Project Objectives:

To demonstrate the beneficial effects of pre-transplant inoculation of tree seedlings with VAM fungi following transplanting in the field.

Accomplishments:

Inoculum of an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF), Glomus aggregatum, was multiplied in the nursery using corn seedlings. Using this AMF inoculum, Acacia koa (koa) seedlings were produced in the nursery with and without AMF associations. In July 2000, koa seedlings (with and without AMF) were outplanted at two levels of phosphorus fertilization (0 and 4500 mg per kg soil) and blocked six times in a former pasture with 35 trees per plot. Measurements of height, basal stem diameter, pinnule phosphorus content, and mycorrhizal associations are on-going.

MACADAMIA IPM VERIFICATION PROGRAM
Nagao M, Hara A

Project Objectives:

IPM will be adopted on 75 percent of total macadamia crop acres.

Accomplishments:

The Hawaii Macadamia Nut Association 40th Annual Conference was convened in Kona, Hawaii on May 26-27, 2000 with approximately 150 participants in attendance. As part of the conference, field discussions and demonstrations were held at the University of Hawaii Kainaliu Research Station to educate growers on insect, rodent, weed and disease management in macadamia orchards. Demonstrations emphasized the need for producers to implement appropriate IPM practices for the control and management of diseases and pests and included presentations on: Rodent Management in Macadamia Orchards; Milestone«: A New Herbicide for Macadamia; Controlling Insect Pests Without Pesticides; Varieties for Macadamia Orchards. Rodent management strategies focused heavily on the behavior of different rat species found in orchards, and on habitat management strategies and the judicious use of rodenticides to reduce in field infestations and damage. Insect management strategies focused on selecting appropriate varieties for resistance to various pests, identification of pests and damage symptoms, implementing monitoring activities to establish threshold damage and habitat management to reduce alternate hosts in orchard areas. Variety selection discussions targeted the planting of varieties that are most adapted to various growing environments and those with the greatest resistance to insect and diseases.

STATEWIDE PAPAYA PRODUCTION EDUCATION PROGRAM
Nishina M, Arakaki A, Ebesu R, Nagata N, Hamasaki R, Fukuda S, Sakuoka R, Chia L

Project Objectives:

To increase the total production of papaya in the state by two to three folds. To develop educational programs to increase efficiency and productivity of new and current papaya farmers. To provide educational programs to certify producers (commercial and home) to allow them to purchase the new transgenic papaya varieties. To install cooperator trials of transgenic varieties to observe fruit quality under different environmental conditions. To provide production information and projections to marketers (PAC, HDOA, shippers, etc.).

Accomplishments:

The primary objectuve of the "Statewide Papaya Production Education Program" is to increase papaya production in the state. Historically, the State of Hawaii produced 50 to 55 million pounds of fresh fruit proir to the discovery of papaya ringspot virus in Puna in 1992. Production declined to a low of 35 million pound of fruit at the inception of this project in 1998.

Objective 1:

This objective has not been realized although production show a slight increase from 35.6 in 1998 to 39.2 million pounds in 1999. Total acreage continues to decrease from 3,555 acres in 1998 to 2,800 acres in 1999 due to increased plantings on the highly productive soils on Oahu and Kauai. The Puna area accounts for only 73% of papaya acreage as compared to 95% in 1992. Production increase in Puna has been limited due to the unavailability GM seeds from September 1999 to June 2000. During the report period a total of 65 pound of Rainbow seeds were distributed to allow plantings of 265 acres.

Objective 2:

Field observations indicate that both transformed Rainbow and SunUp varieties are more susceptible to powdery mildew and papaya leaf edge roller mite infection. Cooperative field days to observe effectiveness of selected chemicals were conducted with Dr. Kawate on Kauai, Oahu and Hawaii with a total of 90 participants. Additional classes on papaya production, worker protection, nutrient management and insect control were conducted with approximately 100 participants. Finally, the paper, "Papaya Production in Hawaii" was completed to provide production information to commercial and home producers of papaya.

Objective 3:

Our team members continue to provide educational classes to certify home producers (450) and the remaining commercial producer (50). The success of the certification program is reflected in the acreage currently being harvested (53%) and planted (40%) to genetically modified varieties Rainbow and SunUp.

Objective 4:

Cooperator trials to compare productivity of GM varieties were conducted on Hawaii, Kauai and Oahu. A replicated trial was installed on Maui during the report period. This summarizes team activities relating to the statewide papaya education project. Specific activities are reported by team members in their individual annual narratives.

CULTURE AND PRODUCTION OF PAPAYA/SPECIALITY FRUITS/TURF AND STAFF RESPONSIBILITIES
Nishina M

Project Objectives:

1) To educate papaya farmers so that they will be able to identify and control the papaya ringspot virus in their production areas.

2) To target the eight (8) new papaya farmers who have planted 40 acres of papaya in the Paauhau area. These are former sugar workers who are participating in the department of defense grant.

3) To monitor and evaluate a papaya demonstration replicated variety test located in wet soil conditions in Hakalau.

4) To provide educational support relating to the production of tropical fruits in east Hawaii.

5) To handle all inquiries related to turf.

6) To support staff activities and improve agent competency.

Accomplishments:

Project objectives 1 thru 3 were completed in prior years reporting periods.\

Papaya Production:

In papaya, my activities relate to participation in both the state wide papaya production and nutrient management programs. Both programs were active throughout the year with bi-monthly visits to collect samples and provide observations on status of papaya fields throughout the state. Locally, the federally funded papaya variety trial concluded with replicated plantings of an acre each, twice in Paauilo and one in Ka'u. A training workshop on papaya production was conducted for the Hilo-Hamakua Coop. Field day was conducted with Dr. Kawate on promising chemicals for powdery mildew control. Paper on "Papaya Production in Hawaii" was completed.

Fruits and other crops:

Held training workshop on coffe production. Worked throughout the year on the solorization of nursery media funded by the American Farmland Trust. Results show that media for fruit trees can be reused by healting the soil in a solorizing unit to a temperature of 150F. Provided educational classes on "Introduction to Soils" in both Kona and Hilo.

URBAN GARDEN CENTER - AN EXTENSION PLUS PROGRAM
Sato D

Project Objectives:

1) Develop and maintain garden plots for urban food production using environmentally sound practices for low income families and youth. Provide practical research and demonstration activities relating to urban horticulture.

2) To further improve infrastructure to incorporate a total education, informational system.

3) Develop publications and educational materials related to urban horticulture. Provide intensive training and hands-on educational program and outreach activities to establish network with the community.

4) Increase yearly by 20%, the number of Hawaii residents and others receiving expert assistance in the area of urban horticulture and related areas.

Accomplishments: Project ID: 22-040

Outplanted over 300 cultivars of hybrid hibiscus in the hibiscus garden

Maintenance of 18 diiferent garden sites

Provided members of the UH Foundation President?s Club visting with pick your own activities

Harvest Fest attracting over 1.500 3rd graders (See M. Spotkaeff report) in pick your own sweet corn peanut, and soybean.

Development of Pizza Garden (See S. Nagano report)

On-going construction of Children?s Garden (Hawaiian Alphabet Garden - 90% completion; Sun Dial Garden 75% completiion; Animal Garden 80% completion) (See S Nagano report)

Plant sale, tours, classes, Harvest Fest, garden consultations, demonstrations, resulted in 15, 191 contacts.

Vegetable garden trials of vegetable soybeans, lettuce, and radish were conducted.

Fifty seven new species/cultivars were outplanted for evaluation and for germplasm collection.

Completion of turf establishment in Ecosystem area (See S. Nagano report)

Installation of rrigation timers - 80% completion

A total of 11,368 man hours volunteered by 103 people to plan, construct, and maintain gardens. Additional volunteer hours of projects coordinated by S. Nagano and M. Spotkaeff not included in above statistics.

Garden renovation - trial garden area to be increased (60% completion)

Internship program - Four students ranging from intermediate to college students participated in the Summer Garden internship program.

Poinsettia trial evaluation - Six cultivars were planted in garden bowls and evaluated for there capability to withstand exterior growing condtions

Oahu Urban Garden Ohana (Friends of Urban Gardne Center) and Urban Garden Center coordinated Plant Sale and Arbor Day activities

Oahu Urban Garden Ohana provide grants for Children?s Garden, Master Garden program, Ecosystem/Pizza Garden curriculum development, and other educational activities