05-31-2007, 03:41 PM
Saturday, May 26, 2007 8:52 AM HST
By Stephens Media
Scientists are preparing for a fire ant invasion throughout the
Pacific, but while control methods are advancing, eradication remain
elusive.
More than 125 scientists gathered Thursday at the Sheraton Keauhou Bay
Resort and Spa for the first Pacific Invasive Ant Conference to
network, share research and discuss their struggles against invasive
ant species.
For the past 80 years, the little fire ant, Wasmannia auropunctata,
has spread throughout the Pacific and infested 10 territories.
It is a severe threat to fragile island habitats and has reportedly
destroyed crops, displaced other insects, maimed animals and
terrorized people, affecting both biodiversity and tourism.
In Hawaii, the little fire ants were first seen in Puna in 1999. The
state Department of Agriculture tried to contain the initial
infestations, but the ants spread via potted plants carried to other
parts of the island.
There are about 50 known little fire ant infestations in East Hawaii.
West Hawaii is reportedly free of little fire ants, according to a
survey done last year by the Natural Resources Conservation Services.
For growers of tropical fruit and nut orchard crops, Amdro insecticide
can be applied in bait stations to combat small infestations. However,
Hawaii researchers are still trying to deal with larger infestations
that are extremely difficult to eradicate.
At Thursday's conference, Arnold Hara, an entomologist with the
University of Hawaii at Manoa's College of Tropical Agriculture and
Human Resources, voiced interest in a paste applicant being tested in
French Polynesia, saying it looks "promising."
By Stephens Media
Scientists are preparing for a fire ant invasion throughout the
Pacific, but while control methods are advancing, eradication remain
elusive.
More than 125 scientists gathered Thursday at the Sheraton Keauhou Bay
Resort and Spa for the first Pacific Invasive Ant Conference to
network, share research and discuss their struggles against invasive
ant species.
For the past 80 years, the little fire ant, Wasmannia auropunctata,
has spread throughout the Pacific and infested 10 territories.
It is a severe threat to fragile island habitats and has reportedly
destroyed crops, displaced other insects, maimed animals and
terrorized people, affecting both biodiversity and tourism.
In Hawaii, the little fire ants were first seen in Puna in 1999. The
state Department of Agriculture tried to contain the initial
infestations, but the ants spread via potted plants carried to other
parts of the island.
There are about 50 known little fire ant infestations in East Hawaii.
West Hawaii is reportedly free of little fire ants, according to a
survey done last year by the Natural Resources Conservation Services.
For growers of tropical fruit and nut orchard crops, Amdro insecticide
can be applied in bait stations to combat small infestations. However,
Hawaii researchers are still trying to deal with larger infestations
that are extremely difficult to eradicate.
At Thursday's conference, Arnold Hara, an entomologist with the
University of Hawaii at Manoa's College of Tropical Agriculture and
Human Resources, voiced interest in a paste applicant being tested in
French Polynesia, saying it looks "promising."