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. 

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 

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. 

Farm Doctor: Beautifying Laulau

Possible new virus on ti leaves: Ringspotting symptoms

Symptoms of Phyllosticta

Ant Haven: Major Nuisance Pest

Screening for vectors of the ringspot virus

Typical symptoms of Cerospora in Ti

Farm Doctor: Corn Mottle Virus Moving Around Island

Samples confirmed to be MCMV by CTAHR virologist

LIFE Starts Here

 

Cover crop workshops to manage organic matter, soil nutrition and nematodes (LIFE partner, Dr. Koon Hui Wang, professor of Sustainable Pest Management Program)

 Diversification: Popular Hydroponic /Aquaponic Workshops

 Assessing Fruit Quality Issues

 Minimizing harvest issues to improve fruit quality issues

Food safety and worker hygine field day (Jim Hollyer-LIFE partner with CTAHR Food Safety Program)

LFE specialized in the Farm Doctor and hands on demonstration teaching methods

 Insecticide resistance workshop with Syngenta

Brix level hands on demonstration

West Coast Papaya Assessment 

Farm Doctor: Leafhopper damage

Twig Borer field demonstration: Kau Style

Emergency workshop: Coffee Berry Borer invades Kau

 

Multi-Agency workshop in Kahuku ag park

Compost tea trials with LIFE cooperator farm produced compost (Dr. Ted Radovich, LIFE program partner.  CTAHR Sustainable and Organic Agriculture program)

New market opportunity: Hydroponically grown watercress

WPS Workshops with HDOA

Growers convert to mist blower spray units to obtain better coverage

 Papaya Orchard Gun Spraying

Farm Employee: PPE Pesticide Safety Program

Founder Dr. Sabina Swift helps award winning coffee farmer/roaster Lorie Obra harvest her Kau Coffee