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DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES News Release LINDA LINGLE GOVERNOR _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
PETER T. YOUNG, CHAIRPERSON
Phone: (808) 587-0401
Fax: (808) 587-0390
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For Immediate Release:
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| HONOLULU— State botanists and entomologists are carrying on a desperate fight to save native wiliwili and coral trees used in landscaping and agriculture, from an introduced pest, the Erythrina Gall Wasp (EGW), Quadrastichus erythrinae , that is now widespread, and causing extensive damage to Erythrina tree species statewide. "The sign of the infestation can be seen on all islands — skeleton-like trees with shriveled and stung leaves in place of green,” said Peter Young, DLNR chairperson. “We are in danger of losing one of our most celebrated native trees to extinction in a relatively short time and are taking all measures possible to prevent that outcome,” Young said. One measure being implemented is establishment of a seed bank at the University of Hawaii Center for Conservation Research and Training facility at Lyon Arboretum. This seed bank is intended for the genetic preservation of the species and restoration of populations in the wild when a remedy for the gall wasp can be found. Approximately 25,000 seeds from throughout the state have arrived for storage. The Hawaii Department of Agriculture is sending an entomologist to Africa to search for parasitoids specific to the wasp to introduce as biological control, but even if found, it will not be available for years until after the necessary studies are carried out Until biological control becomes available, chemical control options are being investigated to keep trees (both native and landscape species) alive. Chemical treatments on native wiliwili populations are being tested by DLNR and UH, using emergency pest suppression funds from the USDA Forest Service. Experimental treatments are being carried out at Puu Waa Waa Forest Reserve on the island of Hawai‘i, at Kekaha on Kaua‘i, and in the northern Wai‘anae forest reserve on O‘ahu. Injecting the systemic insecticide Imidacloprid into trees has been found effective in preliminary trials. The chemical stays within the tree and has very low environmental impact However, even if it is effective, this method is only practical to treat small number of trees in forests. Also, it is not known how long the chemical will protect trees or whether it will protect flowers and seedpods, as well. Other treatments are being investigated for agricultural and landscape scenarios where other options, such as soil drenches, are available. In places where dead tree removal will be necessary, chemical treatment could be more cost effective.
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