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EDUCATING HAWAI'I COFFEE GROWERS ABOUT COFFEE BERRY BORER INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT: PERSUADING GROWERS TO JUMP ON THE BAND-WAGON

Extension Education

Andrea Kawabata
Associate Extension Agent
University of Hawaii Cooperative Extension Service
Kealakekua

Abstract

Kona coffee has over 200 years of cultural history and economic importance in the islands.  Hawaii’s mild climate, rich, volcanic soils, and low pest and disease pressure, allowed growers to produce world-renowned, quality coffee with relative ease.  In August 2010, discovery of the Coffee Berry Borer Hypothenemus hampei (CBB), caught the Kona coffee industry by surprise. The industry was ill-prepared and hesitant to band together to tackle CBB as a cohesive unit.  By 2012, CBB damages soared above 80% causing coffee yields and quality to plummet. The CBB invasion also began expanding to neighboring districts. Early CBB integrated pest management (IPM) recommendations were helpful but often viewed as confusing and conflicting by farmers.  Assistant Extension Agent Andrea Kawabata, recognized the need to unite the industry’s educational voice.  In January 2013, Kawabata and others organized a CBB Summit.  A comprehensive 13-page document was generated and adopted by summit participants and all coffee organizations in Hawaii. This document became the basis of all state-wide CBB educational efforts.  From June 2013, 99.4% of event participants reported an increase in knowledge and understanding of CBB.  Additionally, 91.2% of participants indicated that three or more concepts were learned and applicable to their operation.  Annual grower surveys also show a stabilizing green bean recovery ratio, implying that farmers using current CBB IPM recommendations are having greater success at controlling CBB.  Getting growers to jump on the area wide IPM bandwagon is essential for the long term sustainability of Hawaii's $35 million coffee industry.

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Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

A poster file has not been provided

Authors: A.M. Kawabata, R.K. Tsutsui, M.D. Diaz-Lyke, J.S. Sugano, S.T. Nakamoto, R.T. Curtiss
  1. Kawabata, A. Assistant Extension Agent, University of Hawaii Cooperative Extension Service, Hawaii, 96750
  2. Tsutsui, R. Junior Extension Agent, University of Hawaii Cooperative Extension Service, Hawaii, 96750
  3. Diaz-Lyke, M. Junior Extension Agent, University of Hawaii Cooperative Extension Service, Hawaii, 96743
  4. Sugano, J. County Extension Agent, University of Hawaii Cooperative Extension Service, Hawaii, 96744
  5. Nakamoto, S. Extension Economist, University of Hawaii Cooperative Extension Service, Hawaii, 96822
  6. Curtiss, R. Plant Pest Control Branch Manager, Hawaii Department of Agriculture, Hawaii, 96814