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| E-mail:
cbaking [at] hawaii [dot] edu |
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I
am originally from Half Moon Bay, CA. I received my B.S. from the
University of California in 2001, and moved to the Big Island shortly
after graduation. I have since become so enamored with the
beauty and diversity of Hawai‘i that I haven't been able to
leave the islands.
 At
present my research focuses on assessing the non-target impacts of
introduced parasitoids on endemic leaf-roller moths (Crambidae: Omiodes). The
genus Omiodes contains 23 endemic Hawaiian moth species, and individuals
in the group have adapted to a wide range of host plants (including
grasses, sedges, lilies, palms and legumes). Many of the species
have made recent host plant shifts, feeding on plants such as banana
and coconut which were introduced by Polynesians approximately 1500
years ago, as well as sugarcane, which arrived in the islands closer
to 150 years ago. Two species in this group O. accepta (sugarcane
leafroller) and O. blackburnii (coconut leafroller) actually
became pests of economic significance on sugarcane and coconut, defying
the stereotype that native insects do not become pests. A variety
of biocontrol agents were subsequently released for their suppression. At
present two-thirds of the other species in the genus are listed as
extinct, and the precipitous declines have been attributed to the
non-target effects of introduced parasitoids. In the last two
years however, five of the extinct species have been “rediscovered,” and
with additional surveys it is very possible that more may be detected. My
research attempts to quantify the non-target parasitism rates in
several Omiodes species. To accomplish this, Omiodes eggs and
larvae are exposed to parasitism under varying conditions, then retrieved
and reared until eclosion. Field trials were completed on Maui
during summer 2006 at upcountry field sites (Makawao FR, Haleakala
Ranch, UH Kula Agricultural Station) and lower elevation sugarcane
field sites. Additional trials are underway on Oahu at HARC
Maunawili, as well as at the UH Manoa Lyon Arboretum. In this
manner I hope to understand the impact which parasitism by non-native
parasitoids and the effects of predation has on these populations. Whether
indicative of low or high impacts by introduced parasitoids, results
will provide valuable information for future biological control efforts
in Hawai'i. This
research is made possible by a Tropical and Subtropical Agricultural
Research Grant (TSTAR) from the Cooperative States Research Education
and Extension Service (CSREES), US Department of Agriculture.
July
2002 – January 2005
US
Geological Survey - Biological Resources Discipline, Pacific
Island Ecosystem Research Center, Kilauea Research Station, Hawai'i
Volcanoes National Park |
- Conducting
experimental toxicant trials for management of western
yellowjacket wasps. Coordinating
and completing invertebrate and botanical surveys for
National Park Service Inventory and Monitoring Program
anchialine pool survey. Initiating
ant survey and monitoring programs inside and outside
of Hawai'i National Parks Surveying
riparian zones to monitor Odonates, document behaviors,
complete pan-trap sampling of Diptera species. Assisting
with invertebrate pitfall trap sample sorting, and morpho-typing
of collembola species Measuring
damage to native plant seedlings in wet and dry forest
sites
- Pig
activity surveys
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January
1999 – June 2002
University of California Berkeley, Department of Insect Biology |
- In-lab
biological and behavioral experiments with agricultural
pests (mealy bugs, scale insects, naval orange worms)
and their natural enemies Field
trials for Argentine ant exclusion and toxic baiting
studies using experimental chemical controls Establishing
and maintaining insect colonies in UCB Insectary and
Quarantine Facility Augmentative
releases of parasitic wasps in vineyard and orchard systems
- Data
collection, entry and management
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