AAA shares pest information regularly, so that industry professionals and the public can stay informed and help protect Hawaii's trees.
Aug 25
Pest of the Month — Verticillium Wilt DESCRIPTION Verticillium wilt is caused by a variety of fungal species of the genus Verticillium, most notably V. dahliae and V. albo-atrum. It is “one of the most widespread and destructive soilborne diseases of plants” (UC IPM). Verticillium infects a plant through the roots and multiplies in the …
Jul 25
PEST ALERT – Diaprepes Root Weevil Photos: University of California Cooperative Extension (See Additional Resources below) Distribution: The Diaprepes root weevil (Diaprepes abbreviatus) is currently not present on any Hawaiian islands. Native to Caribbean region, it was introduced into Florida in 1960s. The beetle is established in certain quarantine areas in Southern California (Los …
Jun 25
Pest of the Month – Chilli Thrips (Scirtothrips dorsalis) Description: Chilli thrips is a polyphagous species found in Oahu in 1987. Mature chilli thrips are less than 1-2 mm in length. Field identification should be confirmed by a professional entomologist. Hosts: Attacks over 100 species in 40 different Families, including crape myrtle, golden dewdrop, star jasmine, camellia, Indian hawthorn, Acacia spp., Ficus elastica, Schefflera …
May 28
Tea scale of camellia – Fiorinia phantasma Photos by Dr. Arnold Hara, University of Hawai’i, CTAHR Tea scale of camellia is a polyphagous armored scale. These mussel-shaped scales are found on the underside of leaves, are up to 0.67mm in length, and often have horizontal red stripes across their backs. Large eggs found under …
Apr 25
Koa Wilt – Fusarium oxysporum All photos by Dr. J.B. Friday, University of Hawai’i, CTAHR Description The fungus Fusarium oxysporum lives in and blocks the xylem of Acacia koa and Acacia koaia, causing major dieback or tree death. Distribution Hawaii Island, …
Jul 09
Pest of the Month – Koa Rust (Atelocauda digital) Hosts: Infects a wide range of Acacia species, including A. koa, mangium, auriculiformis, aulococarpa, crasicarpa, leptocarpa, mearnsii, and polystacha. Distribution: Occurs on all major Hawaiian islands except Lāna‘i. Damage: This rust disease is not fatal to koa trees. Severe symptoms (witches’ brooms) are mainly confined to several or …
May 18
Monkeypod Round-Headed Longhorn Beetle – Xystrocera globosa Hosts: Wide range of species of wild and cultivated leguminous trees, (Mimosaceae, Papilonaceae), belonging to genera such as Acacia, Acrocarpus, Adenanthera, Adina, Albizzia, Bauhinia, Cassia, Duabanga, Haematoxylon, Parkia, Xylia, Paraserianthes, Samanea, and several Malvaceae (Grewia, Salmalia) and Rosaceae (Prunus). Distribution: Originates from Southeast Asia, and is widely distributed. …
Apr 07
“Rapid Ohia Death” is a fungal pathogen called Ceratocystis. Altough newly discovered infecting Ohia, it has previously been found on other plants here including Okinawan sweet potato and taro as described in this recent article in the Hawaii Tribune Herald.
Feb 25
Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB) BMPs or Recommendations for Landscapers and Arborists By Rob Hauff Remove standing dead coconut palms to prevent infestation. Decaying coconut wood is the preferred breeding habitat for CRB. Wood should be chipped and composted away from infested areas, preferably in few centralized piles, rather than multiple widely dispersed piles. Palms should …
