Issue 34   |   October 01, 2014   |   Archive

News & Events

Get Ready to GoFarm!

New farmer education begins again at Leeward CC as the GoFarm Hawai‘i program launches a new cohort with the free AgCurious seminar on Tuesday, October 7, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. in the GT building 105. GoFarm alumni will be on hand to discuss what’s great about the program, and inspired participants can apply for AgXposure, a hands-on learning experience on educational and research farms. AgXposure students also take comprehensive classes about all aspects of the business and science of sustainable farming. If you or someone you know is looking for a career or supplemental income in sustainable farming, wants to play an active role in the sustainable, local food movement on O‘ahu, and wants a get-your-hands-dirty opportunity to give it a try, satisfy that AgCuriosity at Leeward! Please confirm your attendance at the AgCurious seminar by emailing Lynne Constantinides at linne@hawaii.edu or calling 455-0401.

Got a Great Alum in Mind?

CTAHR, Represent!

Associate Dean Ken Grace, Tessie Amore (TPSS), the Magoon Research Station’s anthurium plants and shadehouse, and the Waimanalo taro plots all represent CTAHR in the latest UH Manoa commercial. Over the next two years, the institutional spot will air nationally when the Rainbow Warriors play football on major television networks like CBS Sports, ESPN, etc. The university recently took advantage of a great opportunity to advertise on the Duke’s Ocean Fest surfing competition, and the commercial will reach an estimated 8.2 million households over the course of the year on the surfing channel. UH Manoa is also advertising in local movie theaters, so be sure to look for CTAHR people and places during the previews throughout the upcoming holiday blockbuster period. And of course, we'll see them both on the jumbotrons at Aloha Stadium and the Stan Sheriff Center Arena. Take advantage of this good excuse to kick back and watch some sports and movies...after all, you’re supporting the college!

Back With a Bash!

The CTAHR ‘ohana welcomed in the new fall semester with the 26th annual Welcome Back Ice Cream Bash, complete with costumes, ice-cream eating competitions, cold water bucket challenges, and of course, ice cream and popsicles generously provided by Meadow Gold Dairies of Hawai‘i. Competing in this year’s contests were (l to r) Jordie Ocenar (PEPS), Benny Ron (HNFAS), Kellie Kong (Admin), Sheldon Arakawa (MBBE), Ashley Perreira (FCS), and Jonathan Marshall (NREM). Congratulations to Kellie Kong as Demeter, Greek goddess of the harvest, for winning the costume contest and to HNFAS’s Benny Ron for scavenging for M&Ms in his ice cream with lightning speed and downing the contents of his ice cream bowl in record time! This year’s beneficiary for monetary donations was the FSHN Council, which will use the funds to support numerous conferences, service projects, and leadership development opportunities. The Council agreed to douse a member in icy water for every $35 raised, and with more than $250 collected, there was lots of dousing! Thank-yous go to all who attended the bash, the contestants, and especially those who donated. Big mahalos go out to Meadow Gold Dairies for its continuous support of CTAHR; Ryan Kurasaki, Joannie Dobbs, and the HNFAS and NREM departments for the use of their facilities; Ray Uchida of the O‘ahu Extension Office and Lito Cacho and Richard Fisher of Pearl City Urban Garden Center for tent coverage; and the tireless ice cream scoopers. Lastly, a thank you is due to co-emcees Jason McMurray and Vanessa Pulido and the rest of the planning committee, scholarship recipients, ASAO, and all who made the Bash a smashing success!

CTAHR Is an Upholder of Core Responsiblities

Interim Chancellor Robert Bley-Vroman’s first talk to the Manoa campus on September 2 twice touched on CTAHR while defining the university’s six core responsibilities. Bley-Vroman cited sustainable tropical agriculture as one of the niche areas Manoa should focus on in embracing a research university’s responsibility for advancing knowledge. He also added that Manoa’s responsibility of service to the community is one of engaged scholarship, giving as an example of this, “You don’t just do tropical agriculture research, you have to be out there helping farmers.” The other core responsibilities are providing a high-quality undergraduate liberal arts education, offering a wide range of undergraduate specializations and majors, offering specialized graduate education in areas that are in strong demand or build on our unique strengths, and serving the world as a beacon of what a university should be. He pledged to take questions at a second campus talk next month.

Grants & Awards

And Now, a CTAHR Centennial Scholar

Congratulations to Maili Sabo (FSHN), the first recipient of CTAHR’s Centennial Scholarship. The scholarship, which reached endowment status just last year, assists incoming freshmen and transfer students who are first-generation college students pursue a bachelor’s degree in one of the college’s nine undergraduate majors. Maili, a freshmen from Orange County, California, is majoring in FSHN with a focus on sports and wellness. An athlete throughout her life, participating on the swim team and water polo team and serving as a pool lifeguard, Maili knew that she wanted to do something related to fitness, coaching, sports, and nutrition. The Sports and Wellness track in FSHN is a perfect fit for her. Maili’s mother moved from Hawai‘i to California many years ago, but her lasting fondness for the Islands resulted in Maili’s having a name with a local flavor. Throughout her childhood, Maili visited Hawai‘i often and has grown to love the Islands. She moved here in August to attend college and is having the experience of her life. Congratulations to Maili on this scholarship!

Extension Development and Networking

Extension educators Joan Chong (FCS) and Julia Zee (HNFAS) recently attended the National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences 2014 Annual Session in Lexington, Kentucky, and “met” US Senators Hoke Smith (D-GA) and Asbury Lever (D-SC), eponyms of the well-known Smith-Lever funds, who introduced the legislation that established the Cooperative Extension System in 1914. Joan and Julia had the opportunity to network with over 600 Extension professionals from across the U.S. and attend professional development sessions on a myriad of topics. Joan also received the NEAFCS Continued Excellence Award, which recognizes members for active involvement in professional improvement programs, promotion of professional development, and leadership. Congratulations, Joan!

Student Leaders for Health

Congratulations to the five CTAHR students who participated in the Health Occupation Students of America National Leadership Conference! All five students either won medals or placed in the top 10 in their competitive events. Kathren Bulaquena (FSHN) placed 3rd in Nutrition, Samantha De Leon (FSHN) placed 6th in Medical Reading, Carramae Madayag (ANSC) placed 3rd in Veterinary Science, Chelsie Smyth (FAMR) won gold in Public Health, and Harold Smyth (ANSC, pictured) won gold in Health Issues Exam and placed 8th in CPR/First Aid. The conference was held in June at Disney World in Orlando and was attended by nearly 8,000 people from around the nation. Great job, everyone!

They’ve Got It Covered With Cover Crops

PI Koon-Hui Wang (PEPS) and collaborators Archana Pant, Ted Radovich, Nguyen Hue, Jari Sugano, Jensen Uyeda (all TPSS) and Nick Andrew (Oregon State University) were recently awarded $474,043 through USDA’s Conservation Innovation Grants to promote the use of a Cover Crop Calculator for the Tropics as a Nitrogen Management Tool and the use of Cover Crops for Soil Health Management Guidelines. Leguminous cover crops can contribute significant amounts of nitrogen to crop production, but farmers need a better tool to accurately estimate the nitrogen contribution so as to precisely reduce fertilizer rates. A simple calculator to address this issue was developed, and this project will expand on and modify this technology for tropical climates and soil types in the Pacific Islands. The overall goal of this project is to increase the incentive for farmers in Hawai‘i and the Pacific Islands to adopt cover cropping into their farming systems. Recipients of USDA’s Conservation Innovation Grants demonstrate innovative approaches to improve soil health, air and water quality, conserve energy, and enhance wildlife habitat in balance with productive agricultural systems.

Spotlight on Our Community

New Caretakers of the Forest

CTAHR’s Forestry Extension program congratulates its third class of Forest Stewards (pictured here, the inaugural class)! Despite delays due to Hurricane Iselle and cancellations due to impending lava flows, eleven participants successfully completed a 30-hour intensive training program held September 18th through the 21st at Kilauea Military Camp, in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Morning and evening sessions were taught by J.B. Friday (NREM, forestry), Clay Trauernicht (NREM, wildfire science), Faith Inman-Narahari (NREM, koa forestry), and other local experts. Participants, all of whom own or manage forest lands, learned about topics including Hawaiian culture and natural history, wildlife habitat, invasive species, forest management and protection, koa forestry, agroforestry, taxes, estate planning, and financial matters. Afternoon field trips to local managed private forests provided valuable experiences to balance the class sessions. The new graduates are committed to giving back to their local communities through activities such as hosting field days on their own property and other efforts to help landowners manage their forests.

CTAHR Science Ready to XLR8

The group comprised of Daniel Jenkins (MBBE) and Diagenetix Inc. is one of the first seven cohorts of XLR8UH, a major commitment to transform the university’s world-class research and talent into viable products and businesses. Diagenetix Inc., founded by MBBE alumnus Ryo Kubota and other UH alumni, develops hand-held instruments for agricultural producers to enable detection of everything from plant disease to the sex of a papaya. “XLR8UH” is the name of the university’s first Proof of Concept Center. The focus is on investing in innovative ideas and providing a launch pad for commercialization. “I think to have a business environment and have the university facilitate, having the mentorship and the business community back up these ventures, is really important in order to really develop these commercial products,” said Daniel. UH faculty, students, and alumni can apply with their research to be part of the XLR8UH program. Check out the video about the project!

‘Ukulele in the Peace Garden

Oh, the peaceful sound of the ‘ukulele. Musical educators and ‘ukulele ambassadors Roy and Kathy Sakuma were honored as the 2014 Distinguished Peacemakers of the Year at Peace Day Hawai‘i at the Urban Garden Center on September 21. This year’s theme was “Creating Cultures of Peace through Art” in support of educational awareness of how engaging in artistic activities and cultivating artistic expression nurtures the spirit of peace from within. Roy Sakuma and Kathy Sakuma have dedicated their lives to peace education by teaching and perpetuating the Aloha spirit through the art form of the ‘ukulele. As musical educators, they have both taught countless children, adults, and seniors important lessons about discipline, artistry, and a respect for both their own lives and those of others. For over 44 years, they have brought people of all ages from around the world to celebrate laughter, love, and hope at the annual ‘Ukulele Festival in Kapi‘olani Park. Play it!

Sorry, Albizia, You Have to Go

The Lyon Arboretum is removing 12 albizia trees that tower over the main trail and throughout the garden of the popular UH Manoa facility. Albizias are a fast-growing invasive species that are very large and have extremely heavy, long limbs. “This particular species is very prone to suddenly having branches break and fall,” said Carl Evensen, the Lyon Arboretum interim director. “In the process, they will destroy and crush everything beneath the trees, and we need to remove that hazard.” This is, of course, the tree that caused so much trouble in Puna in the wake of the recent hurricane. Lyon is lucky to have Carl on hand to keep its plants and people safe! Check out the video of the trees at the Arboretum.

Hort Around the World

TPSS graduate students Peter Toves (pictured) and Jeana Cadby presented their research at the International Horticultural Congress held in Brisbane, Australia during the summer. Peter, whose major professor is Teresita Amore, presented a digital poster on “Spathe pH for Color Engineering of Anthurium.” Jeana, whose major professor is Bob Paull, presented a paper entitled “The Effect of Invasive Seaweed (Eucheuma spp.) Soil Amendment on Leafy Vegetable Growth and Quality.” This was a wonderful opportunity for students to network with professionals and share cutting-edge research in horticulture. It was a truly global event, featuring over 2,400 papers by researchers representing over 100 countries. It highlighted the importance of horticulture in supplying fruits, vegetables, flowers, and greenery for improved human health and happiness!

A Growing Tradition

The SOFT club is keeping up its fertile tradition of collaboration with Noelani Elementary School—this year’s first planting is now taking root at Magoon. SOFT students Michi Atkinson Sweeny and Mitchell Loo (TPSS) are heading this semester’s keiki learning garden project with an exciting plan for companion gardening—growing plants that like to be together. It’s lucky that the first-graders like to be together, too—Michi and Mitchell point out that because this year there are four classes, instead of three, “we discovered that the 1st graders work quite well in close quarters...literally! Thanks everyone for their time, energy, and support, including all the Noelani teachers and UH student volunteers and faculty who assisted with the 1st grade garden program this past Wednesday morning.”

It’s All Happening at the Zoo

Laura Schulman, coordinator of the Buy Local—It Matters program, and Alvin Huang (both HNFAS) took their educational display to the Honolulu Zoo on September 6. It was part of the Hawaii Food and Wine Festival’s Keiki in the Kitchen: Food, Fitness and Fun day. In addition to yummy local foods, Laura invited people to compare local and mainland eggs in a freshness test, proving once again that local products rule! Animal Sciences student Cody Morden, who is a zoo volunteer, showed off a huge local egg—an ostrich egg!—and the replica of a giraffe vertabra.

These Swords Can’t Fight Drought

Nothing is more iconic of Haleakala than the silversword. But while this lovely plant has survived hungry goats and over-eager tourists, climate change might be its most formidable challenge yet. A study by Paul Krushelnycky (PEPS) that looked at 30 years of data shows a steady decline in silverswords from the early 1990s. Paul linked the decline to climate data; as summers got drier, the silversword population thinned. Paul is currently looking for genetic variations among plants to see which can best tolerate drought conditions, as well as at the effects of elevation on silversword survival. Read more about Paul’s work with silverswords at The Maui News or the Maui Invasive Species Committee website.

Yes! We Have Uploaded Bananas!

If you missed the 2014 Banana Mini-Conference, you can still check out the great presentations online at the Banana Research Update page. The presentations include common pests in banana production, an overview of the newly registered pesticide Movento and other products in the pipeline for future registration, BBTV resistance screenings on existing and newly introduced banana cultivars in Hawai‘i, current status and future perspectives on development of a BBTV-resistant banana, and an Integrated Pest Management program for banana: from BBTV and nematodes to Black Sigatoka. Soak up that banana research!

Hotel Hydroponics

Kaua‘i CTAHR Extension staff has teamed up with Kaua‘i Community College and the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa on a plan to include freshly grown produce from the resort’s own hydroponic gardens in their guest menu. The hydroponic garden project, which was featured in an article in The Garden Isle, will be constructed right on the grounds of the resort.

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