STOPPING STRAWBERRY GUAVA FROM SPREAD

Written by KGMB9 News - news@kgmb9.com
May 22, 2008 07:01 PM
It's a popular treat, but the strawberry-guava is actually an invasive species, and now scientists have a new plan to keep it from spreading.
The tree, from South America, was introduced here in 1825. But now scientists say the plant could invade nearly half the state, forming dense thickets that squeeze out native plants.
The U.S. Forest Service said a solution is the Tectococcus Ovatus or Brazilian Scale. The insect which doesn't exist in Hawaii now hatches on the leaves. It doesn't kill the tree but stops it from growing and producing fruit. They want to release it this summer in the Ola`a Forest Reserve on the Big Island.
The service said the insect only affects that specific tree. But critics worry it will kill other plants. And besides a lot of people like those strawberry guavas.
The state is taking comments on the plan to introduce the Tectococcus Ovatus.

Send in your opinions to:
Plant Quarantine Branch, Hawaii Department of of Agriculture
1849 Auiki St.
Honolulu 96819-3100