CTAHR Cooperative Extension Service
Invasive Species and Pest Control
Hawai‘i’s physical isolation has created unique ecosystems, flora, and fauna coupled
with its year round favorable growing conditions have made Hawai‘i extremely susceptible
to invasion by undesirable plants, arthropods, vertebrates, microorganisms, and
other invasive species. Invasive species have been described as “the single greatest
threat to Hawai‘i’s economy and natural environment and to the health and lifestyle
of Hawai‘i’s people”. Invasive species already cause millions of dollars in crop
losses, the extinction of native species, and the destruction of native forests.
Many more pests such as the red imported fire ant, sand and biting flies, the brown
tree snake, and many more could seriously affect Hawai‘i’s natural resources, agriculture,
tourist industry, and quality of life forever.
Despite federal and state quarantine regulations, about 20 new species become established
in Hawai‘i every year and many more intercepted in various imported products. Although
most of them cause little problem, enough of them cause sufficient problems that
cause a significant impact in Hawai‘i. Some of the recent invaders that have made
an obvious impact on Hawai‘i’s environment and/or economy are the coqui frog, Erythrina
gall wasp, Asperisporium black spot of papaya, and nettle caterpillar. CTAHR is
actively involved in all aspects of invasive species.
Hawai‘i Fruit Fly program
Integrated control program for controlling the several species of fruit flies found
in Hawai‘i with very low impact to environment.
Coqui Frog management
Learn about the coqui frog problem in Hawai‘i and what is being done to control this
pest.
Banana Bunch Top
Banana bunchy top is a virus disease of bananas that are spread by the banana aphid.
It is a serious threat to banana production in Hawai‘i.
Pest Control (Knowledge Master)
Contains general information on pest hosts, distribution, damage, biology, and management
in the form of pest summaries.
Hawai‘i Pesticide Information Retrieval System
The Hawai‘i Pesticide Information Retrieval System (HPIRS) database contains information pertaining to pesticides currently licensed for distribution and sale in Hawai‘i and is provided for
informational purposes only. Searches can be made by crop to see what pesticides are registered or by pesticide to see which crops a pesticide can be used on. Always read and follow label instructions on the product.
Pacific Agrosecurity Program
Agrosecurity: Dedicated to protecting agricultural and food industries from the deliberate or accidental introduction of plant and animal pests and diseases.
Coffee Pest and Disease Image Gallery
Kava Pest and Disease Image Gallery
Koa Pest and Disease Image Gallery
Papaya Pest & Disease Image Gallery
