College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience survey aimed at invasive fruit fly management

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience encourages community members and agriculture growers statewide to push back against invasive fireflies — Hawaiʻi’s $300 million threat — by taking a quick survey.

Completed surveys will provide input the college will use to help revitalize fruit fly management efforts throughout the islands.

Invasive fruit flies damage more than 400 varieties of fruits and vegetables in Hawaiʻi, posing a threat to the state’s food security and agricultural economy.

Studies show that the invasive insects cause an estimated $300 million in economic harm to the state’s agriculture sector.

The survey seeks feedback from farmers, home gardeners, landscapers and others to assist College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience understand the status of the fruit fly pest and refine strategies to manage it.

The survey is open through June 30 online.

“Community voices are a major part of this food security project,” said College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience assistant professor and Extension entomologist Pascal Aigbedion-Atalor in a university release about the survey. “We want hundreds of responses from stakeholders across the state to ensure our future research and outreach meet the needs of our farming community.”

The survey is a key component of a broader initiative funded by Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity.

College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience researchers in collaboration with growers and private industry partners launched extensive field studies on Hawaiʻi Island, Kauaʻi, Maui and Oʻahu to monitor fly populations in real-time and evaluate the effectiveness of various trapping and baiting techniques in Hawaiʻi.

They are also exploring future collaborations with with Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Services and other stakeholders.

The college expanded its fruit fly outreach, with Extension agents hosting community workshops and producing instructional videos about sanitation practices and proper application of bait.

Contact Aigbedion-Atalor via email at atalor@hawaii.edu or Surendra Dara via email at sdara@hawaii.edu for additional information or with any questions.