Ranchers:

Ranchers are at the forefront of this battle against this new invasive species.

Impacted ranchers in Kona have been working hard to heal their lands and find solutions. This is includes :

• Testing TLSB management and suppression methods

• Testing reseeding methods and species

• Cooperating with and supporting research efforts

• Reducing, reallocating, and managing herds to avoid further resource degradation

Researchers:

Several research projects are underway to learn more about the bug and how to combat it.

• College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR) – Cooperative Extension Service

  • Twolined Spittlebug Research project

    • Monthly monitoring tracking TLSB populations, life stages, and changes in the plant communities.

    • Outreach: rack cards, presentations, workshops

    • Development of fact sheets/bulletins

    • TLSB mobile application (coming soon!)

  • Host Plant Resistance Trial

  • Damage Threshold Trials

  • Pesticide Trials

• Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)

  • Field trials assessing traditional and innovative pasture establishment techniques to plant resistant grass varieties in pastures affected by TLSB

  • Field trials assessing methods to increase diversity in unaffected but threatened pastures before TLSB gets there

  • Developing a low-cost, DIY light trap for low-level detection of TLSB

  • Education and outreach

  • Working with local field offices to develop solutions with affected ranchers

Collaboration.

The TLSB requires a comprehensive approach with all stakeholders involved.

The TLSB Task Force convenes monthly to discuss issues and develop solutions.

Members:

• Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council (HCC)

• University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources researchers (CTAHR)

• USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)

• Big Island Invasive Species Committee (BIISC)

• Hawaii Invasive Species Council

• Ranchers