HARC

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Our highest priority is implementation to meet President Clinton’s goal for IPM implementation on 75 percent of crop acres. Four crops were selected for the Hawaii 1998-2001 performance plan.  The crops are pineapple, macadamia, banana, and sugarcane.  Program implementation for all of the crops will utilize the certification model used by extension programs in northeastern states.  University and industry experts will assemble IPM programs for each crop.  Each of the practices in the program will be given application points.  Certification will be given if the grower has met 80% of total possible points.

 The sugar cane industry has declined greatly over the past decade.  There are now about 68,000 acres of sugarcane grown principally on two farms. The industry already employs biological controls and hostplant resistance for managing practically all of its insect pests.  Likewise, hostplant resistance is employed to manage disease pathogens. We believe that the industry has been sensitive to environmental impacts, but we want to ensure that safeguards are in place. We will be also working closely with local extension PIAP and Water Quality program coordinators on this issue.

Sugarcane research is done by a private research organization, the Hawaii Agricultural Research Corporation (HARC).  UHIPM anticipates meeting with HARC researchers and grower pest management representatives during the second calendar quarter 1999 to determine adherence IPM program.