Project Overview
Commodities
- Additional Plants: ornamentals
Practices
- Pest Management: integrated pest management
Proposal abstract:
PROBLEM & RESEARCH: Growers understand that the sole use of chemicals to control insect pests is not a sustainable long-term solution (Seal et al., 2013), and creates high selective pressure for pest resistance. Hawaii Floriculture and Nursery (HFN) industries’ reliance on chemical management stems from the wide range of invasive pests they encounter due to the diverse crops grown by this industry.
Silicon-medicated plant resistance to herbivorous insects has been well documented over the past two decades. This project will expand upon research by Bloese et. al. 2023 (In Review) that found significant benefits of Si to reduce various invasive invertebrates and fungal pathogens in nursery crops.
This project will conduct applied research through on-farm trials to quantify reduction in pest and disease densities, yield differentials, and changes in plant physiology among four Si augmented pesticide regimes across four species of ornamental crops. Research results will inform a resistance management strategy which will reduce growers’ reliance on chemical controls, reduce the high selective pressure for resistance, and improve overall sustainability of the industry.
SIGNIFICANCE & OUTCOMES: Hawai’i’s potted plants and cut flowers represent approximately 45% (almost $35 million) of a $77.6 million HFN industry in 2017 (HDOA Annual Summary, 2018). Additionally, HFN industries have a rich cultural and environmental significance. They produce flowers and foliage for lei and hula, as well as many native plants. Minimizing pesticide use for this industry will: (a) protect the biosecurity of native plants, (b) increase industry profitability, (c) increase the health and safety of farm systems and workers, and (d) reduce the selective pressure for resistance by invasive pests.
EDUCATION & DISSEMINATION OF RESULTS: Outreach and education objectives will incorporate research results in the development of a Si enhanced pesticide resistance management program and updated Best Management Practices (BMPs). The active participation of stakeholders in the project enhances ease of dissemination of project results through Field Days, extension publications, webinars, conferences and peer-reviewed publications. These modes of communication will ensure that the project findings reach and benefit a broad audience, including growers, researchers, industry stakeholders, and policymakers. A series of questionnaires and surveys will evaluate the long-term adoption of BMPs by growers.
Logic Model for Silicon-Enhanced Pest
Management.
|
Inputs |
Activities |
Outputs |
Outcomes |
Impact |
|
Research Expertise |
On-Farm Trials, Data collection, Analysis |
Quantified Pest Reduction |
· Reduced selective pressure |
· Improved long-term sustainable pest management practices |
|
Transdisciplinary Team (Growers, Educators, Researchers) |
On-Farm Trials, Data Collection, Analysis |
Crop Health & Yield Insights |
· Improved plant health and production; reduction of agricultural inputs |
· More resilient agriculture system to supply chain disruptions |
|
Collaboration |
Research, Analysis |
Physiological Changes |
· Improved Si application methodology for enhanced efficacy |
· Improved industry sustainability; Improved worker safety |
|
Peer to Peer Education & Outreach |
Strategy Development & Outreach |
Resistance Management Strategy |
· Reduced reliance on chemical controls and reduced pesticide usage. |
· Reduced environmental Impact; Improved profitability; and economic benefits |
This logic model illustrates the flow from resources and actions to the anticipated results and eventual broader impacts of the research and education project.
Project objectives from proposal:
RESEARCH PLAN
Objective 1: Conduct five multi-island on-farm trials to evaluate the efficacy of four Si-augmented pesticide regimes across key ornamental crops in Hawaii. Efficacy of the four pesticide + Si-augmented treatment groups will be determined through the following sub-objectives. (Specific treatment levels are detailed in Research Plan section of the Narrative).
Subobjective 1(a): Determine yield differential and flower quality among Si treatment groups.
Subobjective 1(b): Quantify pest composition and prevalence among Si treatment groups.
Subobjective 1 (c): Quantify disease composition and prevalence among Si treatment groups.
Objective 2: Assess changes in plant physiology to better understand mechanisms of plant protection by Si to maximize resource efficiency and optimize application. This will be achieved through the following subobjectives.
Subobjective 2(a): Measure canopy size, stalk number or root mass to quantify gross plant growth across Si treatment groups.
Subobjective 2(b): Quantify Si, nutrient, and chlorophyll content in plant tissue among Si treatment groups.
Subobjective 2(c): Image leaf surfaces and tissue sections among treatments and crops to quantify stomata and trichome number and document organ size and structure, respectively, to evaluate possible morphological markers for physiological effects of Si.
Objective 3. Conduct cost-benefit analyses to assess the economic viability of using Si as an amendment in pesticide management regimes.
EDUCATION PLAN
Our Education Plan is three-fold.
Objective 1: Develop Best Management Practices (BMPs) for pesticide resistance management in nursery crops that are practical, effective, and adopted by stakeholders.
Objective 2: Promote long-term sustainability of BMP adoption through active learning and student-centered education outreach activities.
Objective 3: Reassess adoptability of BMPs by addressing concerns and misconceptions related to BMPs, providing information to mitigate perceived risks, as well as develop strategies for scaling up BMP adoption through grower-extension-researcher collaborations.