Status of the miconia leaf spot fungus Colletotrichus gloeosporioides
f. sp. miconiae on the island of Hawaii
Patrick Conant and Eloise Killgore
Hawaii Department of Agriculture
August 10, 2000
Since the first release of the fungus in Onomea on the island of
Hawaii in July of 1997, there have been several other
releases of the fungus, both in experimental monitored applications (October
1998) , as well as applications to aid in the dispersal of the fungus
primarily in this core infestation area. Now that funding has been secured
for the analysis of the data collected in the experiment, results documenting
a possible effect of the fungus on growth of M. calvescens can be published.
We are happy to report that the fungus appeared in one of the “control” plots
while the plants were being monitored, and has since appeared in two more
of the four control plots.
During this 1999-2000 year of Miconia calvescens suppression work,
a two-day, large application of the fungus was made in the Onomea area
at four separate sites (see attached map) to aid in dispersal of the fungus,
which naturally occurs by wind driven precipitation. More releases
are planned for the future when there is time to produce the inoculum.
Plans are being made for a cooperative study by the Invasive Species
Unit of the U.S. Forest Service and the Hawaii Department of Agriculture
of the fungus both in the field and under greenhouse conditions. This
work will continue the monitoring of field plots, by taking different measurements
and using fungicide to release infected plants from any growth inhibition
that may be occurring. Documenting the efficacy of
the fungus in controlling M. calvescens is the primary goal.
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