Ohia trees are dying rapidly, Why?

[Opihikaobob]

quote:

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Originally posted by pbmaise

A list of recently arrived insect that could be vector delivery systems includes:


1. Fire ants - Known to injure roots and bore into trees to make chambers. 1999 timing is right.

2. Xyleborus beetles that recent destroy 10s of thousands of acres In Florida by transmission of a fungus. However, not confirmed yet in Hawaii?

3. Oriental flower bug beetle found in 2002 on Ohau Protaetia orientalis
The timing is right.

4. Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle
It is mainly know for destroying palms In general. It may be in Puna but likely not cause of Ohia problem. This said it is a serious threat to coconut and other palms. On Oahu there is an on-going aggressive management program. Up to 150 palms have been cut down in one area.

5. Carpenter bees that drill directly into Ohia. These may assist the another insect by first creating the holes, then another insect occupies the hole.

edit
Adjusted statement on rhino beetle

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It's not the Rhino beetle whacking my Ohia's or coco's, it's contaminated air & water. Also the carpenter bee's pollinate so I don't mind that they bore into older wood.