06-20-2019, 12:54 PM
Is Puna cursed... It seems like just about every invasive pest... takes hold here first.
Most of the plant nurseries and plant collectors from Hawaii are in Puna. They find exotic new varieties overseas, then bring them back here. A quarantine procedure with USDA is required, but I believe experienced and approved growers can do this in their own nursery. Unfortunately that’s how fire ants, coquis, and most other critters have arrived in Puna. They’re in the soil which isn’t properly treated, or as small eggs hidden in the folds of heliconia, ginger, etc.
A nursery owner might then trade some of the new plants with other growers or friends, spreading the pests.
Many disperse by vehicles - - and a large nursery has a parking lot full of cars. The workers put in their 8 hour day while the newly arrived invasives jump, crawl, or flutter onto their Hondas and Toyotas. They drive home and that’s how it begins.
Most of the plant nurseries and plant collectors from Hawaii are in Puna. They find exotic new varieties overseas, then bring them back here. A quarantine procedure with USDA is required, but I believe experienced and approved growers can do this in their own nursery. Unfortunately that’s how fire ants, coquis, and most other critters have arrived in Puna. They’re in the soil which isn’t properly treated, or as small eggs hidden in the folds of heliconia, ginger, etc.
A nursery owner might then trade some of the new plants with other growers or friends, spreading the pests.
Many disperse by vehicles - - and a large nursery has a parking lot full of cars. The workers put in their 8 hour day while the newly arrived invasives jump, crawl, or flutter onto their Hondas and Toyotas. They drive home and that’s how it begins.
"I'm at that stage in life where I stay out of discussions. Even if you say 1+1=5, you're right - have fun." - Keanu Reeves