Thank you for registering for our recent Forest Friday conversation devoted to ʻōhiʻa, the most abundant native tree in our forests. If you were able to make it, thank you. If not, no worries, youʻll find a link to the recording below. We always have a great conversation during these talk story events.

One question was asked for which we weren't able to provide an immediate answer--but we now have it! Here is the question and answer:

Question: Are there any predators for the ambrosia beetles that burrow into dead ROD trees and, thereby, release the fungal pathogens involved in Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death into the environment?

Answer: Yes! According to J.B. Friday, the Extension Forester with the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources in Hilo, "There are very tiny wasps that attack bark beetles. Sometimes predation is up to 50%. There are several of these in Hawaii in different genera." Also, there is research currently being done to determine whether these wasps could be used as a biocontrol for the beetles involved in the spread ROD.

Here are a whole bunch of links that were shared and/or mentioned during our conversation:
 

Infographic on ʻōhiʻa advocacy project:
https://bit.ly/3onluc9

The Rain Follows the Forest video: https://youtu.be/N0oHdMPYSq8

A Cultural Story of ʻŌhiʻa Lehua: https://youtu.be/DQEZiLvv2k8

Saving ʻŌhiʻa documentary: http:///www.savingohia.com

Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death website:
http://www.rapidohiadeath.org

Kauaʻi Invasive Species Committee:
http://www.kauaiisc.org

Saving ʻŌhiʻa Newsletter Sign Up:
https://mailchi.mp/246b1370150b/saving-ohia-newsletter

Kauaʻi Forest Bird Recovery Project:
http://www.kauaiforestbirds.org

ʻŌhiʻa wallpaper for Zoom virtual backgrounds:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1K-HbnvAk5LCbC6dt6VdJIO79S3nkpAqV?usp=sharing

KFBRP wallpaper for Zoom virtual backgrounds: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1qUJxY-4TxIjoXAE2NF-o-ZLpyUBjcj_L

HPR Story on "Native Trees Are Better For Clean Air than Introduced Plants: https://www.hawaiipublicradio.org/local-news/2022-02-22/researchers-discover-native-trees-are-better-for-clean-air-than-introduced-plants

KISC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kauaiisc/

KISC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kauaiisc/

KISC YouTube Collection of all Forest Friday Conversations: http://www.bit.ly/kiscvideos

KFBRP: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KauaiForestBirds

KFBRP: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kauaiforestbirds/

 

You Can Help Save 'Ōhi'a

1) Avoid injuring ʻōhiʻa. Wounds serve as entry points for the fungus and increase the odds that the tree will become infected and die from Rapid 'Ōhi'a Death. Avoid pruning, weed-whacking, blazing trails, and stepping on roots wherever possible.

2) Clean gear and tools, including shoes and clothes before and after entering the forest and areas where ʻōhiʻa may be present. Brush all dirt off tools and gear, then spray with 70% rubbing alcohol. Wash clothes with hot soapy water and dry on high heat.

3) Wash your vehicle with a high-pressure hose if you’ve been off-roading or have picked up mud from driving. Clean all mud off tires--including mountain bikes and motorcycles--and your vehicle's undercarriage.

4) Don’t move ʻōhiʻa wood or ʻōhiʻa parts, including adjacent soil. The disease can be spread to new areas by moving plants, plant parts, and wood from infected areas to non-infected areas.

5) Keep your eyes open. If you see ʻōhiʻa with a limb or crown turning brown, take a picture and contact Kaua‘i Invasive Species Committee via email (saveohia@hawaii.edu) or phone (808-821-1490). Be sure to provide details on the tree's exact location. Samples of the wood must be taken by trained technicians and tested in a laboratory to confirm the presence of the ROD fungi.