Invasive Species

We are sequencing the DNA of Wolbachia bacteria found in mosquito populations in Hawai’i and those used for mosquito control. We are also developing sample processing techniques to increase the efficiency and accuracy of monitoring mosquito control efforts to help long-term survival and restoration of Hawaiian forest bird populations.

We are working on understanding the chemical ecology of Rapid ʽŌhiʽa Death - ROD -, which is critical for protecting both healthy and ROD-infected ʽōhi‘a. A better understanding could lead to early ROD detection tools and the development of attractants and repellents to manipulate ambrosia beetle populations.

Acalolepta aesthetica , known as the Queensland Longhorn Beetle, is a wood-boring beetle that has recently emerged as a problematic invader on the Hawai‘i Island. We are determining its current range and identifying patterns of host tree use, focusing on culturally important and native trees.

We are testing different planting mixtures and densities to refine restoration efforts in the Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge.

Wood-boring ambrosia beetles spread Rapid ʽŌhiʽa Death - ROD - by releasing fungal spores from infected trees while digging reproductive passages. Our primary goals are to identify the community of beetles that attack ōhiʽa infected with ROD, the extent to which beetles may directly or indirectly spread the disease, understand the timing of beetle attack, and estimate how long infected trees...