KAPAA — Plants, bugs and other pests will be in the spotlight at the Courtyard Marriott at Coconut Beach on April 20 and 21 at the first Hawaii Invasive Pest Symposium. Hosted by the University of Hawaii, the symposium will
KAPAA — Plants, bugs and other pests will be in the spotlight at the Courtyard Marriott at Coconut Beach on April 20 and 21 at the first Hawaii Invasive Pest Symposium.
Hosted by the University of Hawaii, the symposium will bring together those who target different aspects of invasive species management to learn about activities and advances in the subject.
Sharing new information and techniques will be helpful for organizations like the Kauai Invasive Species Committee, which needs a “constant flow of new science to improve local control actions,” said Bill Lucey of KISC.
“New management methods derived from the research community include biocontrols, life history research and remote detection strategies such as eDNA or satellite mapping,” he said. “These are just some of the techniques that are constantly evolving to help program efficiency.”
The symposium, which comes with a price tag of $90 for the weekend’s speakers and workshops, is expected to bring attendees from across the state to Kauai.
Also included in the lineup is John McHugh, of the state Department of Agriculture’s Plant Industry Division; James Cuda of the UH School of Natural Resources and the Environment and Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants; and Michael Melzer with UH’s College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources.
Kauai, Oahu, Maui and Hawaii will have representatives updating attendees on the status of invasive pests and control techniques in their individual counties.
Techniques to identify and manage coffee berry borer and pesticide recommendations, evaluations are also on the docket.
Tickets: www.eventbrite.com/e/1st-annual-hawaii-invasive-pest-symposium-tickets-32138917367.
