolled in the research component of this project and were screened and educated on the five tests that are important indicators for persons with diabetes.  Approximately 25% also attended a nutrition class.  Approximately 75% of the participants:  (a) completed the follow-up survey, (b) showed a gain in knowledge about diabetes and the medical indicators, (c) reported seeing their health care provider, and (d) eating better and exercising more regularly as part of their efforts to manage their diabetes.  In collaboration with the Diabetes Education and Counseling Center (program of Hawaii County) and their partners:  (a) weekly classes on healthy cooking were offered, (b) 250 classes (understanding diabetes, management, nutrition, exercise) reaching 2,800 people (500 new contacts) were offered, (c) over 400 phone calls were handled, and (d) over 400 walk‑ins to the Center were given assistance.

 

c.   USource of FundingU.  Smith-Lever

 

d.   UScope of ImpactU.  Hawaii County.

 

UGOAL 4U:      UGREATER HARMONY BETWEEN AGRICULTURE AND THE ENVIRONMENTU

 

UOverviewU:

 

Research and extension efforts to promote harmony between agriculture and the environment continue to be a priority for CTAHR.  Areas addressed by research and extension projects include:  handling hazardous materials, pesticide application, biological control of pests, integrated pest management, agricultural waste management, development of forest crops, forest resource management, land use, natural resource management, nutrient management, soil erosion, soil quality, sustainable agriculture, and water quality.

 

Hazardous chemicals such as polyaromatic hydrocarbons are persistent environmental contaminants.  Research was done on bacterial degradation of organic environmental contamination.  Field studies in Hawaii and Japan with borate and other wood