As a graduate faculty
member of the Department of Plant & Enivronmental Protection
Sciences (PEPS), Dr. Hara is stationed at the
Komohana Research and Extension Center in Hilo , Hawaii . He is
an ornamental entomologist focusing on the development of pest
management programs for tropical floricultural crops, including
anthuriums, orchids, flowering gingers, birds of paradise, heliconia,
protea and foliage plants (palms, dracaena). Dr. Hara also develops
integrated pest management for new invasive pests in the tropical
landscapes.
Major research activities
include:
- identifying major insect and mite pests of tropical floricultural
crops and elucidating their bionomics,
- investigating nonchemical control methods such as biological,
cultural and microbial control,
- developing and implementing integrated pest management programs
on major floricultural crops, and
- testing chemical and biorational insecticides for efficacy
and phytotoxicity on tropical floricultural crops.
Dr.
Hara specializes on preharvest and postharvest control treatments
in a systems approach to quarantine security to meet stringent
interstate and foreign quarantine regulations . Some of his research
accomplishments include the development of postharvest heat treatments
to control quarantine pests, which provides pest-free, high quality
flowers and foliage for export.
When
Dr. Hara serves as chairperson of a thesis or dissertation committee,
graduate students may elect to complete their coursework at the
Department of Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences in Honolulu,
Hawaii, and conduct their research at Komohana Research and Extension
Center in Hilo, Hawaii.
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