PROCEEDINGS: Fourteenth Annual International Tropical...

PROCEEDINGS:

Fourteenth Annual International Tropical Fruit Conference

October 1-3, 2004

Ohana Keauhou Beach Resort Keauhou, Hawaii

sponsored by the Hawaii Tropical Fruit Growers

and the County of Hawaii,

Research and Development

Table of Contents Conference Agenda 3 Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden’s Contribution to 7 Florida’s Tropical Fruit Industry Richard Campbell Modern Tropical Fruit Pruning 27 Richard Campbell Innovations in Tropical Fruit Propagation 38 Richard Campbell Use of Attractants to Control Persimmon and Lychee 48 Pests Grant McQuate and Peter Follett Quarantine Update: Waiting for Movement on 56 Breadfruit, Jackfruit, Mangosteen, and Dragonfruit Peter Follett Hawaii Agricultural Statistics Report: Hawaiian 60 Tropical Specialty Fruits

Steve Gunn Update on Pesticides for Control of Pests of Tropical 64 Fruit Christopher Jacobsen and Arnold Hara Flowering and Fruiting of Sapindaceous Crops in Hawaii 69 Andrea Kawabata and Mike Nagao Orchard Management of Lychee, Longan, Mango and Mamey 86 Sapote Richard Campbell The Twelve Trees Project 116 Ken Love Japanese Fruit Parks as Models for Rural Development 117 in Hawaii Ken Love

Guest Speakers

14th AnnualInternationalTropical FruitConference

Richard J. Campbell, Ph.D.Senior Curator of Tropical FruitFairchild Tropical Botanic Garden,Miami, Florida

Peter Follett, Ph.D.Research EntomologistPostharvest Tropical CommoditiesResearch Unit, USDA-ARS Pacific BasinAgricultural Research Center

Grant T. McQuate, Ph.D.Research BiologistTropical Plant Pests Research, USDA-ARSPacific Basin Agricultural ResearchCenter

Steve GunnDeputy DirectorHawaii Agricultural Statistics, HDOA

Christopher JacobsenResearch AssociateCollege of Tropical Agriculture andHuman Resources, UH Manoa

Mike Nagao, Ph.D.HorticulturistDepartment of Tropical Plant and SoilSciences, College of Tropical Agricultureand Human Resources, UH Manoa

Andrea KawabataGraduate StudentCollege of Tropical Agriculture andHuman Resources, UH Manoa

Ken Love12 Trees Projectwww.hawaiifruit.net

Diane LeyDeputy DirectorHawaii Department of Agriculture

Margarita HopkinsEconomic Development SpecialistCounty of Hawaii R&D

Richard JohnsonPresidentHawaii Tropical Fruit GrowersOnomea Orchards

Bob HamiltonPresidentHawaii Tropical Fruit CooperativePlant It Hawaii/Hula Brothers

Bob CooperOrchards of Kahalu’uThe Original Hawaiian ChocolateFactory

Brooks WakefieldHawaii Avocado Association

Bob Harris and Jennifer SnyderHawaiian Lulo Association

Kent Fleming, Ph.D.Rural Economic DevelopmentDepartment of Tropical Plant and SoilSciences, College of Tropical Agricultureand Human Resources, UH Manoa

Bill GerlachDirector, Research & DevelopmentMelissa’s/World Variety Produce

Tane DattaOwnerAdaptations, Inc.

Michael HalpinChefMerriman’s

Mark BursonDirector of Food and BeverageOhana Keauhou Beach Resort

Paul HeerleinChef InstructorHawaii Community College

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5:30 p.m. Heavy Pupus / No Host Bar on the Kahalu‘u Lanai

6:30 p.m. WelcomeRichard Johnson

6:45 p.m. Keynote Address:Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden’s Contributions toTropical Fruit IndustryRichard Campbell

7:45 p.m. Industry Reports:Rambutan, Longan & LycheeBob HamiltonCacaoBob CooperAvocadoBrooks WakefieldLuloBob Harris and Jennifer Snyder

8:25 p.m. Overview of Saturday and Sunday ProgramsRichard Johnson

7:45 a.m. Call to OrderAnnual Membership MeetingRichard Johnson

8:15 a.m. Welcome AddressDiane LeyMargarita Hopkins

8:30 a.m. Modern Tropical Fruit Pruning and New Innovations inTropical Fruit PropagationRichard Campbell

9:30 a.m. Q&A

9:45 a.m. Coffee Break

Reports:10:15 a.m. Use of Attractants to Control Persimmon and Lychee Pests:

Yin & YangGrant McQuate and Peter Follett

10:45 a.m. HASS Fruit SurveySteve Gunn

Friday NightReceptionOctober 1, 2004

Kahalu‘uBallrooms I & II


SaturdayConference

ProgramOctober 2, 2004


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11:00 a.m. Update on Pesticide ResearchChristopher Jacobsen

11:15 a.m. Flowering and Fruiting in Sapindaceous Crops in HawaiiAndrea Kawabata and Mike Nagao

11:30 a.m. Q&A

11:45 a.m. Lunch on the Kama‘aina Terrace

12:45 p.m. Panel Discussion:Tropical Fruit Consumers: Trends and ExpectationsKent Fleming, ModeratorBill GerlachTane DattaPeter MerrimanMark BursonPaul Heerlein

2:00 p.m. Orchard Management of Longan, Lychee, Mango and SapoteRichard Campbell

2:45 p.m. Coffee & Fruit Break

3:15 p.m. 12 Trees Project and Fruit Parks of Japan as a Model forHawaiiKen Love

3:45 p.m. Closing RemarksRichard Johnson

6:00 p.m. Social Hour/No Host Bar at the Kalanikai Bar & Grill

7:00 p.m. Dinner & Fund-Raising Auction at the Kalanikai Bar & Grill

8:30 a.m. Depart from Ohana Keauhou Beach Resort

9:00 a.m. Schattauer’s FarmPruning Demonstration

10:30 a.m. Kona Pacific Farmers CooperativeFruit Tree Grafting DemonstrationEasy Fruit Fly Trap Construction

11:30 a.m. Bento Lunch at Co-op

12:15 p.m. Tour of Co-op and Gift Shop visit

1:30 p.m. Depart from Co-op for Hotel

Sponsored by: Hawaii Tropical Fruit GrowersCounty of Hawaii, Department of Research and Development

SundayTours

October 3, 2004

SaturdayConference

ProgramOctober 2, 2004


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Exhibitor Displays


Craig Elevitch, DirectorAgroforestry Net, Inc.www.agroforestry.orgA nonprofit organization dedicated to providing educational resources aboutagroforestry, trees, and sustainable stewardship of land and water.

Hiroyuki Hatano, Director of International MarketingShibataya Kakohshi Co. Ltd.Manufacturers of protective fruit wrapping and other agricultural materials.

Stephen Finch, PresidentFTE Food Technology & Engineering LLCwww.foodtechnologyengineering.comProcessing agricultural waste into new value added products, pectin and otheritems.

Mike Klungness, Big Island Pest Management CoordinatorUSDA-ARS/HAW-FLYPMwww.fruitfly.hawaii.eduThe goal of the Hawaii Area Wide Fruit Fly Integrated Pest Management Program isto develop and implement environmentally acceptable, biologically based, sustain-able pest management strategies that reduce use of organophosphate and carbam-ate insecticides while suppressing fruit flies to economically manageable levels forthe benefit of Hawaii.

Steve Gunn, Deputy DirectorHawaii Agricultural Statisticswww.nass.usda.gov/hi/Providing the best possible statistical data for Hawaii agriculture.

Margy Love, OwnerLove Family FarmsFruit posters, seasonal guides and postcards.

Kristin McGrath, Executive DirectorHawaii Tropical Fruit GrowersT-shirts, hats, calendars and other items.

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Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden’s Contribution to Florida’s Tropical Fruit

IndustryRichard J. Campbell, Ph.D.

Senior Curator of Tropical Fruit

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FTBG: Traditional Botanical Garden – Palms, Cycads, Ornamentals, Conservation.

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Goal: The acquisition, conservation, interpretation and distribution of superior tropical fruit.

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Acquisitions in Tropical America and Asia: Based on previous research, needs of the industry,

potential uses and field experience.

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Conservation of living collections: Clonalrepositories duplicated locally and

internationally with commercial, heritage and culturally-significant representation.

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Interpretation: Characterization of collections (DNA and Phenological)

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Promotion and distribution through annual fruit festivals.14

How have we helped the industry? Genetic resources.16

Alternatives

Heidi

Iris

Jakarta

Jubilee

Manzanillo

Palmer

Rapoza

Southern Blush

Van Dyke

Vallenato17

Alternatives

Alphonse

Chok Anon

Cushman

Duncan

Fairchild

Glenn

Mallika

Nam Doc Mai

Nam Tam Teem

Swethintha18

CogshallFairchildIce Cream MallikaRosigoldManilitaNeelumGraham

FTBG Curator’s Choice Program

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Superior cultivars with proper size, quality, productivity and appeal.21

How has FTBG influenced the

industry?

Niche markets, Estate gardening

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Horticultural innovations in new crop development, pruning and propagation.

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Promotion

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Florida’s Tropical Fruit industry is rapidly

changing.

*************

We have been and will continue to be an integral part of this new world of tropical fruit through the use of genetic resources

and innovative horticultural approaches.

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Modern Tropical Fruit Pruning

Richard J. Campbell, Ph.D.Senior Curator of Tropical Fruit

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Modern pruning techniques (Mechanical/hand labor)are vital for commercial and estate production.

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Mechanical pruning widely used in tropical fruit: Avocado, mango, lychee, longan, guava, etc. Considerations: Height, timing, orchard management, hand labor follow-up, hurricanes.

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Hand pruning needed to supplement or may serve as preferred option.30

Year 1-2: Heading, tipping, 50 cm (20 in).31

Tipping done without regard to node, may require spreading.32

Within 3 years:

•Increased blooming

•Precocious fruiting

•Increased branching

complexity

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Year 3-6. Height control, thinning cuts, canopy renewal.34

Before

After35

Older trees: Wood to leaf canopy balance.36

Innovations in Tropical Fruit Propagation


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Collecting a wide range of tropical fruit required the development of novel propagation techniques.

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Modified veneer grafts and budding techniques with leaves and plastic bags expand propagation possibilities and improve survival.

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Sapodilla

(Manilkara zapota)

Caimito

(Chrysophyllum cainito)

Tarap

(Artocarpus odoratisimus)

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Inverted root grafts for precocity and dwarfing.44

•Precocious blooming

within first year.

•Depends on species and cultivar.

• Strong tree.

• Percentage success remains low.46

Durio graveolens47

Use of Attractants to Control Persimmon and Lychee Pests Grant T. McQuate and Peter A. Follett USDA Agricultural Research Service

U. S. Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center Hilo, Hawaii

A. Lychee

Introduction

Lychee (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) is subject to damage by a range of insect pests, the most important of which include tephritid fruit flies, principally oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae), and a variety of moth species. Among the moth species, koa seedworm, Cryptophlebia illepida (Butler), and litchi fruitmoth, C. ombrodelta (Lower) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), are the most important pests (Follett et al. 2003). The activity of tephritid fruit flies and Cryptophlebia spp. can lead to several types of fruit defects, including holes, stains, and release of fruit juices. Since there is an overlap in the damages occurring as a result of these two groups of pests, we chose to conduct a combined suppression trial against both of these pest groups. The methods of pest suppression for both groups of pests utilized attractant and kill products, but different products were used for each pest group. For tephritid fruit fly suppression we applied GF-120 (Dow Agrosciences LLC, Indianapolis, IN), a spinosad-based bait spray which has recently been commercialized for use in Hawaii. For the Cryptophlebia spp. suppression, we used an experimental Last Call (IPM Technologies, Portland, OR) attract-and-kill product.

Materials and Methods The study was conducted at a 6.9 acre lychee orchard in Pana’ewa, a 1.5 acre orchard in Kea’au, a 3.0 acre orchard in Kurtistown, a 1.0 acre orchard in Ola’a and a 0.7 acre orchard at the Wai’akea Agricultural Research Station on the island of Hawaii. The orchards ranged from 230 – 820 feet in elevation. The variety ‘Kaimana’ was planted in all orchards. Treatments. Bait Spray for Fruit Fly Suppression. Each of four orchards (Kea’au, Kurtistown, Ola’a, and Pana’ewa) was subdivided into treatment (sprayed) and control (unsprayed) sections. In all cases there was some separation between these two sections. Typically, they were separated by a road with or without windbreak trees. The bait spray used was GF-120 Fruit Fly Bait (Dow Agrosciences LLC, Indianapolis, IN). The spray was applied as spots on the underside of the lychee tree leaves at a rate of 0.42 gallons of diluted product (prepared according to label directions) per acre. Fruiting trees received most of the spray, but nonfruiting trees typically received at least one spot. Bait sprays were applied once a week starting before the first fruit harvest. Attract and kill for Cryptophlebia spp. Suppression. Two orchards (Kea’au and Pana’ewa) were treated with a Last Call® attract and kill formulation (IPM Technologies, Portland, OR). Last Call incorporates a Cryptophlebia sex pheromone (0.16%) and insecticide (permethrin, 6.0%) in a waterproof gel carrier and was applied monthly to

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orchards at a rate of 1200, 50 µl droplets per acre starting about one month before the first fruit harvest. Three other orchards within a 10 km radius (Kurtistown, Ola’a and Wai’akea) were used as untreated control orchards. Assessment of Infestation and Fruit Damage. Every two weeks throughout the fruiting season (8 May – 24 June, 2003), 100 ripe fruits were collected from each section of each orchard. Fruits were weighed and then assessed visually for the presence on the fruit surface of cracks, holes, juice, stains and Cryptophlebia spp. eggs or larvae. Fruits were then opened and searched visually for the presence of any fruit fly eggs.

Results Infestation. Fruit Flies. Infestation rate was generally low. No infested fruits were recovered from two of the control sections (Kea’au and Kurtistown). The maximum infestation rate in any fruit collection from the orchards with the split spray/control sections was 3.82%, found at the Pana’ewa orchard, the orchard that had the highest oriental fruit fly population. A higher infestation rate (8.65%), though, was found at the Wai’akea control orchard. There was, overall, no difference in infestation rate between sprayed and control sections of each of the four orchards (Figure 1).

Cryptophlebia spp. Cryptophlebia spp. infestation in the lychee fruits collected at each of the orchards ranged from 5.78 to 26.6%. Cryptophlebia spp. infestation was at least three-fold higher than infestation by oriental fruit fly in each of the orchards. Figure 1 presents the average overall percentage infestation in treated versus control orchards.

Cryptophlebia spp. Oriental Fruit Fly

Perc

enta

ge In

fest

atio

n

0

5

10

15

20

25Cryptophlebia spp.: Treated OrchardsCryptophlebia spp.: Control OrchardsOriental Fruit Fly: Sprayed OrchardsOriental Fruit Fly: Control Orchards

Fig. 1. Average percentage infestation (± SEM) of lychee fruits by Cryptophlebia spp. and oriental fruit fly in treated and control orchards.

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Fruit Damage. There was no significant difference in any of the defects in the sprayed versus control orchard sections or in orchards treated with Last Call versus untreated orchards. The overall ranges per fruit collection of fruit defects potentially caused by fruit fly and/or lychee fruit moth were cracks (0.3% - .3.5%); holes (1.8% - 14.1%); juice (2.2% - 10.9%) and stain (6.5% - 25.3%). Figure 2 presents the occurrence of the these fruit defects across all treatments and all orchards.

Cracks Holes Juice Stain

Perc

enat

ge o

f Fru

its w

ith D

efec

t

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

Fig. 2. Overall percenatage of fruits collected with damage potentially caused by fruit fly and/or Cryptophlebia spp.

Discussion

Infestation by oriental fruit flies was low in most lychee orchards. The application of the bait spray seemed to reduce the fruit fly population in an orchard with higher fruit fly populations, but reduction in fruit infestation was not found. It is expected that, at even higher population levels, population reduction by bait sprays would also have an effect of reducing infestation rate, but more data is needed on this. Overall, it is clear that application of a bait spray to lychee orchards is not needed under conditions of low oriental fruit fly population, which often may be the case. Area management of fruit flies, including crop sanitation to prevent flies from completing their life cycle from infested fruits, is preferred so that there are no nearby high population levels which could migrate from other host areas as lychee fruits ripen. Although trap catch in treated orchards decreased dramatically after the application of Last Call, there was no apparent reduction in oviposition and infestation rate by Cryptophlebia spp. Larger treatment areas may be necessary for Last Call to

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effectively kill all males and reduce reproduction by female moths. In the small lychee orchards characteristic of East Hawaii, mated females entering the field from areas with alternate hosts and laying eggs may overwhelm the number of unmated females that contact Last Call droplets and die.

References Follett, P. A., S. DeLuz, R. A. Lower, and D. K. Price. 2003. Suitability of Lychee on and off the tree for Cryptophlebia spp. (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). Proc. Hawaiian Entomol. Soc. 36: 89-94.

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B. Persimmon

Introduction

There has been a long history of oriental persimmon (Diospyros kaki L.) cultivation in Upper Kula on the island of Maui in Hawaii, with plantings of some trees dating back to the 1930’s. One persistent problem facing persimmon growers has been loss through infestation by the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), which became established in Hawaii in 1910. Mediterranean fruit fly maintains its populations throughout the year in Kula through a succession of “bridge” hosts, with the fly population moving from one host to another as each crop comes into season. In 2000, the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) – Agricultural Research Service (ARS) - U.S. Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center received funding for an areawide fruit fly integrated pest management program in Hawaii. As part of this program, a Mediterranean fruit fly suppression trial was conducted in persimmon orchards in Kula, Maui, based on mass deployment of traps baited with Biolure 3-Component Fruit Fly Bait (Suterra, Wenatchee, WA). Biolure is a synthetic protein bait consisting of separate chemical release packets for ammonium acetate, trimethylamine, and putrescine. Biolure-baited traps were placed in alternate Mediterranean fruit fly host trees which bore fruit before persimmon season started. Alternate hosts included peach, Prunus persica (L.); plum, Prunus spp.; and various citrus species (Citrus spp.). In this trial, good suppression was achieved in persimmon because many of the flies generated from infested alternate hosts which completed fruiting before persimmon season were “cleaned out” of the orchards before persimmon fruits became susceptible to sting damage. However, on a farm where a favored alternate host, coffee (Coffea arabica L.), bore mature fruits both before and during persimmon season, the mass-trapping approach did not adequately suppress the Mediterranean fruit fly population. We conducted a trial where weekly applications of GF-120 Fruit Fly Bait were applied to coffee to reduce Mediterranean fruit fly infestation in an adjacent persimmon orchard.

Materials and Methods

The trial was conducted on two farms in Upper Kula on the island of Maui, Hawaii. Coffee and persimmon were grown on both farms, located about 0.2 miles apart. The Spray Site had 100 bearing persimmon trees and about 2 acres of coffee. The Control Site had 20 bearing persimmon trees and about 0.7 acres coffee.

Population monitoring. In order to monitor fruit fly population levels, Multilure traps (Better World Manufacturing, Fresno, CA), baited with Biolure 3-Component Fruit Fly Bait (Suterra, Wenatchee, WA) were set out at both farms on 18 July, two weeks before the first spray, and were serviced weekly up until 10 December, 2002, four weeks after the last bait spray application. Traps were recharged with fresh Biolure every 8 weeks. All traps were deployed dry and toxicant-free, using a double-sided yellow sticky card hung from a “pinch” at the top of the trap to catch the attracted flies. Trap density was similar to that used in the initial mass trapping trials mentioned in the

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introduction, so would be expected to have some suppression effect at both the Spray and Control Sites.

Bait sprays. GF-120 Fruit Fly Bait (Dow AgroSciences, Indianapolis, IN) was diluted according to label directions, producing a final toxicant concentration of 0.008% spinosad. The bait was applied weekly at a rate of 0.42 gallons per acre to the underside of the leaves of the coffee plants at the Spray Site beginning 1 August, 2002 using a SP0 Backpack Sprayer (SP Systems, Santa Monica, CA) with a # 35 disk at the spray head to reduce the rate of spray application. All bait sprays were applied as “spots”, with each plant receiving about two 2 – 3 ml spots each spray. At the time of the study, coffee was not included on the label for GF-120. so coffee could not be harvested from the sprayed fields beginning after the first spray up until the time that no spinosad residue could be detected on coffee cherries.

Fruit Collections. Coffee cherries were collected from both sites before starting any sprays (25 July, 2002), after four sprays had been completed (28 Aug., 2002) and after 11 sprays had been completed (24 Oct., 2002). At the time of the third coffee collection (24 Oct., 2002), ten mature persimmon fruits were randomly collected from each of ten trees at the spray site and from each of six trees at the Control Site. Both coffee and persimmon fruits were processed for assessment of Mediterranean fruit fly infestation.

Results

Mediterranean Fruit Fly Trap Catch. Average total trap catch was not significantly different between the Spray Site and the Control site in both the coffee and persimmon on either week before the first GF-120 spray. However, trap catch was significantly lower in the sprayed coffee areas after the first spray and continued lower throughout the rest of the study (see Figure 1). Coffee Infestation Rates. In the first coffee cherry collection (collected before the first GF-120 Fruit Fly Bait spray), the coffee cherries at the Spray Site had a significantly higher rate of infestation than the coffee cherries at the Control Site. In the first coffee cherry collection taken after sprays were started (after 4 sprays were completed) the coffee cherries at the Spray Site had a significantly lower rate of infestation than the coffee cherries at the Control Site. The lower infestation rate at the Spray Site continued at the third coffee cherry collection (see Fig. 2). Persimmon Infestation Rates. The percentage infestation of persimmons by Mediterranean fruit fly was significantly less at the Spray Site (22.0%) compared to the Control Site (61.7%) (see Fig. 2).

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DateAug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Flie

s pe

r Tra

p pe

r Day

0

5

10

15

20Control Site - Medfly CatchSpray Site - Medfly CatchSpray Dates

Fig. 1. Mediterranean fruit fly catch in Medfly suppression trial utilizing weekly GF-120 Fruit Fly Bait sprays.

Date (2002)

Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Perc

enta

ge In

fest

atio

n

0

20

40

60

80

100

Coffee - Spray SiteCoffee - Control SitePersimmon - Spray SitePersimmon - Control SiteSpray Dates

Fig. 2. Percentage infestation of coffee cherries and persimmon at site where coffee was sprayed with GF-120 Fruit Fly Bait (Spray Site) and at unsprayed Control Site.

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Discussion

The bait sprays clearly suppressed the Mediterranean fruit fly population at the

Spray Site. The suppression was apparent as early as the first trap servicing after the first spray and the first coffee cherry collection after the sprays were started. Mediterranean fruit fly population suppression was seen in both coffee areas and the persimmon area of the Spray Site, even though no sprays were applied to the persimmon area. The bait spray used in this study, GF-120 Fruit Fly Bait, is a commercially available product which is labeled for fruit fly control on many crop species. Although, at the time of this study, neither coffee nor persimmon was included on the product label, there is anticipation that an “all-crops” label is forthcoming which would make this spray available for commercial use on coffee as well as on persimmon. Although this paper has shown that Mediterranean fruit fly can be suppressed in persimmon orchards through bait sprays in adjoining coffee plantings, an “all crops” label could improve levels of suppression by also permitting direct spraying on foliage in the persimmon orchard as flies become more attracted to ripening persimmons. Overall, this trial has documented that GF-120 Fruit Fly Bait sprays, in conjunction with synthetic food bait - based mass trapping, can be a valuable tool in an integrated pest management program for suppressing Mediterranean fruit fly populations in coffee areas and that such suppression can help to minimize population levels and infestation in adjacent persimmon orchards.

In Upper Kula, with increased confidence that Mediterranean fruit fly infestation can be minimized (through mass trapping, bait sprays, sanitation and established fruit fly parasitoids) there is some renewed interest to develop other tree fruit crops. A number of peach varieties had been introduced a number of years ago, but fruits were rarely harvested because of heavy infestation by Mediterranean fruit flies and introduced varieties were not maintained. Enquiries have begun for variety trials for new introductions of low-chill peach varieties. There is also some interest in reviving loquat as a crop in Upper Kula, where loquat trees are fairly common, but the fruits have often not been harvested.

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QUARANTINE UPDATES _______________________________________________________________ USDA-ARS, U.S. Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center Issue 7, September 13, 2004 Hilo, Hawaii _____________________________________________________________________________________________

Waiting for Movement on Breadfruit, Jackfruit, Mangosteen, and Dragonfruit

This is a list of the main tropical fruits in Hawaii and quarantine treatments developed to disinfest fruits of fruit flies and other insect pests before shipment from Hawaii to the U.S. mainland and foreign markets. Treatments are categorized as submitted, proposed, or accepted. Accepted treatments are underlined, and only accepted treatments are available for exporting fruit at this time. This is general information only; consult APHIS-PPQ for complete quarantine treatment or protocol regulations. What’s New: Progress on new quarantine treatments for Hawaii’s tropical fruits is inching ahead. Pest risk assessments (the first step in developing a quarantine treatment for export) have been submitted to USDA-APHIS for breadfruit and jackfruit, and pest risk assessments for dragonfruit and mangosteen are being prepared by APHIS. A rule proposing a generic irradiation dose of 150 Gy for all tephritid fruit flies is close to publication. We currently irradiate all our fruit at 250 Gy for fruit flies. Reducing the treatment dose will lower treatment costs and increase treatment capacity at the irradiation facility. The lower dose may also allow irradiation of radiosensitive fruits such as avocados (stay tuned…). Abiu • Irradiation -- 250 Gy -- treatment carried out only in an approved facility in Hawaii

or in non-fruit fly supporting areas of the mainland US. Atemoya • Irradiation -- 250 Gy -- treatment carried out only in an approved facility in Hawaii

or in non-fruit fly supporting areas of the mainland US. Avocado • Cold treatment -- all cultivars, 12 days at < 1.1oC (34oF), 14 days at < 1.67oC

(35oC), 16 days at < 2.2oC (36oC); requires heat shock pretreatment. Bananas • Nonhost status -- green bananas, cv. ‘Williams’, ‘Valery’ and ‘dwarf Brazilian’.

Regulation includes specific conditions. Irradiation may be used to disinfest fruit of surface insect pests.

Breadfruit

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2

• Pest risk assessment completed (under review at APHIS) Carambola • Cold treatment -- storage for 10 days at < 0.0oC (32oF), 11 days at < 0.6oC (33oF),

12 days at < 1.1oC (34oF), 14 days at < 1.67oC (35oF). • Irradiation -- 250 Gy -- treatment carried out only in an approved facility in Hawaii

or in non-fruit fly supporting areas of the mainland US. Citrus • High temperature forced air -- fruit core temperature heated to > 47.2oC (117oF) in

not less than 4 hours. Dragonfruit • Pest risk assessment in preparation by HDOA and APHIS. Durian • Nonhost status -- must be inspected and free of surface pests. Jackfruit • Pest risk assessment completed (under review at APHIS) Longan • Hot water immersion -- 49oC (120oF) or above for 20 minutes. (approved June 17,

2002) • Irradiation -- 250 Gy -- treatment carried out only in an approved facility in Hawaii

or in non-fruit fly supporting areas of the mainland US. Other conditions apply. Lychee • Hot water immersion -- 49oC (120oF) or above for 20 minutes. • Irradiation -- 250 Gy -- treatment carried out only in an approved facility in Hawaii

or in non-fruit fly supporting areas of the mainland US. • Vapor heat -- internal fruit temperature raised by saturated water vapor (>90% RH)

to 47.2oC (117oF) (or above) in at least 60 min. Hold at 47.2oC for 20 min. Hydrocool with a cool water spray. (approved June 17, 2002)

Mango • Irradiation -- To U.S. -- 300 Gy -- treatment carried out only in an approved facility

in Hawaii or in non-fruit fly supporting areas of the mainland U.S. • Vapor heat -- To Japan -- cv. ‘Haden’ and ‘Keitt.’ Fruit core temperature heated to

> 47.2oC (117oF) in not less than 4 hours. Other conditions apply.

Mangosteen

• Pest risk assessment in preparation by APHIS.

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3

Papaya

• High temperature forced air -- fruit core temperature heated to > 47.2oC (117oF) in not less than 4 hours.

• Vapor heat -- fruit core temperature heated by saturated water vapor to 44.4oC (112oF). Hold fruit temperature at 44.4oC for 8.75 hours, then cool immediately, OR, fruit core temperature heated to > 47.2oC (117oF) in not less than 4 hours.

• Irradiation -- 250 Gy -- treatment carried out in an approved facility in Hawaii or in non-fruit fly supporting areas of the mainland US.

Pineapple • Nonhost status -- for cultivars with 50% or more ‘smooth Cayenne’ parentage;

includes ‘Sugarloaf’. • Irradiation -- 250 Gy -- for cultivars other than 50% ‘smooth Cayenne’. Treatment

carried out only in an approved facility in Hawaii or in non-fruit fly supporting areas of the mainland US.

• Vapor heat -- for cultivars other than 50% ‘smooth Cayenne’. Fruit core temperature heated by saturated water vapor to 44.4oC (112oF). Hold fruit temperature at 44.4oC for 8.75 hours, then cool immediately.

Rambutan • Irradiation -- 250 Gy -- treatment carried out only in an approved facility in Hawaii

or in non-fruit fly supporting areas of the mainland US. • Vapor heat -- internal fruit temperature raised by saturated water vapor (>90% RH)

to 47.2oC (117oF) (or above) in at least 60 min. Hold at 47.2oC for 20 min. Hydrocooling is optional.

Sapodilla • Irradiation -- 250 Gy -- treatment carried out only in an approved facility in Hawaii

or in non-fruit fly supporting areas of the mainland US.

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4

Commodity quarantine treatments for Hawaii’s fruits and vegetables Abiu I Longan I, H Atemoya I Lychee I, H Avocado C Mango I Bananas N Papaya I, H Bell pepper I, H Pineapple I, N, H Carambola I, C Rambutan I Citrus H Sapodilla I Durian N Sweet potatoes I, F Eggplant I, H Tomatoes I, H Italian squash I, H I = irradiation, C = cold, N = non-host status, H = heat (hot water immersion or vapor heat), F = fumigation compiled by: Dr. Peter Follett, Research Entomologist, Postharvest Tropical Commodities Research Unit Tel. (808) 959-4303, Fax (808) 959-5470, email [email protected]

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Hawaii Agricultural Statistics

Fact Finders For Agriculture

HAWAII DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTUREU.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE1428 SOUTH KING STREETHONOLULU, HI 96814-2512(808) 973-9588FAX: (808) 973-2909Internet:http://www.nass.usda.gov/hi/fruit/tropfrt.htm

Mark E. HudsonDirector

Steve GunnDeputy Director

Regina W. HidanoAgricultural Statistician

Karen A. LeeStatistical Assistant

Contributing: Robert Miyake - Hawaii

Naomi Landgraf - Maui, Molokai, & LanaiJune Okamura - Oahu & Kauai

Wendell Au - Oahu

1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

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1,000

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1,400

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1,400

TROPICAL SPECIALTY FRUITS: In crop and harvested acreage,State of Hawaii, 1991-2003

In crop

Harvested

Tropical specialty fruits covered in this survey include: abiu, atemoya, caimito, cherimoya,durianlangsat, longan, loquat, lychee, mango, mangosteen, persimmon, rambutan, sapodilla, soursop,specialty pineapple, star fruit, white sapote, breadfruit, canistel, jaboticaba, jackfruit, poha,rollina, and others. Specialty pineapple was excluded beginning in 1998 but included in all pineapple totals.

Mango

In this Issue:

Hawaii Summary & Statistics. . . . 1-3

Out-of-State Supply 1999-2003 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

U.S. Mango Imports, 2001-2003. . . 4

Star fruit

HAWAII TROPICAL SPECIALTY FRUITS

FREQUENCY: ANNUAL RELEASED: September 16, 2004

TROPICAL SPECIALTY

FRUIT VALUED AT

$2.1 MILLION

Hawaii tropical specialty fruitutilization for 2003 totaled 1.2million pounds, up 20 percentfrom the previous year,according to the HawaiiAgricultural Statistics (HAS).More acreage and maturingplantings contributed toward theboost in output. Compared with2003, higher outputs werereported for mango, lychee,r a m b u t a n , p e r s i m m o n ,cherimoya, and longan, butlower for atemoya, passion fruit,and star fruit. The 2003 farm value of tropicalspecialty fruits is estimated at$2.1 million, 21 percent higherthan the 2002 value.Rambutan, mango, longan, andlychee were the top four

contributors to the 2003 value.

In-crop acreage of tropicalspecialty fruits totaled 1,250acres in 2003, an increase of80 acres from the previousyear. More acreage wasreported on all islands.Harvested acreage was alsoup 40 acres from 2002 to 600.Growers intended to plantmore longan, rambutan, andlychee in 2004. Fruits included in this surveyare listed at the bottom of thispage. Not all fruits arepublished separately to avoiddisclosure of individualoperations.

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TROPICAL SPECIALTY FRUIT STATISTICSTROPICAL SPECIALTY FRUIT: Number of farms, acreage, number of trees, production,

price, and value, State of Hawaii, 1999-2003 1

Crop Farms 2 Acreage Number of trees Utilizedproduction 3 Farm price 3 4 Value of

salesIn crop Harvested Total BearingNumber ---------- Acres ---------- 1,000 pounds Dollars per pound 1,000 dollars

Longan1999 5

2000 40 40 10 2,300 500 24.0 4.02 94.02001 35 90 30 4,700 1,500 37.0 3.05 111.02002 40 120 35 6,600 1,900 46.0 3.20 147.02003 55 135 75 6,400 3,300 114.0 3.33 380.0

Lychee1999 80 275 45 12,900 3,100 86.0 2.81 242.02000 90 300 50 15,200 3,700 5 5 5

2001 85 305 65 16,400 4,300 5 5 5

2002 90 330 95 15,500 5,000 77.0 2.64 203.02003 110 370 80 16,500 3,200 88.0 2.84 250.0

Mango1999 80 240 85 11,200 4,600 162.0 1.02 166.02000 105 250 100 12,000 5,500 207.0 .93 193.02001 70 255 185 11,100 8,200 242.0 .86 209.02002 80 260 200 10,700 7,100 377.0 .92 348.02003 85 260 200 10,700 7,400 481.0 .86 414.0

Rambutan1999 60 205 70 9,400 3,500 113.0 2.88 326.02000 70 225 85 9,800 5,000 220.0 2.98 656.02001 60 245 100 12,500 6,400 205.0 3.01 618.02002 55 270 145 13,200 6,800 257.0 3.01 773.02003 60 270 185 12,900 8,500 306.0 2.73 834.0

Starfruit1999 25 20 15 1,800 1,700 96.0 .66 63.02000 30 20 15 1,800 1,700 107.0 .64 69.02001 40 20 15 2,000 1,900 69.0 1.06 73.02002 50 25 15 2,100 1,800 63.0 1.51 95.02003 45 25 7 2,400 700 24.0 1.57 38.0

Other1999 -- 170 55 8,900 3,700 189.0 -- 243.02000 -- 125 50 6,700 3,400 169.0 -- 309.02001 -- 155 65 8,900 5,100 188.0. -- 297.02002 -- 165 70 10,900 4,800 142.0 -- 194.02003 -- 190 53 15,300 7,600 141.0 -- 212.0

Total1999 140 910 270 44,200 16,600 646.0 -- 1,040.02000 145 960 310 47,800 19,800 727.0 -- 1,321.02001 145 1,070 460 55,600 27,400 741.0 -- 1,308.02002 160 1,170 560 59,000 27,400 962.0 -- 1,760.02003 170 1,250 600 64,200 30,700 1,154.0 -- 2,128.0

-- = Not applicable. 1 Tropical specialty fruits include: abiu, atemoya, breadfruit, caimito, canistel, cherimoya, durian, jaboticaba, jackfruit, langsat, longan,loquat, lychee, mango, mangosteen, persimmon, poha, rambutan, rollina, sapodilla, soursop, starfruit, white sapote, and other fruits. If not shown separately,then combined and included in “Other” category. 2 A farm may grow more than one type of fruit. Total farms is an unduplicated count; excludes home use.3 Includes fresh and processed utilization when applicable. 4 Beginning 2001, price shown reflects average prices received as sold by farmers (loose, packed,etc.), excluding any value added through processing. Prior to 2001, prices for fresh sales were adjusted to prepacked equivalent. 5 Data not shownseparately to avoid disclosure of individual operations but combined and included with “Other”.

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TROPICAL SPECIALTY FRUIT STATISTICSTROPICAL SPECIALTY FRUIT: Number of farms, acreage, production, and value,

by counties, 1999-2003

Island FarmsAcreage Utilized

production 1 Value of salesIn crop Harvested

Number -------------------- Acres -------------------- 1,000 pounds 1,000 dollars

State19992 140 910 270 646.0 1,040.02000 145 960 310 727.0 1,321.02001 145 1,070 460 741.0 1,308.02002 160 1,170 560 962.0 1,760.02003 170 1,250 600 1,154.0 2,128.0

Counties: Hawaii

1999 85 375 110 256.0 397.02000 85 405 135 329.0 651.02001 80 515 180 351.0 736.02002 90 585 250 417.0 1,008.02003 95 600 280 462.0 1,214.0

Honolulu/Kauai/Maui 3

1999 55 535 160 390.0 643.02000 60 555 175 398.0 670.02001 65 555 280 390.0 572.02002 70 585 310 545.0 752.02003 75 650 320 692.0 914.0

1 Includes fresh and processed utilization when applicable. 2 Specialty pineapple excluded beginning 1998. 3 Kauai and Maui combined with Honolulu to avoid disclosure of individual operations.

OUT-OF-STATE SUPPLY: FRESH FRUITOUT-OF-STATE SUPPLY: Fresh fruit arrivals into the State of Hawaii, 1999-2003

Commodity 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 1,000 pounds

Atemoya N.A. N.A. 1 0 0

Caimito N.A. N.A. 0 * 0

Cherimoya N.A. 3 3 1 2

Durian N.A. N.A. 0 1 0

Longan N.A. * 10 0 3

Lychee N.A. 4 25 114 77

Mango 479 810 698 735 799

Persimmon 448 957 907 1,110 1,170

Star fruit N.A. N.A. 1 4 12 NA = Not available. * = Less than 500 pounds. Source: Department of Agriculture, Market Analysis and News Branch.

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U.S. MANGO IMPORTSU.S. FRESH MANGO IMPORTS: Quantity and value, by country of origin, 2000-2003

Harmonized Numbers: 0804504040 (9/1 - 5/31) 0804506040 (6/1 - 8/31)

Countryof origin

Quantity2000-2001 2001-2002 2002-2003

9/1 to 5/31 6/1 to 8/31 9/1 to 5/31 6/1 to 8/31 9/1 to 5/31 6/1 to 8/31Metric tons

Mexico 60,990 95,383 76,423 87,544 71,485 101,766Haiti 3,191 2,686 5,955 2,417 4,653 1,411Brazil 25,842 1,094 33,097 2,943 35,550 3,483Peru 15,553 0 20,515 0 20,582 0Nicaragua 1,666 89 1,429 0 2,183 0Guatemala 9,990 324 9,470 80 8,200 59Ecuador 19,048 19 21,460 0 27,296 0Costa Rica 1,989 0 1,334 0 1,382 0Honduras 0 0 482 0 156 123Other 57 18 144 57 79 15Total 1 138,327 99,614 170,307 93,041 171,565 106,857

Value (Million dollars)

Total 96.5 60.2 112.1 41.0 105.3 55.4

1 Totals may not add due to rounding. The conversion for 1 metric ton = 2,204.6 pounds. Source: U.S. Department of Commerce.

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1

Update on Pesticides for Control of Pests of Tropical Fruit

Christopher Jacobsen and Arnold Hara Beaumont Agricultural Research Center

Hilo, HI

Recently Registered Products For Tropical Fruits

Buprofezin Applaud 70WP

Spinosad Entrust (OMRI) or Success

Pyriproxyfen Knack or Esteem

Sulfur Pending approval

•An IGR that inhibits chitin biosynthesis, reduces ovipositioningand reduces egg viability.•Vapor activity allows it to reach undersides of leaves.

•Effective against whiteflies, scales (soft and armored),planthoppers, leafhoppers, and mealybugs.•Labeled for citrus, longan lychee, pulasan, rambutan and Spanish lime.•Use limited to 2 applications per year.

Applaud 70WP

Dale Meyerdirk USDA

•Mike Kawate (UH) found it to be effective against an armored scale (white peach scale) that infests papaya.

•Applaud reduced the number of scales infesting papaya trees for more than 2 months after the last treatment.

•Buprofezin showed good activity in bioassay studies against pink hibiscus mealybugs.

•Within 21 days after treatment >99% of crawlers and nymphs were dead. Adult mortality was 67%. Eggs of surviving adults turned black and did not hatch.

Applaud 70WP

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2

Mortality of Pink Hibiscus Mealybug Nymphs 21DAT

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8090

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Distance Dursban Enstar II Marathon II Talus Tetrasan Untreated

a a a a a b b

Knack Dursban Enstar Provado Applaud Tetrasan Untreated

Mortality of Pink Hibiscus Mealybug Adults 21DAT

0

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4050

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8090

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Distance Dursban Enstar II Marathon II Talus Tetrasan Untreated

cd a bc ab bc de e

Knack Dursban Enstar Provado Applaud Tetrasan Untreated

•The active ingredient, spinosad, is biologically derived from the fermentation of a soil organism.•This ingredient is in its own chemical grouping or class; it is a nerve poison that works on contact and through ingestion.•For resistance management use is limited to 2 times per year in tropical fruit.•Label is very broad. It includes the wording “Including but not limited to…”•Effective against lepidopterous larvae, thrips, leaf miners and katydids. •Spinosad is formulated as Justice (OMRI) for fire ant control.

Entrust (OMRI) and Success

•Spinosad should be very effective against this pest.•Bacillus thuringiensis is also very effective but breaks down quickly in sunlight.

Mangosteen CaterpillarStictoptera cuculioides Guenee

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3

•Pyriproxyfen is an IGR that inhibits metamorphosis and adult emergence. Suppresses embryogenesis within eggs.•Adult stage is not controlled but hatching of young by treated adults is reduced.•Most effective against scale insects and whiteflies.•Can be mixed with oils to improve efficacy.•Label includes lychee, longan, pulasan, rambutan, mango, papaya, and many other fruits. •Use is limited to 2 applications per growing season.•Esteem Ant Bait is available for use against ants.

Knack and Esteem Mortality of White Peach Scales One Month after Foliar applications of Distance

(Scales were < two weeks old at the time of application.)

0

20

40

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100

Mor

talit

y, %

Male Female

Untreated

Pyriproxyfen

Spiraling Whitefly Infestation of Plumeria Leaves 4 Weeks after Treatment(Distance Applied May 25 and June 28)

020406080

100

Perc

ent

DistanceUntreated

Evaluation: June 20 July 26 June 20 July 26Live pupae Leaves with

adults present

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4

•Sulfur is effective but residual efficacy is limited. It is notcurative.•Applications should be timed with flushing of leaves and flowerinitiation. Sulfur is not injurious to bees.•A sulfur product is not currently registered specifically for mite control in lychee. Efficacy data was found to support registering sulfur and phytotoxicity testing has been concluded and submitted to HI DOA. A supplemental or SLN label should be forthcoming soon.•Sulfur can still be legally applied for nutritive purposes (check label for uses).•Efficacy testing of milbemectin, a miticide compound with potential to be registered, is planned to determine if it offersgreater or longer efficacy than sulfur.

Sulfur Erinose Mite Control Erinose Mite (Aceria litchii)

on Lychee•Causes deformity in developing leaves and flowers. A silver “felt” initially develops and turns reddish brown with age.•Infestation of flowers reduces yield.•Mites are yellow to red in color, very tiny and worm-like (1/200 inch long).•Alternate hosts in the orchard are not currently known.•Wind and bees can spread infestations within an orchard.

Imidacloprid ProvadoPyrethrins Pyrenone, variousNeem derived Azitin, Neemix, TrilogyCarbaryl Carbaryl4LOils and Soaps variousBacillus thuringiensis various

Broadly Labeled Products•Imidacloprid is relatively new chloronicotine chemical that affects the nervous system of insects.

•Labeled for scales (suppression), whiteflies, aphids and leafhoppers in Tropical fruits. Activity against mealybugsand some beetles (other labels).

•Can be used on longan, lychee, mango, papaya, rambutan,pulasan, starfruit, and many others.

•Provado is only labeled for foliar application. Noimidacloprid products are registered for systemic drenches in tropical fruit.

Provado

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5

•Foliar applications of imidacloprid will be less effective; frequent reapplication is needed (no systemic activity).•Carbaryl is also effective against Chinese rose beetles but is only for use in non-bearing trees.

Dying Chinese rose beetle after feeding on plant drenched with imidacloprid about 2 weeks earlier. New growth

Imidacloprid against Chinese Rose Beetle Other Broadly Labeled InsecticidesCommon Name Brand Name Activity Insects on label

Pyrethrins Pyrenone Nerve poison, short aphids, hoppers,+PBO (synergist) Evergreen residual, “exciter” or stinkbugs, thrips,+rotenone Pyrellin flushing agent whiteflies, mites

Azadirachtin Azatin repellent, antifeedant, Chinese rose beetle,Aza-Direct insect growth regulator aphids, leafminersNeemix hoppers,caterpillars,

thrips, mites

Neem oil Trilogy suffocation, ovicidal, soft bodied insects,repellent (aphids, mealybugs)

mites, fungiBacillus Dipel ingestion, stomachthuringiensis poison, uv breakdown caterpillars

Oils & soaps various suffocation, disrupts soft bodied insectscuticle, contact action scale insects

•Buprofezin, pyriproxyfen and spinosad are effective products, which should aid in control of mealybugs, scales,thrips, and lepidopterous larvae.

•Restrictions on number of applications per year may present a real challenge here in Hawaii. Alternatives are often limited.

•Sulfur is effective against erinose mites and should be registered for that use shortly; it is currently legal to useitfor nutrient purposes. It should be applied when leaves and flowers are beginning to develop.

•Imidacloprid is an effective chemical. Unfortunately, systemic use, which provides long-term control, is not yet registered for tropical fruits.

Summary

•Broadly labeled products such as oils, soaps, Bt, andpyrethrins provide control and allow rotation among chemical classes minimizing development of resistance.

•Sanitation, cultural control and scouting are important in managing pests. Scouting is extremely valuable; it allows early treatment of pests before numbers get too high.

•Although labeled products are currently limited for tropical fruits, manufacturers are beginning to respond to the demands of this growing commodity grouping. More and more newer products will include labeling for tropical fruits.

Summary Cont’d

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Flowering and Fruiting of Sapindaceous Crops in Hawaii Andrea M. Kawabata Mike A. Nagao Darsen F. Aoki Kendra Y. Hara University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources Beaumont Agricultural Research Center 461 Lanikaula Street Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Introduction Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum) is an important Sapindaceous fruit crop in Hawaií. Other Sapindaceous crops include lychee, longan, and pulasan. According to the Hawaií Agricultural Statistics service, in 2003, 39% of the tropical fruit market was comprised of rambutan sales which totaled $834,000. The total sales of this crop have been slowly rising each year as the popularity of rambutan is shared throughout the state and the world (HASS, 2004). Some problems still exist in the cultivation of this fruit. Farmers do not have standard fertilizer application rates for orchards in Hawaií and so vary in fertilizer rates and applications from orchard to orchard. Furthermore, substantial losses occur from problems of poor pollination and fruit set. Hermaphroditic cultivars tend to produce male flowers that consist of only 0.5-0.9% of the total flower population (Nakasone and Paull, 1998). Pollen produced by male flowers from these trees is typically insufficient for large orchards. Poor fruit set is attributed to insufficient pollination which causes fruits to be deformed, unappealing, and unsalable. This publication will present new data from rambutan fruit nutrient analyses that will help to improve strategies for more efficient fertilization practices as well as data on male flower induction that can be used to increase salable fruit production.

Nutrient Content of Mature Rambutan Fruits Estimating fertilizer application rate on rambutan trees during fruit development is very difficult. During fruit development a portion of the nutrients is drawn towards the developing fruits. Therefore, adequate amounts of nutrients must be available to the tree during this stage in order for fruit development to progress properly. During December 2003 and January 2004, nutrient contents of three rambutan cultivars grown at two locations were analyzed. The cultivars ‘Binjai’ and ‘Jitlee’ were selected at Orchard A which is located in east Hawaií at 245 feet in elevation. These 6 year old rambutan trees are grown on Keaukaha extremely rocky muck soil. The cultivars ‘R167’ and ‘Binjai’ were selected at Orchard B which is also located in east Hawaií at 820 feet

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in elevation. These 14 year old rambutan trees are grown on Ola’a silty clay loam soil. Both farms are irrigated and bordered with windbreaks. Approximately one pound of mature rambutan fruits were harvested from five trees of each cultivar at the two locations. Post harvest weights of the fruits were taken and the fruits were rinsed with water before being dried in an oven at 70°C. Dry weights were recorded when the weight of the fruits no longer fluctuated meaning that all water was removed from the fruits. When dry weights were reached, the fruits were sent to the University of Hawai´i’s Agricultural Diagnostic Service Center (ADSC) for nutrient analysis. Tissue analysis data received from the ADSC was given as percentages of dry weight for macronutrients and µg per gram for micronutrients (Table 1). Data were then converted to a percentage based on 100 pounds of fresh fruit (Table 2). For example, nutrient analyses state that there was 1.10% N in one pound of fruit that had dry weight of 0.20 pounds. For every pound of fresh fruit there would be 0.0022 pounds of N and for 100 pounds of fresh fruit there would be 0.22 pounds of N. Table 2 provides a summary of the weight in pounds of macro nutrients found in one hundred pounds of fresh fruit. The mean values for the three cultivars is 0.22, 0.025, and 0.22 pounds of N,P, and K respectively. These amounts would need to be replaced due to harvesting of 100 pounds of mature rambutan fruit. If 2.2 pounds of a fertilizer with an analysis of 10-5-20 was used, it would provide the orchard with 0.22 pounds of nitrogen, 0.047 pounds of phosphorus, and 0.37 pounds of potassium. These amounts would be sufficient to replace the N, P, and K lost from the, assuming that all of the fertilizer is absorbed by the rambutan tree. Nutrient analyses of macro and micronutrients in rambutan fruits help to determine approximate amounts of nutrients lost during the fruit harvest period. Additional amounts of fertilizer must be provided to the orchard to compensate for leaching, binding of elements, runoff, and weed competition losses. Fertilizer must also be supplied to maintain a healthy tree canopy and to replace nutrients lost during branch removal. Larger fruit loads require more nutrients for proper fruit development. Experiments on Rambutan with NAA in Potassium Salt Form Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) is an auxin (plant growth hormone) typically used as a fruit thinning agent. At the 2002 13th Annual Tropical Fruit Conference, NAA was introduced as having the ability to stimulate the production of male flowers on rambutan panicles comprised mainly of functionally female flowers (Nagao, et. al., 2002). A year later, the potassium salt form of NAA (K+NAA) was noted to perform as effectively on three cultivars as NAA at a concentration of 90 ppm (Nagao, et. al., 2003). K+NAA is preferred for use because it is easily dissolved in water. The effectiveness of K+NAA on the different cultivars of rambutan in Hawai´i is not known. Thus, the purpose of this experiment was to identify rambutan cultivars that respond to treatments of K+NAA

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Eleven rambutan cultivars were treated with 90 ppm of K+NAA during the flowering season which took place between June and September 2004. During 2004, flower development was unusually late and the flowering season was extended due to unusually dry weather on the east side of Hawai´i. These cultivars were located at four different orchards in east Hawai´i. Orchard A contained the cultivars ‘Binjai’, ‘Jitlee’, and R162 and Orchard B contained the cultivar ‘R167’. Orchard C is located 16 feet higher in elevation than Orchard B, has similar soil composition, and contains the cultivar ‘R9’. Orchard D is located at an elevation of 370 feet. This farm has Hilo silty clay loam soild and contains the cultivars ‘R134’, ‘R9’, ‘R137 Red’, ‘R156 Red’, ‘Rongrien’, ‘R7’, and ‘R156 Yellow’. The treatments consisted of 15 replications of treated panicles and controls. Control panicles were sprayed with distilled water and treated panicles were sprayed with 90 ppm of K+NAA when approximately 10% of the flowers were at anthesis. All panicles were sprayed to wetness. Since rambutan panicles do not open synchronously within a tree or throughout an orchard, treatments were applied periodically as the flowering season progressed. As a result, treatment dates varied between panicles. Male flowers with extended anthers were counted and recorded for the days noted on Table 3. Figure 1 illustrates the differences between female flowers, naturally occurring male flowers, and male flowers that are produced after panicles are treated with K+NAA. Results of this experiment indicate that the cultivars respond to treatments of 90 ppm of K+NAA. Little or no male flowers were produced on the control panicles. Male flowers appearing on the control panicles were likely due to the ability of cultivars such as ‘R156 Yellow’, ‘R134’, and ‘Silengkeng’ to naturally produce male flowers (Table 3 and Fig. 2). Male flower production was apparent on treated panicles four to five days after treatment. Maximum numbers of male flowers were produced at 6-8 days and induction ceased after about twelve days (Table 4 and Fig. 3). Physical and physiological characteristics of the different cultivars influence the intensity and responsiveness to K+NAA treatments. Cultivars such as ‘Rongrien’ and ‘Jitlee’ are very responsive and consistently produce male flowers. Anthesis occurs more synchronously in these cultivars. Although ‘Binjai’, ‘R162’, and ‘R156 Red’ have the ability to be very responsive to K+NAA, low numbers of male flowers are produced if panicles are not treated during the peak flowering period. Climate also influences the effectiveness of K+NAA treatments. Rambutan trees grown in higher elevations did not respond as well as those at lower elevations, probably due to cooler conditions. Promotion properties of K+NAA are as effective as NAA in inducing the production of male flowers on rambutan panicles with the advantage of being easier to use. Timing Application Experiment of K+NAA Timing of application of the K+NAA sprays was also studied in July and August 2004. M. Nagao suggests treating rambutan panicles with NAA that are approximately 10% open (Nagao, et al., 2002). Since rambutan panicles do not open synchronously, some panicles have flowers that are just beginning the anthesis process during the same time

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that other panicles are finishing the process. When spraying large or numerous trees, spray bottles are not efficient for use. With the use of larger sprayers, precision is lost and many panicles are treated even though only one is targeted. The objective of this experiment was to determine if treatments of K+NAA were successful in inducing male flowers during advanced stages of anthesis. The effects of multiple applications of K+NAA were also studied. ‘Jitlee’ panicles at Orchard A were treated with 90 ppm K+NAA when approximately 50% of the flowers were open. Twenty replicate panicles were treated. The panicles were sprayed to wetness and flower counts were made every two days starting on the fourth day after treatment. Panicles treated at 50% open had male flowers that were visible in approximately four days. Data show that the production of male flowers peaked 6-8 days after the treatment and gradually ceased after about twelve days. Table 5 and Fig. 4 provide total averages for the 20 replications. Ten percent of the treated panicles did not respond to the treatment. Multiple treatments were also conducted and the effects were observed. ‘Binjai’ and ‘Jitlee’ rambutan grown at Orchard E were chosen for this experiment. Orchard E is located in east Hawai´i at an elevation of 295 feet. The rambutan trees were about 6 years old growing on Hilo silty clay loam. The panicles were treated at 10% open with 90 ppm K+NAA and retreated with the same concentration eight days after the first application when approximately 50% of the flowers were open. Data was taken every three days beginning on the sixth day after the first treatment. Data from Table 6 and Fig. 4 show that the number of male flowers peaked approximately nine days after the first treatment and ceased to be induced seven days after the second treatment (15 days after the first spray). There was a slight increase in the average number of male flowers per panicle on the twelfth day after treatment when the data was compared to that of panicles sprayed once at 10% or at 50% open (Fig. 6). These results suggest that a second application of 90 ppm K+NAA prolongs the formation of male flowers by approximately 3 days. Results of these experiments show that panicles at advanced stages of development respond to K+NAA treatments but the response is less than when panicles are treated earlier. Multiple applications of this auxin are also successful at inducing and prolonging the formation for male flowers by approximately 3 days. Other Growth Regulators Auxins come in many different forms and chemical compositions. Six different compounds or forms of auxins were tested for their ability and effectiveness to induce male flowers on rambutan panicles. The compounds used were: Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), Indole-3-butyric acid potassium salt (K+IBA), Indole-3-acetic acid (Na+IAA), Tre-Hold®, Fruitone®, and K-Salt™ Fruit Fix. The active ingredients in these commercial

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formulations are similar in structure to that of NAA. The active ingredient in Tre-Hold® is 1.15% ethyl-1-naphthaleneacetic acid, in Fruitone® is 3.5% 1-Naphthaleneacetic acid sodium salt (Na+NAA), and in K-Salt™ Fruit Fix is 24.20% K+NAA . These compounds are normally used in fruit thinning and for controlling early fruit drop of apples and pears. Concentration experiments were conducted with IBA, K+IBA, and Na+IAA to find a rate that was successful at inducing the production of male flowers. A range of concentrations was tested and narrowed to those that produced the most male flowers. ‘Jitlee’ and ‘Binjai’ panicles at Orchard A were treated with IBA, K+IBA, and Na+IAA at concentrations of 45, 90, 135, 180, and 270 ppm in July 2004 when panicles were 10% open. A 0.27% stock solution of IBA in 70% ethyl alcohol was prepared to make the different concentrations of IBA solutions. The IBA solutions were difficult the make since the stock solution precipitated out of solution when it was added to water too quickly and at low temperatures. Male flowers were counted every two days starting on the forth day after treatment. ‘Jitlee’ panicles treated with different concentrations of IBA, K+IBA, and Na+IAA did not produce male flowers. Two of the three treated ‘Binjai’ panicles responded to K+IBA treatments at the 135, 180, and 270 ppm concentrations with the two highest concentrations inducing the most male flowers. At 45 and 90 ppm there were no effects on the panicles. Higher concentrations of 135, 270, and 540 ppm of K+IBA were tested on ‘Binjai’ panicles at Orchard A in July 2004. Panicles 10% open were sprayed to wetness. Data was taken 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 days after the treatments were conducted. Results of this experiment showed that two of the five (40%) replications produced low numbers of male flowers at 540 ppm 6-10 days after being treated. Three out of the five (60%) replications did not respond to the treatments. The last experiment involved spraying 540 ppm K+IBA and Na+IAA at Orchard E in August 2004 on ‘Jitlee’ and ‘Binjai’ panicles that were approximately 10% open. Data were taken at 7, 8, and 9 days after treatments were done. Seven out of the ten (70%) K+IBA treatments and six out of the ten (60%) Na+IAA treatments conducted on ‘Binjai’ did not respond. Nine out of the ten (90%) K+IBA treatments and five out of the ten (50%) Na+IAA treatments conducted on ‘Jitlee’ did not respond. One (10%) control panicle from the Na+IAA treatment performed on ‘Binjai’ as well as four control (40%) panicles on ‘Jitlee’ produced male flowers (Table 7 and Fig. 7). As a result of these experiments, it may be concluded that IBA, K+IBA, and Na+IAA have the ability to induce the production of male flowers at concentrations of 135 ppm and greater with effectiveness increasing with increasing concentration.

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Tre-Hold® was tested on the cultivars ‘R167’ and ‘R134’ at Orchard D in August 2004. A 90 ppm active ingredient (AI) solution of Tre-Hold® was made and sprayed on the panicles to wetness. The controls were sprayed with distilled water. Panicles at 10% open were randomly selected for each treatment. Male flower counts were taken seven days after the panicles were treated. Results of this experiment show that the controls did not produce any male flowers. All (100%) ‘R134’ and ‘R167’ replications produced at least one male flower seven days after being treated. At Orchard E, 90 ppm AI of Fruitone® and K-Salt™ Fruit Fix were applied to panicles of ‘R134’ and ‘R167’ in September 2004. The controls were sprayed with distilled water and all panicles were sprayed to wetness. Six panicles for each treatment were treated when 10% of the flowers were open. Data were taken seven days later. Results show that all panicles of both cultivars produced male flowers seven days after treatment while male flowers were not visible on the control panicles. Table 8 and figure 8 provide the average number of male flowers induced seven days after Tre-Hold®, Fruitone®, and K-Salt™ Fruit Fix treatments were conducted. Table 9 summarizes results of the various auxins tested. These experiments demonstrate that other forms of auxins and NAA promote male flower production on rambutan panicles. Although data show that IBA, K+IBA, and Na+IAA have the ability to induce the production of male flowers, these compounds are not as effective as K+NAA while Tre-Hold®, Fruitone®, and K-Salt™ Fruit Fix are just as effective as K+NAA. All three commercial formulations dissolve in water or create a suspension that is easy to apply with a sprayer. However, these commercial brands are not registered for use on rambutan in Hawai´i and it is unlawful to use these compounds in ways other than what is noted on the label. Pollen Germination of Male Rambutan Flowers The ability to induce the formation of male flowers with viable pollen is important in ensuring that proper pollination occurs throughout an orchard. Viability of these pollen grains was determined by a simple pollen germination technique developed by Brewbaker and Kwack (Brewbaker and Kwack, 1963). Pollen initially did not germinate on their full strength media, but successful germination was obtained with solutions at half strength. The solution used in this study contained: 50 ppm H3BO3 150 ppm Ca(NO3)2 · 4H2O 100 ppm MgSO4 · 7H2O 50 ppm KNO3 5% Sucrose

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Flower panicles were removed during the morning hours and kept in a polybag with a moistened paper towel. Whatman filter paper was first placed on the bottom of a Petri dish and then dampened with distilled water to provide moisture and prevent desiccation of the media and pollen grains. The slide was prepared by placing a drop of media, no larger than 3 mm in diameter, in the center of the slide. Flowers that had dehiscing anthers as well as those that were not dehiscent were removed from the panicle and placed on a slide. Using a dissecting microscope, pollen from two anthers originating from the same flower were removed with a needle and placed into the media. Pollen was also collected from anthers that became dehiscent under the warmth of the microscope (Fig. 9). Pollen from the eleven cultivars listed in Table 3 was tested for viability. In addition, pollen from naturally produced male flowers of ‘Silengkeng’, flowers of a male tree, and flowers from ‘R167’ and ‘R134’ panicles treated with Tre-Hold® (Ethyl-1-naphthaleneacetate) were also tested. Pollen from the treated cultivars, ‘Silengkeng’, and the male tree successfully germinated in 15-42 hours of being placed in the germination medium (Fig. 10). The pollen of ‘Rongrien’ flowers seemed to respond better than other cultivars; in 24 hours, the average number of germinating pollen grains was greater and the pollen tubes were more elongated than those of other cultivars. Results of the germination tests confirm that induced and non-induced male flowers are able to supply viable pollen for pollination. Pollen germination and viability percentages are cultivar dependent. Conclusion Fruit nutrient analyses help to determine fertilizer rates that would replace nutrients lost during fruit harvests. Many components of orchard management must be considered when applying fertilizers. These components include but are not limited to leaching and run-off of nutrients, tree health and vigor, soil composition, pruning, and fruit load. Fruit set requires the pollination of flowers. Insufficient pollination causes the production of undersized and deformed fruit. Proper pollination produces fruits that are robust and appealing to consumers. Pollination can be improved by incorporating male trees into the orchard and with applications of NAA to panicles to increase the number of male flowers. NAA in the salt forms as well as commercial brands of NAA like Tre-Hold®, Fruitone®, and K-Salt™ Fruit Fix can induce the production of male flowers on rambutan panicles at concentrations of 90 ppm AI. Flower panicles at different stages of anthesis respond positively to treatments of NAA. Spot treatments are encouraged throughout the orchard since treated panicles often do not produce fruit. Response of auxins IBA, K+IBA, and Na+IAA were inconsistent as some controls produced more male flowers than treated panicles. Additional experiments with these compounds should be conducted.

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Literature Review: Brewbaker, J.L. and B.H. Kwack. 1963. The essential role of calcium in pollen germination and pollen tube growth. American Journal of Botany. 50: 859-865. HASS. 2004. Hawaií Agricultural Statistics Service. Hawaií Department of Agriculture. http://www.nass.usda.gov/hi/fruit/tropfrt.htm. Nagao, M.A., H.M. Leite, A.M. Kawabata, and A.Y. Terada. 2002. Abstract: Update of tropical fruit research in Hawaií. In: Proceedings of the 12th Annual International Tropical Fruit Conference. Nagao, M.A., T. Tsumura, and A.M. Kawabata. 2003. Update of tropical fruit research in Hawaií. In: Proceedings of the 13th Annual International Tropical Fruit Conference. Nakasone, H.Y. and R.E. Paull. 1998. Tropical Fruits. CABI Publishing. New York. p. 184.

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Table 1. Nutrient element composition of ‘Jitlee’, ‘Binjai’, and ‘R167’ rambutan fruits on a dry weight basis.

Table 2. Nutrient element composition of 100 pounds of fresh rambutan fruits.

Figure 1. Pictorial drawings of the three types of flowers present on rambutan panicles.

Female Flower Male Flower Induced Male Flower *Courtesy of A. Kawabata

Percent of Dry Weight ppm of Dry Weight Location: Cultivar

N P K Ca Mg S Zn B

Farm A (12/4/03) Jitlee' 1.23 ± .12* .12 ± .01 1.22 ± .10 .22 ± .03 .12 ± .02 .10 ± .01 22 ± 2.83 15 ± 1.14

Farm A (12/4/03) Binjai' 1.12 ± .28 .11 ± .01 1.22 ± .29 .24 ± .07 .13 ± .02 .09 ± .02 21 ± 3.32 13 ± 1.92

Farm B (1/12/04) Binjai' 1.04 ± .11 .13 ± .01 .94 ± .15 .22 ± .04 .17 ± .01 .09 ± .01 21 ± 1.87 12 ± 1.67

Farm B (1/12/04) R167' .82 ± .10 .11 ± .01 .86 ± .11 .21 ± .05 .14 ± .02 .08 ± .01 15 ± 3.49 11 ± 1.92

*Mean ± STDEV 1.05 ± .17 .12 ± .01 1.06 ± .18 .22 ± .01 .14 ± .02 .09 ± .01 20 ± 3.10 13 ± 1.69

Percent of Fresh Weight Location: Cultivar

N P K Ca Mg S

Farm A (12/4/03) ‘Jitlee' .253 .024 .251 .044 .025 .021

Farm A (12/4/03) ‘Binjai' .228 .024 .249 .049 .027 .019

Farm B (1/12/04) ‘Binjai' .221 .027 .200 .046 .035 .019

Farm B (1/12/04) ‘R167' .180 .025 .189 .047 .031 .017

Mean ± STDEV .220 ± .030 .025 ± .001 .222 ± .032 .047 ± .002 .030 ± .004 .019 ± .002

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Table 3. Average number of male flowers on control panicles of 90 ppm K+NAA treatment produced over a 12 day period.

Days After Treatment Cultivar

Farm

Elevation 0 4 6 8 10 12

‘Binjai’ A 75 m 0 0 0 0 0 0 ‘Jitlee’ A 75 m 0 0 0 0 0 0 ‘R162’ A 75 m 0 0 0 0 0 0 ‘R167’ B 245 m 0 0 0 0 0 0 ‘R9’a C 250 m 0 0 0 0 0 0

‘R134’ D 115 m .1 .3 .4 .3 .1 0 ‘R9’b D 115 m 0 0 0 0 0 0

‘R137 Red’* D 115 m 0 0 0 0 0 0 ‘R156 Red’ D 115 m 0 0 0 0 0 0 ‘Rongrien’ D 115 m 0 0 0 0 0 0

‘R7’ D 115 m 0 0 0 0 0 0 ‘R156 Yellow’ D 115 m .2 .4 .1 0 0 0

* Nine panicles treated on R137 Red. Figure 2. Trend of male flower development on control panicles of 90 ppm K+NAA treatment.

0

1

2

3

4

5

DOT 4DAT 6DAT 8DAT 10DAT 12DAT

Days of Observation

No.

of M

ale

Flow

ers

R167

BinjaiJitlee

R162

R9aR134

R9b

R137R156 Red

RongrienR7

R156 Yellow

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Table 4. Average number of male flowers produced over a 12 day period on panicles treated with 90 ppm K+NAA at 10% open.

Days After Treatment Cultivar

Farm

Elevation 0 4 6 8 10 12

‘Binjai’ A 75 m 0 23.3 28.5 19.4 6.4 1.3 ‘Jitlee’ A 75 m 0 10.5 65.8 84.8 65.0 15.2 ‘R162’ A 75 m 0 0 4.0 6.8 2.7 0 ‘R167’ B 245 m 0 0 16.5 28.9 17.6 7.4 ‘R9a’ C 250 m 0 0 1.2 13.7 5.1 .7

‘R134’ D 115 m 0 2.7 37.0 36.5 18.3 5.6 ‘R9b’ D 115 m 0 0 41.4 55.5 26.5 14.0

‘R137 Red’* D 115 m 0 .9 26.2 17.7 11.8 .6 ‘R156 Red’ D 115 m 0 0 4.5 9.6 6.7 4.4 ‘Rongrien’ D 115 m 0 18.5 106.2 111.2 88.9 41.6

‘R7’ D 115 m 0 .6 27.4 81.7 47.3 17.0 ‘R156 Yellow’ D 115 m 0.8 13.6 37.3 67.9 52.1 19.8 * Nine panicles treated on R137 Red. Figure 3. Trend of male flower development on panicles treated with 90 ppm K+NAA at 10% open.

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

0 4 6 8 10 12

Days After Treatment

Ave

. No.

of M

ale

Flow

ers/

Pani

cle

R167

Binjai

Jitlee

R162

R9a

R134

R9b

R137

R156 Red

Rongrien

R7

R156 Yellow

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Table 5. Average number of male flowers produced on ‘Jitlee’ panicles when treated with 90 ppm K+NAA at 50% open.

Days After Treatment Treatment 0 4 6 8 10 12

Treated 0 13.2 85.8 47.0 20.5 4.7 Control 0 0 0 0 0 0

Figure 4. Trend of male flower development on panicles treated with 90 ppm K+NAA at 50% open.

0

20

40

60

80

100

0 4 6 8 10 12


Ave

. No.

of M

ale

Flow

ers/

Pani

cle

Treated

Control

80

Table 6. Average number of male flowers produced on ‘Binjai’ and ‘Jitlee’ panicles treated with 90 ppm K+NAA at 10% + 50% open.

Days After Treatment Cultivar Treatment

0 6 9 12 15 ‘Binjai’ Treated 10% + 50% 0.1 39 49.9 21.2 3.8 ‘Binjai’ Control 10% + 50% 0.1 0.2 1.3 1.3 0.2 ‘Jitlee’ Treated 10% + 50% 0 42.3 67.3 39.3 6.5 ‘Jitlee’ Control 10% + 50% 0 0 0 0 0

Figure 5. Trend of male flower development on panicles treated with 90 ppm K+NAA at 10% and 50% open.

0

20

40

60

80

100

0 6 9 12 15


No. o

f Mal

e Fl

ower

s pe

r Pa

nicl

e

Binjai' Treated

Binjai' Control

Jitlee' Treated

Jitlee' Control

Figure 6. Average number of male flowers produced on ‘Binjai’ and ‘Jitlee’ panicles 12 days after treatment with 90 ppm K+NAA at 10%, 50%, or 10% + 50% open

15.2

1.38.9

39.3

21.2

0

10

20

30

40

50

Jitlee/10% Binjai/10% Jitlee/50% Jitlee/10% +50%

Binjai/10% +50%

Cultivar/Treatment

No. o

f Mal

e Fl

ower

s pe

r Pa

nicl

e

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Table 7. Average number of male flowers produced by ‘Jitlee’ panicles treated with 540 ppm Na+IAA.

Days After Treatment Treatment Date of Treatment 0 7 8 9

Treated 8/4/2004 0 1.0 0.9 0.2 Control 8/4/2004 0.1 0.4 1.9 0.1

Figure 7. Average number of male flowers produced at 7, 8, and 9 days after ‘Jitlee’ panicles were treated with 540 ppm Na+IAA.

540 ppm Na+IAA Application on 'Jitlee' Panicles at 10% Open

0

12

3

4

5

DOT 7DAT 8DAT 9DAT

Days of Observation

No. o

f Mal

e Fl

ower

s pe

r Pan

icle

Treated

Control

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Table 8. Average number of male flowers produced by ‘R167’ and ‘R134’ panicles when treated with 90 ppm AI of commercial formulations containing NAA.

Treatment Cultivar Control Tre-Hold® Fruitone® K-Salt™ Fruit Fix R167' 0 48.09 26.83 21 R134' 0 29.93 56 30

Figure 8. Average number of male flowers produced seven days after panicles were treated with commercial formulations of NAA.

0 0

48.09

29.9326.83

56

21

30

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

'R167' 'R134'

Cultivar

No. o

f Mal

e Fl

ower

s pe

r Pa

nicl

e

Control

Tre-Hold®

Fruitone®

K-Salt™ Fruit Fix

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Table 9. Effectiveness of auxins at different concentrations, forms, and timing applications.

Response to:

Cultivar Fa

rm

Elev

atio

n

90 p

pm K

+ NA

A a

t 10%

90 p

pm K

+ NA

A a

t 50%

90

ppm

K+ N

AA

at 1

0% +

50

%1

45, 9

0, 1

35, 1

80, 2

70

ppm

IBA

at 1

0%

45, 9

0, 1

35, 1

80, 2

70,

540

ppm

K+ IB

A a

t 10%

45, 9

0, 1

35, 1

80, 2

70,

540

ppm

Na+ IA

A a

t 10%

Tre-

Hol

d®

Frui

tone

®

K-S

alt™

Fru

it Fi

x

‘Binjai’ D 115 m Y - - - - - - - - ‘Binjai’ E 90 m - - Y - U3 U3 - - - ‘Binjai’ A 75 m Y - - - Y2 N4 - - - ‘Jitlee’ D 115 m Y - - - - - - - - ‘Jitlee’ E 90 m - - Y - U3 U3 - - - ‘Jitlee’ A 75 m Y Y Y N N4 N4 - - -

‘Rongrien’ D 115 m Y - - - - - - - - ‘R7’ D 115 m Y - - - - - - - - ‘R9’ C 250 m Y - - - - - - - - ‘R9’ D 115 m Y - - - - - - - -

‘R134’ D 115 m Y - - - - - Y - - ‘R134’ E 90 m Y - - - - - - Y Y

‘R137 Red’* D 115 m Y - - - - - - - - ‘R156 Red’ D 115 m Y - - - - - - - -

‘R156 Yellow’ D 115 m Y - - - - - - - - ‘R162’ A 75 m Y - - - - - - - - ‘R167’ D 115 m - - - - - - Y - - R167' E 90 m Y - - - - - - Y Y‘R167’ B 245 m Y - - - - - - - -

* Y = Responded to treatment * N = Did not respond to treatment * U = Unable to determine effectiveness 1. Resprayed at 8DAT 2. Male flowers produced at 135, 180, 270, and 540 ppm. 45 and 90 ppm concentration did not have an effect on panicles. Not all replications responded. 3. Inconsistent results, few male flowers produced by treated and/or control panicles. 540 ppm concentration only. 4. No male flowers produced at 45, 90, 135, 180, and 270 ppm

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Figure 9. Photograph of a dehiscing anther with pollen grains.

Figure 10. Photographs of germinated male pollen grains from a non-induced male flower (left) and K+NAA-induced male flower (right).

‘Silengkeng’ ‘Rongrien’

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Orchard Management of Lychee, Longan, Mango and Mamey Sapote


86

Regardless of the crop considered, there are a number of assumptions that must be made:

You must know your market – Local, export, organic, ethnic, retail, wholesale, etc.

87

Site selection: Critical for each crop due to wind, cold, salt, drainage, access, etc.88

Reputable, trustworthy nursery to supply quality, uniform trees of known origin.89

Uniform, clonal material to aid in management.90

Key elements of management: Proper micronutrient nutrition. Fe, Zn, Mn

91

Lychee (Litchi chinensis)92

Flowering: Standard and off-season.93

Girdling or ringing in mid to late summer. Blooming and size control.

94

Pruning of terminals: Late Fall, early Winter. 95

Pruning at harvest to control tree size.

96

Mechanical pruning to control flowering and size. 97

Arrival of new pests: Twig borers, scales.98

Longan (Dimocarpus longan)99

Flowering control: Potassium chlorate: Foliar (1 g/l); drench (0.25 g/cm trunk diameter).

Depending on location 1 to 4 g/square cm of canopy.100

Fruit thinning: ½ or more of each panicle as early as possible. Size increase will depend on the year.

101

Longan overall is highly adaptable: Mechanical and hand labor.

102

Mango (Mangifera indica)103

Keys to mango management: Water requirements (20 to 40 in annual rainfall). 104

Keys to mango management: nitrogen status.105

Excess rainfall, humidity, and nitrogen = poor production, quality and disease. 106

Production with cultivar selection, orchard and flowering management. 107

Annual production of 20 to 30 MT/acre with proper cultivar, conditions. 108

Mamey Sapote(Pouteria sapota)109

Proper nutrition: Iron, manganese and zinc. 110

Water requirements are high when young: 1 inch every third day with poor soil. 111

Pruning by hand within the first 5 years important for precocious flowering and fruiting.

Older trees can be mechanically pruned each year to maintain size and production.

112

Proper harvesting and cultivar selection are keys to long term marketing success. 114

1

Japanese Fruit Parks as Models for Rural Development in Hawaii – Ken Love Much of Japan’s agricultural heritage has given way to modern multinational corporations. As it is with many countries, Japan finds itself relying more on agricultural imports and corporate farming leaving the traditional family farms in need of an outlet for both their crops and their frustrations with changes in lifestyle. This, compounded with the aging population of farmers and that their offspring have little or no interest in farming, has created a need to promote development and agricultural sustainability in rural areas. Due to the growing awareness of this situation in Japan the development of a number of fruit parks occurred. What could be called tourist attractions in reality serve a broad number of purposes. The parks developed through a collaboration of the Japan Agricultural Cooperatives, Prefecture governments, local universities, agricultural product companies, commodity wholesalers/marketers, tourism companies and others in private enterprise. The following examples can serve as role models for development of attractions in rural Hawaii that contribute to the sustainability of the rural Hawaiian life style and the unique Hawaiian agricultural heritage. These models combine a number of services that result in contributions to the local economies as well as directly to farmers and the participating cooperatives. In addition to being a popular visitor attraction, the fruit parks offer educational services that include onsite extension agents and educators, reference libraries, and meeting rooms. Activities for children, shops featuring products made from crops grown on site and farmers markets are also integrated into the attractions. Assistance is provided in both horticulture and product development. Often growers are paired with marketing companies or production facilities. Match making is a frequent mode of participation in these operations. The help that is available at these attractions is for anyone. Local participants and visitors are brought together for both special events and daily educational activities. Nagoya City Togokuzan Fruit Park

The Togokuzan Fruit Park opened in 1980 and is located within the city limits of Nagoya, Japans third largest city. In addition to being a popular spot for tourists and elementary school excursions, it serves a number of functions for the agricultural community that surrounds the city. Nagoya is the center of Aichi prefecture, which is the largest fig producing area in Japan as well as a major supplier of persimmon, peaches and other fruit crops. As a tourist destination, it is a central location where visitors can purchase items in the shop based not only on locally produced fruit products but also on those grown in the two large tropical green houses as well as on the park grounds. There are fish ponds adjacent to the park that provide rental poles, small boats and picnic areas. Farmers can arrange with the park to sell their produce in areas within the park and through the park store. The two large green houses that require a fee for entrance offer visitors an educational experience with fruit we oftentake for granted in Hawaii. The park has special events when jackfruit, mango, strawberry guava and many other tropical fruit are

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harvested. Parks like Togokuzan are one reason that fruit shops and department stores throughout Japan routinely carry more unusual fruit like durian, dragon fruit, passion fruit and jackfruit. The park also features 150 varieties of fruit with more than 1000 trees. Also, an onsite reference library, meeting room, wax museum of fruit varieties, toys and activities for children and a multimedia presentation area. Park staff consists of horticulturalists as well as tour guides and research associates. Experts are on hand to assist visitors with questions regarding any variety of fruit grown as well as general horticultural questions. Visitors are free to sit in the library and copy any of the available reference material. Special events, lectures, tours and viewings are common in both the tropical green house area and outside growing areas. Farm tools, types of fertilizers, spay units and other farm related implements are on display. The outside areas are examples of commercial fruit production in Japan and elsewhere in Asia. Walkways that wind through the park often feature “fruit” landscaping. Each area of the park shows the structures used in the production of a particular type of fruit. Plums, Peaches, Persimmons, Apricot, Kiwi, Apple pears and Grapes and many variety of citrus are pruned, tied and bagged, (protective bags against pests and diseases), in daily operations. Special events revolve around flowering and harvesting. Special demonstrations of farming techniques by staff and guest experts are frequent as are lectures on diverse but related topics. This is a working farm with daily operations in addition to being a visitor attraction. Perhaps one of the more interesting aspects of Togokuzan is the tree shaping and pruning techniques that visitors can see. In many Asian locations trees are kept low to facilitate harvesting and save labor time. At the park it is apparent that sustainable practices are utilized to the utmost. Mulching, composting and recycling of organic material are practiced. Each fruit has a number of signs that describe its history, cultural practice and usage. Additional information on any fruit is available in the park library. http://www.chance.ne.jp/TOGOKU-1/ Pictures of the park, store and fruit museum can be seen at: http://www.hawaiifruit.net/togopark/index.html Hamamatsu Fruit Park

The Hamamatsu Fruit Park, about a two-hour drive from Togokuzan, covers 43 hectares and contains 5000 trees of which there are 160 cultivars. The parks extensive collection of citrus cultivars especially kumquat is well known. The domed greenhouses are filled with tropical fruits familiar in Hawaii. There are interactive displays with quizzes and museum displays. Mango, banana and papayas are grown and harvested for park festivals and sale at the park stores. What makes the Hamamatsu Park so unique is the design and architecture. Still a large working farm, it is very visitor oriented in its design. One can wander endlessly through the orchards and green houses or take a small tractor built into a steam train engine design. (http://e-fruitpark.com/train.html )There is a very large modern and very innovative playground for children under 12. (http://e-fruitpark.com/playground.html )

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Keeping with the theme, the playground includes a giant slide coming out of what must be a 3 story tall pineapple. All the gym equipment has some connection to fruit, Banana swings, Orange jungle gyms and a host of others. There is also a summer day camp available. The 3 restaurants on the grounds offer a wide choice but always include something from the park. While the kids are playing, the folks are shopping in 2 areas adjacent to the playground. One, a store featuring fruit products and fresh fruit, includes tropical specialties such as cherimoya and dragon fruit. When the parks trees are not producing the fresh fruit is purchased commercially so that visitors can still enjoy the taste of something they have just learned about on a park tour. The other area is a farmers market for fresh produce from the park and area farmers Built on a hillside, the park has one of the longest covered escalators in Japan going up and down the side of the mountain. There is a modern suspension bridge that connects different parts of the park. Signage is everywhere: directional signs, botanic information signs, seasonal guides and maps and historic information on the fruit and its origin. There are numerous weekly events posted on web sights and advertised in the area. They revolve around floral viewing and displays, fruit harvest and tasting, guest lectures and farming technique demonstrations. Often, very large potted trees are moved to the entrance area when they are flush with fruit or flowers offering the visitor their first taste of what’s to come during a day at the park. In addition to the visitor attractions, the park also has on site horticultural specialists to answer any question from farmers or the visitors. Technical publications are made available as well. As a whole, the production area of the park typifies the best cultural practices of Japanese farming. The trees are perfectly pruned and trained; fruit is bagged and harvested at perfection. Fertilizing and mulching and watering are monitored constantly. The park has educational seminars on various levels for anyone with an interest in growing fruit. http://www.city.hamamatsu.shizuoka.jp/hamaEng/site/sc2c.htm (English) http://e-fruitpark.com/east_area.html (Japanese) Tomiura Biwa Club

The Biwa Club in Tomiura Chiba Japan, about a 3-hour drive from Tokyo, is unique in the sense that it focuses primarily on Biwa or loquat, as we know it in Hawaii. Founded by the Chiba Prefecture Government, Biwa Cooperative, private investors and farmers, the location serves a number of purposes. In this fairly remote location the club is a rest stop for weary travelers heading farther south to the tip of the Chiba Peninsula. While there, they are indoctrinated into the world of Biwa fruit. The facilities boasts a shop which features almost 2000 items manufactured locally with the fruit, as well as a number of other items that are made from Chiba’s wide range of agricultural products. There is something for everyone at the shop, a wide range of products including foods, wines, toys, cosmetics and books, all about loquat. There are many logo items featuring cartoon type characters based on the Biwa. The restaurant inside the club features many Items that also contain the fruit. Biwa curry and Biwa ice cream are among the more popular items. There is also a library and reference room for farmers as well as meeting room.

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During the height of loquat season, May and June) the club also provides space for farmers to sell direct to the public. The large area around the club is both parking and staging area for bus tours from Tokyo and elsewhere in Japan. Tours are either pre arranged or can be decided upon at arrival. The tours are not at the club but at farmer member locations. Depending on the farmer’s schedule, they can choose to open their farm for the day or not. Independent travelers can leave their cars at the club and join bus tours of the farms. The tours start and end at the club, which during the height of the season is packed with people. More than 30 large buses can be accommodated as well as large numbers of cars. Once at the farms, visitors have more choices, they can join a farm tour and learn about the growing cycle of the Biwa trees or they can simply enter one area and pick and eat the fresh fruit. There are on farm stands, which sell both packaged fruit and other items that may or may not differ from what is available at the Biwa Club. Some visitors will tour a number of different farms the same day although the differences from farm to farm are minimal and may only differ in the cultivar of loquat grown. Some farmer’s report that since the club started these tours, their income has almost doubled. Previously the fruit was sold solely to the cooperative. The cooperative has embraced the idea as it builds awareness for the fruit and teaches the public (often Tokyo city dwellers) what the farmers go through. Since the cooperative has a share in the club, as do the farmers, all benefit economically. In addition to paying for the tours, visitors buy items at the farm and at the club both at the beginning and end of the tour. The clubs web site also links to individual farm sites as well as companies offering products that support the sales of the fruit. http://www.town.tomiura.chiba.jp/CEC/data/tour/biwakurabu/biwa_1.html (Japanese) http://www.awa.or.jp/home/fukuhara/biwa.htm (Japanese) http://www.packet.ne.jp/fruit/syurui/biwa/1.ht m (Japanese) Sanwa Kikumura

What sets this area apart from the fruit parks is that it is not one single attraction but rather a group of chrysanthemum flower growers in the same area. Although they often compete for the same business, they choose to work together to create spectacular floral displays when the flowers are in season. Located between Osaka and Hiroshima, the growers have planted their fields in order for the flowers to be color coordinated when blooming. These plantings are just display and not sold. It is spectacular! Other ornate floral displays and “floral architecture” are available for viewing and in purchase. Started as a way to attract wholesale flower buyers from the big cities, the area is fast becoming a tourist attraction. During the height of the viewing season buses from large cities will head towards the area, which is trying to improve its infrastructure to handle the unexpected crowds. There are now many chrysanthemum festivals in the area that during the season draw on the farmer’s time but also provide additional revenue by sending tour groups into the farming areas. Each farm has plants on display separately but the attraction is the way they are planted in the fields. Visitors can purchase from any of the farms, small $5.00 plants or displays valued at many thousands of dollars. Although primarily chrysanthemums, some farms offer other plants and bonsai or fruit trees. The small mountain roads leading to the Sanwa area are dotted with

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individual farm stands offering pickled vegetables and snacks as well as flowers and potted plants. http://www.seikoen-kiku.co.jp/menu.htm (Japanese) http://www.seikoen-kiku.co.jp/wadai.htm (Japanese) http://www.seikoen-kiku.co.jp/wadaiback/wadai8/wadai8.htm (Japanese) http://www.edu.city.fukuyama.hiroshima.jp/shou-tsunekanemaru/mappage.htm (Japanese) Potential for Hawaii

All of the examples provide a direction for Hawaii to consider as ways to promote sustainable livelihoods in rural areas. Private enterprise, university and government agricultural professionals, cooperatives and individual farmers can work to build attractions that showcases the best Hawaii can offer in tropical agriculture. Tropical fruit, tropical flowers, aquaculture, and Kona coffee can be provide an entertaining educational experience for visitors while providing technical assistance to growers. In addition to displaying modern horticultural and production technologies, Hawaii fruit parks can educate visitors and growers on how to make jams, jellies and a host of processed products and how to package both fresh and processed items to capture the eye of the consumer. Guest or resident chefs can demonstrate how locally produced agricultural products can be turned into culinary delights. The 12 Trees Project (http://www.hawaiifruit.net/12trees.html) just getting started in Kona is a collaborative effort between the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, the Kona Pacific Farmers Cooperative, and the West Hawaii Culinary Arts program. This project can serve as a small prototype of a fruit park that could be developed in Hawaii modeled on the Japanese fruit parks. Its objectives are to help farmers to develop greater diversity, provide a more consistent income and will promote sustainable practices that work in concert with the natural environment. The 12 Trees Project is working to commercialize under-utilized fruit and fruit products. This park will highlight our coffee and macadamia nut industries as well as the growing diversity of other agricultural produce and products that come from our region. The 12 Trees Project fruit park will be a center for revitalizing agriculture and rural development in order to maintain Kona’s rich agricultural heritage.

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