Location: Tropical Crop and Commodity Protection Research
Project Number: 2040-30400-002-006-A
Project Type: Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Sep 1, 2026
End Date: Aug 31, 2028
Objective:
Tropical insects pose threats not only to Hawaii, but also to the U.S. mainland due to biological invasion facilitated by expanded trade. Many of the pests introduced to Hawaii might move from the islands to the U.S. mainland due to high air travel and increased shipments. Collaborative research is needed to improve control methods for established pests on tropical crops and the pending problems from the multiple new insects introduced annually to Hawaii. The objectives of this agreement are to: 1) develop, validate, and deploy improved methods and technologies to prevent, detect, and rapidly respond to invasive insect pests in tropical agroecosystems; 2) evaluate and implement biocontrol options for tropical pests of agricultural importance; 3) develop and validate postharvest treatments that meet phytosanitary requirements; and 4) design and deliver decision support tools and surveillance frameworks to improve pest detection, monitoring, and management of insect pests in Hawaii.
Approach:
The project will integrate field experimentation, laboratory studies, and modeling approaches to address invasive pest prevention, detection, and control. Key components include: 1. Surveillance and detection: development and evaluation of improved trapping systems, attractants, and sensor-based detection technologies. 2. Biological control: identification, rearing, and field evaluation of natural enemies for priority pests. 3. Technology integration: evaluation of drones, harmonic radar, and remote sensing tools for pest detection and monitoring. 4. Modeling and decision support: development of predictive models incorporating environmental and management variables to guide surveillance and intervention strategies. Emphasis is on pests of agricultural importance, including tephritid fruit flies, little fire ants, avocado lace bug, coffee berry borer, macadamia feltid coccid, tropical nut borer, longhorn beetle, spittle bugs, mealy bugs, and thrips.