Lindsay asks: I often have insect or disease problems on my farm and in my garden that I cannot identify. Is there a resource available to help us with identification so that we can find the best ways to control
Lindsay asks: I often have insect or disease problems on my farm and in my garden that I cannot identify. Is there a resource available to help us with identification so that we can find the best ways to control or eradicate pests?
Tropical Gardener answer: Yes, several services are available to help you with pest identification. If you want to start on the web go to www.hawaiiplantdisease.net for information on plant pests and diseases in Hawaii. The gallery of images can be very helpful in identifying a problem. If you can’t find an answer to your pest problem there, you can contact the website author Scot Nelson with photos and descriptions for more help. He’s at snelson@hawaii.edu. Nelson has also posted a free app “The Plant Doctor,” which you can put on your phone to assist in plant problem identification. You can download it at iTunes at https://itunes.apple.com/app/ the-plant-doctor/identification349613537? mt=8 or at the Google store (for Androidentification phones) at https://play.google.com/ store/apps/details?identification=edu. hawaii.plantdoctor.
UH-CTAHR has a publication that can also be very helpful. Collecting Plant Disease and Insect Pest Samples for Problem Diagnosis can be downloaded at https://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/oc/freepubs/pdf/scm-14.pdf. Nelson authored this publication along with Brian Bushe from the UH Agricultural Diagnostic Service Center in Hilo. For some live help, you might want to attend Bushe’s hands-on workshop Tuesday from 9 a.m. to noon at the UH Cooperative Extension Service conference room in Kainaliu.
At the workshop, Bushe will discuss sampling and submission procedures for pest identification and analysis. He will also conduct diagnostics of any samples brought by participants. Cooperative extension agents will be available as well to providentificatione training for leaf and soil sampling techniques on crops including avocado, macadamia nuts, coffee and citrus. Advance registration for the workshop is required to attend. Contact Gina at 322-4892 or at ginab@hawaii.edu to register.
The extension agents in Kainaliu are also available to visit farms, resorts or landscape properties that have problems as long as the problem impacts the querent’s business. Andrea Kawabata can offer farm visits and diagnostics while Ty McDonald is the agent for the resorts and landscaping businesses. They can be reached through Gina’s line at 322-4892.
For gardening questions from home owners, the Kona Master Gardener’s advice is available live on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9 a.m. to noon at 322-4892 or by emailing them anytime at konamg@ctahr.hawaii.edu.
Proper pest identificationentification is essential to finding the best way to deal with the problems they can cause. If you choose to use a pesticidentificatione, be sure the plant and pest you are treating are both listed in the directions for that product and follow the label directions completely.
Diana Duff is a plant adviser, educator and consultant living on an organic farm in Captain Cook.
Some questions that appear here were originally directed to Kona’s Certified Master Gardeners. You may contact them with questions at konamg@ctahr.hawaii.edu.
Gardening Events
Today: “Ka’u Coffee Festival” final event from 9 a.m. to noon the Ka‘u Coffee College at Pahala Community Center. Educational talks by coffee industry experts. Free. Call 808-929-9550 or go to www.KauCoffeeFest.com for more information.
Saturday: “Work Day at Amy Greenwell Garden” from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Meet at the Garden Visitor Center across from the Manago Hotel in Captain Cook. Volunteers will be able to help with garden maintenance and are invited to bring a brown bag lunch. Call Peter at 323-3318 for more information.
Sunday: “Hamakua Harvest Festival” from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the intersection of Mamane Street and Mamalahoa Highway in Honoka’a. Exhibits, vendors, entertainment and fun for the keiki. Free. More information at www.hamakuaharvest.org.
Farmer Direct Markets
Wednesday: “Hooulu Farmers Market” 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Sheraton Kona Resort &Spa at Keauhou Bay
Wednesday: “Sunset Farmers Market” 2 p.m. to sunset at the north makai corner of the Kmart parking lot.
Saturday: “Keauhou Farmers Market” 8 a.m. to noon at Keauhou Shopping Center
“Kamuela Farmer’s Market” from 7 a.m. to noon at Pukalani Stables
Sunday: “South Kona Green Market” 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Amy Greenwell Garden in Captain Cook
Tuesday through Saturday: “U-Pick greens and produce” 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tropical Edibles Nursery, Captain Cook.
Plant Advice Lines
Anytime: konamg@ctahr.hawaii.edu
Tuesdays and Thursdays: 9 a.m. to noon at UH-CES in Kainaliu – 322-4892
Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays: 9 a.m. to noon at UH-CES at Komohana in Hilo 981-5199 or himga@hawaii.edu
