Tomato Spotted Wilt confirmed on Oahu Basil

 

Farm Doctor, Steve Fukuda conducted a field visit on May 25, 2012 to follow up with growers experiencing problems with their basil crops. Samples were submitted to UH CTAHR. Dr. Mike Melzer, CTAHR pathologist, confirmed on the presence of tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV). The TSWV is typically spread by the insect vector, thrips. 

http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/oc/freepubs/pdf/RES-154.pdf

http://vegetablemdonline.ppath.cornell.edu/factsheets/Virus_SpottedWilt.htm

Symptoms of TSWV on basil 

Mealy bug samples were also collected and submitted to UH CTAHR Entomologist, Dick Tsuda. The mealy bugs were identified as madeira mealybug. The maderia mealy bug is not a new pest in the islands and is known to attack sweet basil. 

Thanks to Dr. John Hu, Dr. Wayne Borth, Dr. Mike Melzer and Dick Tsuda for the timely identifications and updates. LIFE will continue to work with basil growers to obtain a better understanding of priority issues regarding crop production and develop a strategic plan for educational support. 

Hawaii Pacific Basin USDA/FSA Newsletter - May 2012

May 2012 Newsletter articles include:
-Maui County Designated Drought Disaster Area
-Emergency Loan Application Process begins on Kauai
-2010 SURE sign up deadline
-Farm Loan Programs
-And many more articles, photos & information

http://www.fsa.usda.gov/Internet/FSA_File/15001201205_01.pdf

Big Risks for Uninsured Farmers

http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/05/22/big-risks-for-uninsured-farmers/

Interesting article from The New York Times regarding Big Risks for Uninsured Farmers.

Farm Doctor Program

Previous Farm Doctor visits identified downy mildew problems on Manoa lettuce grown hydroponically. Looks like downy mildew is decreasing with warmer temperatures, similar to downy mildew on basil. Both seems to be cool weather diseases on locally grown crops.  

However, it appears that powdery mildew is starting to move in. 

Typically when LIFE makes Farm Doctor visits, we are alerted to not just 1 grower identified problem, but a number of different issues. 

Check out a visit with one of our favorite LIFE growers, Mr. Fred Lau.

http://youtu.be/SSKbt18N5xM 

Organic Tomato Field Day

Organic Tomato Production overview by Jensen Uyeda and Dr. Ted Radovich of CTAHR Sustainable and Organic Agriculture Program

Organic pest management program by Dr. Koon Hui Wang, CTAHR Sustainable Pest Management Specialist

Overview of the 3 tomato viruses by Dr. Mike Melzer, CTAHR Virologist

Dr. Koon Hui Wang inspects the sun help flowers for beneficial insects

Crotalaria or Sun Hemp were used to determine the effect of cover crops aid in organic pest management 

Jari Sugano, Dr. Stuart Nakamoto and Kelvin Sewake cover fruit fly suppression and how risk management tools such as crop insurance can be used to help growers maintain income levels when new pest and diseases causes drops in yields and profits. 

Thank you to all of LIFE's program partners for a great field day event in Waialua, Oahu. Special thank you to Poamoho Farms for allowing us to hold the field trial and event at their farm. Growers were able to see the horticultural characteristics of the plants, taste promising tomato varieties and take home some fruit for evaluation. 

http://youtu.be/TbSwRvdrT-g

Farm Doctor ID

 

Waipahu, Oahu

May 23, 2012 

Nutritional issues improving 

Life as a kalo keiki 

LIFE was asked to check on the mite situation. LIFE consulted Dick Tsuda, CTAHR Entomologist who confirmed the presence of 4 Tetranychus mite species. Tetranychus mites may be found on taro. Tetranychus cinnabarinus (carmine spider mite), T. neocalidonicus (vegetable mite), T. tumidus (tumid spider mite), and T. urticae (two spotted spider mite) were detected. According to Tsuda, "these mites are considered very similar and difficult to separate because of overlapping coloration." 

Mite symptoms on underside of leaves 

The apple snail continues to be a major economic pests for wetland taro operations. As water temperatures warm up, the apple snail will continue threaten to Hawaii's taro industry. 

Organic Tomato Field Day

Preliminary Screening for TYLC, TSWV and PepMoV Resistance

Friday, May 25, 2012
10:00am-12:00pm
Poamoho Farms
65-200 Poamoho pl.
North Shore, HI 96791

Tomato yellows leaf curl virus (TYLCV) was first identified in tomato in November 2009 on Oahu. Plants become chlorotic, stunted, leaflets cup upwards and flowers abort.  This virus is transmitted by the silver leaf whitefly and sweet potato whitefly.   Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) is another economically important plant virus to commercial operations.  Pepper mottle virus (PepMoV) was recently Identified in tomato in 2011 on Oahu.  Fruits show similar symptoms to TSWV.  The combination of TYLCV, TSW and PMV has made it difficult and for growers to maintain yields and profits.  UH CTAHR has conducted previous trials screening for double resistance in conventionally grown tomatoes.  This trial looks at triple resistance in new tomato varieties and the viability of producing tomatoes organically.  Stop by and see the horticultural characteristics of these promising varieties in this organic field trial.  Six globe type varieties include Charger(Determinate), Volante(Determinate), Kewalo(Determinate), Tribute(Determinate), Pamella(Indeterminate), and Sacramento(Indeterminate).

DIRECTIONS TO POAMOHO FARMS:

From Aiea Direction:
H2 turns into Wilikina Drive which will turn into Kaukonahua Road (stay to left).  Follow Kaukonahua Road, right after the Poamoho Research Station you will see a gated community and signs that will lead you to the field day site. Please enter #100 or #101 and you will buzzed in.

From North Shore:
Take Kamehameha Highway / HI 83 towards Waialua. As you enter Haleiwa stay to the left and follow Joseph Leong Highway. At the top of the bridge, turn left onto Kamehameha Highway and follow the roundabout. Take the second exit on the roundabout towards Mokuleia. Follow that road until you see a blinking stop sign. Turn left and go up towards Kaukonahua Road. Follow this road until you see the gated community and signs that will lead you to the field day site. Please enter #100 or #101 and you will buzzed in.

Sponsored by CTAHR’s Local & Immigrant Farmer Education Program (LIFE), Risk Management program and the Sustainable and Organic Agriculture Program (SOAP).

Open to everyone without regard to race, age, sex, color, or disability.  Educational activities are accessible for individuals with disabilities.

For more information or to request an auxiliary aid or service (e.g., sign language interpreter, designated parking, or materials in alternative format), contact Jensen Uyeda at 808-384-7110 or via email at juyeda@hawaii.edu seven days before the activity/event.

Blueberry Cuttings Showing Promise

Blueberry cutting are showing promise. 

Cuttings are being rooted in an aquaculture cinder system. 

Photo taken May 17, 2012

Risk Management School: Kau

Risk Management School: Kau

University of Hawaii at Manoa

College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources

Managing Ag Risk Through Ongoing Education & Collaborative Partnerships

Old Pahala Clubhouse

Corner of Kaalaki and Maile Streets, Pahala, Hawaii

Saturday, June 9, 2012

9 am -4:30 pm

Registration & trade show set up starts at 8am

Understanding Risk Issues for Ka’u Producers

Understand and mitigate agriculture risk- UHM CTAHR

Prepare for the 4 D’s-UHM CTAHR

High Risk Areas for Ka’u producers

Applicability of Crop Insurance to CBB & How to file a claim?

Grower Panel Discussion about crop insurance

Reimbursement Transportation Cost Program for Farms – USDA FSA

Hawaii County Ag Programs – County R&D

Marketing, Value Adding and Ag Tourism – Univ. of AZ V

alue Added Product – Volcano Winery

Trade show with agricultural chemical companies, agricultural government agencies (HDoA, USDA FSA, NRCS), and various CTAHR extension programs ( Sustainable and Organic Agriculture, Bee program, etc)

Registration and lunch are FREE. RSVP is required by May 31, 2012. A waitlist will be started once our maximum quota is reached. Please call Perci at 887-6183 to reserve your lunch and seat.

Directions:

Directions from Hilo: Travel towards Pahala on Hwy 11, turn right at Kamani Street. Turn left at Maile Street (just before Ka'u Gas Station). Continue straight. Clubhouse is on right hand side across from KAHU station on corner of Kaalaki and Maile Streets.

Directions from Kona: Travel towards Pahala on Hwy 11, turn left onto Maile Street. Clubhouse is on the first buildingon the left as you pass the corner of Kaalaki and Maile Streets.

The Local and Immigrant Farmer Education (LIFE) Program is a grant funded collaborative project between the UH College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (UH-CTAHR), UH CTAHR Risk Management Program and the USDA, Risk Management Agency.

Open to everyone without regard to race, age, sex, color or disability. Educational activities are accessible for individuals with disabilities. For information or to request an auxiliary aid or service (e.g., sign language interpreter, designated parking, or materials in alternate format), contact Didi @ 887-6183 seven days before the training, activity, or event.

For more information, please contact Didi or Perci at (808) 887-6183.

Risk Management School: Special Field Tour

A special invitation to RMH & LIFE’S

Crop Diversification

Field Tour Blueberry & Tea Field Day and Tour

Special event for Risk Management School’s Coffee Participants

Friday, June 8, 2012

12:00 noon to 4:30 pm

Location: UHM CTAHR Volcano Research Station & Volcano Winery

Hosts: Andrew Kawabata, Randy T. Hamasaki, Andrea Kawabata, and Dr. Stuart T. Nakamoto

Come and join us for a half day tour to learn about alternative crops - blueberry and tea. You will be able to see the different blueberry trials we have including effect of pot size on yield, different blueberry varieties, and pruning methods. We will also visit the tea plantings and be introduced to tea research being conducted at CTAHR.

The visit at the Volcano Winery will allow you to see how they feature local ingredients such as tea as part of their product, a chance for tasting, and a walk through their tea fields.

Both sites are very close to the active vents at the Volcano National Park, so vog can be extremely concentrated depending on the wind conditions. Please take necessary precautions and bring water. Please come prepared for rain and chilly weather too.

Please call Perci at 887-6183 or email proque@hawaii.edu to reserve your spot and to receive last minute updates. Maximum enrollment: 30 participants. Enrollment on a first come first serve basis. We will start a waitlist after we have reached our maximum enrollment.

Open to everyone without regard to race, age, sex, color or disability. Educational activities are accessible for individuals with disabilities. For information or to request an auxiliary aid or service (e.g., sign language interpreter, designated parking, or materials in alternate format), contact Didi @ (808) 887-6183 seven days before the activity/event.

Driving Directions

Directions to the Volcano Research Station: 19-4700 Amaumau Road, Volcano, HI

Coming from Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel: Head northeast/mauka on Palani Rd toward Kuakini Hwy. Take the 1st right onto Kuakini Hwy for 8.4 miles. Kuakini Hwy turns slightly right and becomes Hwy-11/Hawaii Belt Rd for 87.3 miles.

Exit Volcano National Park, go past the 27 mile marker and Haunani Road. Turn left onto Wright Rd for 3.1 miles. Turn right/mauka onto Amaumau Rd.   The Volcano Research Station will be on the right.

Coming from Hilo: Take Hwy-11/Hawaii Belt Rd/ Kanoelehua Ave. to Volcano. Go past the 26-mile marker then turn right onto Wright Rd. for 3.1 miles. Turn right/mauka onto Amaumau Rd. The Volcano Research Station will be on the right.

Directions to Volcano Winery:

Coming from the Volcano Research Station: Head southeast/makai on Amaumau Rd. Turn left at Mahia Rd/Wright Road and continue for 3.1 miles. Go straight through Old Volcano Road and turn right onto Hwy-11/Hawaii Belt Rd toward Kona. Drive for about a mile. Turn right/mauka onto Pii Mauna Dr. Volcano Winery, 35 Pii Mauna Rd will be on the left.

Field day event sponsored by the Risk Management Hawaii and Local & Immigrant Farmer Education Programs in partnership with the UH College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (UH-CTAHR) and the USDA, Risk Management Agency.

Risk Management School: Kona

Risk Management School 

University of Hawaii at Manoa

College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources

Managing Ag Risk Through Education

Courtyard at King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel 
75-5660 Palani Road
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Thursday, June 7, 2012

9 am -4:30 pm

Registration & trade show set up starts at 8am

Understanding Risk Issues for Ka’u Producers

Understand and mitigate agriculture risk- UHM CTAHR

Prepare for the 4 D’s-UHM CTAHR

High Risk Areas for Ka’u producers

Coffee Berry Borer (CBB) updates from USDA

CBB updates from UHM-CTAHR

Applicability of Crop Insurance to CBB & How to file a claim?

Grower Panel Discussion about crop insurance

Reimbursement Transportation Cost Program for Farms – USDA FSA Hawaii County Ag Programs – County R&D

Marketing, Value Adding and Ag Tourism – Univ. of AZ

Trade show with agricultural chemical companies, agricultural government agencies (HDoA, USDA FSA, NRCS), and various CTAHR extension programs ( Sustainable and Organic Agriculture, Bee program, etc)

Registration and lunch are FREE. RSVP is required by May 31, 2012. A waitlist will be started once our maximum quota is reached. Please call Perci at 887-6183 to reserve your lunch and seat.

Directions:

*Courtyard at King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel is the former King Kamehameha Hotel located at the bottom of Palani Road, right next to Kailua Pier.

The Local and Immigrant Farmer Education (LIFE) Program is a grant funded collaborative project between the UH College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (UH-CTAHR), UH CTAHR Risk Management Program and the USDA, Risk Management Agency.

Open to everyone without regard to race, age, sex, color or disability. Educational activities are accessible for individuals with disabilities. For information or to request an auxiliary aid or service (e.g., sign language interpreter, designated parking, or materials in alternate format), contact Didi @ 887-6183 seven days before the training, activity, or event.

For more information, please contact Didi or Perci at (808) 887-6183.

Farm Recordkeeping Workshop for Hilo Growers

Dr. Stuart T. Nakamoto Extension Economist, UHM CTAHR

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

5:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Komohana Extension Office Conference Room

Free but phone 887-6183 to save a seat. Participants who preregister receive a free record keeping workbook.

It seems producers always need records for something; to get a loan, or for taxes, or because the law requires it for spraying chemicals, or to be “organic”. Good records are a prerequisite for crop insurance & disaster assistance and to help make better decisions in growing crops & for running your farm as a business.

This workshop is for you if you want to get started with recordkeeping you want to learn how to organize all those receipts and papers and notes you already have a system, but maybe can learn something extra to help your farm. Participants will receive a binder of recordkeeping forms. You will learn how to use those forms in your own recordkeeping system.

Growers who preregister receive a free recordkeeping workbook. Courtesy of the USDA Risk Management Agency and the Risk Managent-Hawaii and LIFE programs at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources.

To sign up or for more information: call Didi at 887-6183 or email <mddiaz@hawaii.edu> or your extension agent Andrea at 322-4894 or email andreak@hawaii.edu. DEADLINE: 4:30PMONFRIDAY(5/25/2012).

Open to everyone without regard to race, age, sex, color or disability. Educational activities are accessible for individuals with disabilities. For information or to request an auxiliary aid or service (e.g., sign language interpreter, designated parking, or materials in alternate format), contact Didi at (808) 887-6183 seven days before the activity/event.

Sponsors: Risk Management Hawaii Local & Immigrant Farmer Education University of Hawaii at Manoa, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources Risk Management Agency

Understand the legal risk involved in the use of the human chorionic gonadotropin hormone in aquaculture to control maturation and spawning of fish

May 26, 2012, 10.00 – 1.00

Maui College, Community Service Building

(CTAHR building, COMSERVE building on Maui Community College Campus)

One of the most widely used hormonal products for controlling maturation and spawning in fishes is Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG).  In Hawaii it is used primarily by farmers who culture Chinese Catfish as this species does not spawn in captivity and final maturation and spawning must be induced by hormonal intervention.

WHY COME TO THIS WORKSHOP: 

1)    A presentation that will cover the mode of action of HCG in controlling maturation and spawning in fishes is to be covered by Dr. Clyde Tamaru, Ph,D, Aquaculture Specialist, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources.  He will also be providing some information regarding what CTAHR has to offer regarding Risk Management for farmers.

    

2)    HCG is a prescription product restricted to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.  For those farmers or stakeholders who are currently or plan to use this prescription drug a meeting with the veterinarian , Dr. Michael Wong, DVM, University of Hawaii Laboratory and Animal Service, who will cover the oversight of the purchase and distribution of HCG is to take place. If you are not present at this meeting you will need to make your own special arrangements in order to obtain this prescribed drug. 

Seating is limited to only 40 individuals and an RSVP is required to reserve a seat.  Final date for RSVP May 25, 2012.  Contact: Robert Howerton howerton@hawaii.edu or by phone: 808-268-3246  to make reservations.  There are no charges to attend this workshop and parking is free.

SPEAKERS

Dr. Clyde Tamaru, CTAHR:  Controlled reproduction in fishes with particular emphasis on the use of HCG.

Dr. Michael Wong, DVM.  Rules and regulations on the use of HCG

Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs): Managing Your Legal and Market Risk

May 22, 2012

UHM-CTAHR Kona Extension Service, Conference Room

5:30 pm – 7:30 pm

  

RMH & LIFE programs have invited Jim Hollyer, on- farm food safety coach of UH-CTAHR, to give a talk entitled “What are Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) and how professional food producers can use them to provide an even safer product for buyers and consumers”. Come and join us to learn about the latest updates on GAPs to be able to manage your legal, market and financial risk ($$).

PLEASE RSVP & FOR MORE INFORMATION

Please RSVP by May 18th by contacting Didi at (808) 887-6183 or your local extension agent Andrea Kawabata in Kona at 322-4894. This can help us can contact you in the event that there are changes in the workshop and be able to provide enough hand-outs. The Risk Management Hawaii and LIFE programs are grant funded collaborative projects between UH CTAHR and the USDA Risk Management Agency.

Open to everyone without regard to race, age, sex, color or disability. Educational activities are accessible for individuals with disabilities. For information or to request an auxiliary aid or service (e.g., sign language interpreter, designated parking, or materials in alternate format), contact Didi at 887-6183 seven days before the training, activity, or event.

DIRECTIONS:

The UHM-CTAHR Kona Extension Office is across the Aloha Theatre and above the school buses in Kainaliu. Parking is available across the street, at the Extension Office, or past the fencing at the station.

More Tax Sessions with Da Tax Man

Two Upcoming Workshops Lessons from Da Tax Man

Keaau Community Center

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

6:00 pm – 7:30 pm

Lessons from Da Tax Man

Kona Extension Office Conference Room

Thursday, May 17, 2012

5:30 pm – 7:30 pm

One of the biggest challenges faced by people in business is understanding and meeting tax filing requirements. The financial consequences of failure to comply with tax filing requirements can jeopardize your business. These workshops will cover basic and advanced tax issues facing small business and farmers in Hawaii.

Michael Holl, a kama’aina resident of Hawaii since 1959 who grew up on the Waianae coast of Oahu, is a federally licensed Enrolled Agent (EA) representing taxpayers before the IRS. Mr. Holl is a the cadre speaker for the IRS in Hawaii and speaks at numerous seminars and workshops on small business taxes.

For more information, please contact Maria Derval ‘Didi’ Diaz-Lyke Junior Extension Agent Kamuela Extension Office 808-887-6183

Sponsors: Local & Immigrant Farmer Education Hawaii Risk Management Agency University of Hawaii at Manoa, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources Risk Management Hawaii. The Local and Immigrant Farmer Education (LIFE) Program is a grant funded collaborative project between the UH College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (UH-CTAHR), UH CTAHR Risk Management program and the USDA, Risk Management Agency.

Open to everyone without regards to race, age, sex, color or disability. Educational activities are accessible for individuals with disabilities. For information or to request an auxiliary aid or service (e.g. sign language interpreter, designated parking, or materials in alternate format), contact Didi at 887-6183 seven days before the training, activity, or event.

Waianae Growers' Emergency Listening Session

Understanding the educational needs of Waianae basil producers

May 17, 2012, 1:00 pm

New No. One Chinese Restaurant

86-003 Farrington Highway

Waianae, Oahu

Year-round crop production in Hawaii increases the risk of damage from weeds, insects and diseases with constant pest pressure.  Limited knowledge to identify pests, apply proper risk management tools against specific pests and inability to read pesticide labels are the most common situation, leading to unsafe practices among immigrant growers (Rattanasamay, 1999; Swift and Brennan, 2003). 

The risks of pesticide misuse are major health and safety concerns for the growers with limited language proficiency, their families, as well as consumers.  Use of pesticides by unskilled applicators poses public health risks of chemical residue in produce and the environment. In October 2011, immigrant farmers in Waianae were cited for misuse of pesticides on green onions. Eight hundred pounds of green onions were destroyed.

In April 2012, growers with local and export markets of basil were asked to ceases all sales due to detection of two illegal pesticides. The Hawaii Department of Agriculture, conducted follow-up testing and collected 10 basil samples from 5 different produce distributors on O‘ahu and found that 7 out of 10 samples were positive for the presence of one or more pesticides that are not approved for use on basil.  Per the HDOA, laboratory testing of basil samples taken directly from six O‘ahu farms indicated that four basil farms were positive for at least one pesticide that is not approved for application on basil. All contaminated crops have been restricted from sale and distribution. 

LIFE, RMH and CTAHR Food Safety program held an emergency educational session with ‘at risk’ farmers in the Waianae area of Oahu, to determine the cause of the problem and possible solutions to address their immediate and long term educational needs. A list of priority issues will be drafted and shared with program partners: CTAHR IR4 Minor Crop Program, CTAHR Food Safety Program, Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Hawaii Department of Health with the intent to develop educational programs to help growers in understanding pesticides regulations and the importance of proper use of pesticides.

Chinese speaking translators were available to translate questions and capture growers' responses regarding the challenges of farming and applying pesticides in accordance with federal and state regulations in Hawaii. 

IYSV Field Demo and Best Management Overview

LIFE and RMH held an educational workshop on Iris Yellow Spot Virus (IYSV) in Waianae on May 4, 2012 at Katsu Kobashigawa's farm. Dr. John Hu and Dr. Wayne Borth started off the workshop by talking about the pathogen, IYSV. Maui Extension Agent, Robin Shimabuku provided an overview about the insecticide trials conducted in conjuction with emeritus Extension specialist, Dr. Ronald Mau. Extension agent Jari Sugano provided an overview of IYSV best management practices (included insect vector identification, field scouting, cultural practices, insecticide resistance management, pesticide education, etc.) and shared an additional tool in managing IYSV, USDA crop insurance programs. CTAHR pesticide specialists, Dr. Mike Kawate, Charlie Nagamine, and Cathy Tarutani were present to answer grower's questions regarding pesticide use, as well as Daisuke Inoyama and Steven Ogata from HDOA. CTAHR entomologists, Drs. Koon Hui Wang and Helen Spafford along with Dr. Ted Radovich and Jensen Uyeda from the CTAHR Sustainable and Organic Agriculture program were also there to support the group's educational efforts and provide technical assistance to growers with questions. Representatives from agricultual chemical companies such as BEI, Pacific Agricultural and CPS Hawaii were also in attendance. Extension agent Steve Fukuda (semi retired), Shimabuku, and Kawate organized a demonstration using kaolin clay to show how changes in spray variables affect overall coverage.

Dr. John Hu provides overview of IYSV in English and Chinese 

Dr. Wayne Borth discussed the different techniques used to identify the disease

Extension agent Robin Shimabuku shared advances based on Maui's insecticide trials.  

Extension agents, Robin Shimabuku and Steve Fukuda utilized kaolin clay to demonstrate the role of spray coverage in onion thrip management 

Changes in spray variables (such as nozzles, PSI, speed, etc) affect spray coverage

Growers were able to see first hand IYSV symptoms in a field setting 

Green onions sprayed with kaolin clay for demonstration purposes 

Kaolin clay allowed growers to see where the spray was deposited. In previous CTAHR spray demonstrations, a fluorescent dye was used with a black light system.

Weed management is important as weeds such as pig weed serves as a host for IYSV

Special thanks to Katsu Kobashigawa and Lisa Salazar for hosting the LIFE/ RMH educational event.

http://youtu.be/in-SBSpj62w

Farm Doctor Visits a Taro Farm

Farm Doctor was called out to revisit taro farm in Waipahu. Taro plants had necrotic edges. Suspect potassium, but this area has had high salt issues in the past. 

Necrotic and yellowing edges of lower leaves

 Samples were collected and submitted to CTAHR ADSC for disease and tissue analysis.

Mite samples were also collected to begin the IR4 process in seeking a miticide for Hawaii's taro industry.

Beautiful day in Waipahu, Oahu

Farm Incubators 101: A webinar from the New Entry Sustainable Farming Project National Technical Assistance Initiative

Join us for a CTAHR Agribusiness Incubator on May 22

This webinar will cover: (a) the basic framework of our new National Farm Incubator Technical Assistance Initiative and how it can help you achieve the programmatic goals of your farm incubator project; (b) the reasons for starting a farm incubator and common strategies for meeting diverse farmer training and support goals; (c) presentations on how veteran incubator projects (New Entry, as well as our project partners ALBA, the Intervale Center, the New Farmer Develop Project, and the Big River Farms Training Program) operate successful and diverse programs; and (d) ample time for Q&A at the end so you can get your individual questions about the National TA project and farm incubators in general answered. We hope you will join us!

Farm Incubators 101: A webinar from the New Entry Sustainable Farming Project National Technical Assistance Initiative

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM EDT

After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar.

Space is limited.
Reserve your Webinar seat now at:
https://www4.gotomeeting.com/register/826136479

Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces Support for Small, Socially Disadvantaged Agricultural Producers and Cooperatives to Create Jobs, Boost Local Economies

http://content.govdelivery.com/bulletins/gd/USDAOC-3da5c8#.T6BQzKxxOO0.facebook