International symposium convenes on weed control
Original Article in Hawaii 24/7 here: http://www.hawaii247.com/2011/09/11/international-symposium-convenes-on-weed-control/
Posted on 11:49 pm, Sunday, September 11, 2011.
MEDIA RELEASE
About 200 invasive weed experts from around the world have convened for the XIII International Symposium on Biological Control of Weeds.
The symposium runs through Friday, Sept. 16 at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort and Spa. This international conference is held once every four years and is the premier international forum for scientists and managers working in biological control of weeds around the world.
Biological control, which utilizes natural plant enemies and/or diseases, is needed in natural and managed ecosystems worldwide as a tool for managing invasive plant species that are too widespread and expensive to control using herbicides and/or mechanical removal methods.
Although challenging to implement, effective biocontrol can provide long-term, large-scale, highly selective control of otherwise prolific weeds. Current research methods thoroughly test potential biocontrol agents prior to release to ensure that they only attack the target weed and not other native or beneficial plants or animals.
“Biological control is a necessary tool for protecting our native forests from highly invasive plants,” said Tracy Johnson, PhD, research entomologist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service (USDA-FS) and co-chair of the symposium. “This meeting in Hawaii will provide a unique opportunity to draw on worldwide expertise to create new solutions for our worst weeds.”
“It is so appropriate that Hawaii hosts this important symposium since the biological control of weeds actually began in Hawaii,” said Neil Reimer, PhD, Plant Pest Control manager for the Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA). “With the tight economy and the Department of Agriculture’s diminished resources, the collaboration between states and nations becomes even more important.”
The Kingdom of Hawaii was a world leader in biocontrol with successful introductions of a beetle to control cottony cushion scale in 1890. After Hawaii became a U.S. territory in 1900, biological control methods progressed with the introduction of several insect species to control lantana in 1902.
Since then, researchers in Hawaii continue to be internationally recognized in biological control of weeds and plant pests and have collaborated with colleagues worldwide on the biological control of invasive weeds such as miconia, fireweed, fountain grass, banana poka, ivy gourd and gorse, among others.
Many of those who have collaborated with Hawaii researchers are attending the conference from the U.S. mainland and countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Canada, United Kingdom, Brazil, Costa Rica, and South Africa.
The conference is hosted by HDOA, USDA-FS, and the University of Hawaii at Hilo Conference Center.
Sponsors of the conference include: USDA-FS Pacific Southwest Research Station, Hawaii County Department of Research & Development, Hawaiian Electric Company & Hawaii Electric Light Company, Landcare Research Manaaki Whenua (New Zealand), U.S. Geological Survey Pacific Island Ecosystem Research Center, Hawaii Forest and Trail, Destination Hilo, HDOA, Maui Invasive Species Committee, University of Hawaii at Hilo Conference Center.
For further information, visit: http://isbcw2011.uhhconferencecenter.com/
Phytochemical Society of North America 2011
Save the Dates: December 10 – 15, 2011
The Fairmont Orchid, Hawai`i
On the Big Island’s beautiful Kohala Coast
Visit the conference website for more information:
http://psna.uhhconferencecenter.com/
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2008 Spring Commencement Testimonial from Chancellor Rose Tseng
Aloha,
I’d like to express my sincere appreciation for all the hard work and dedication by UH Hilo’s ohana for another beautiful and memorable commencement exercise. I think that President McClain, Regents Dahilig and Hapai, and keynote speaker Connie Lau were impressed with the aloha and joy we share with the students and their accomplishments that day.
I’d especially like to recognize Judith Fox-Goldstein and the staff of the Conference Center for their many months of work to coordinate this event. It takes months and a lot of hours to make sure every detail is planned and taken care of.
With so much involvement by so many, UH Hilo’s commencement exercise went very well.
Please know that everyone appreciates the memorable ceremony and your efforts. Mahalo to all for your kokua!
Rose Tseng
Chancellor
University of Hawaii at Hilo
200 W. Kawili St.
Hilo, HI 96720
Ph: (808) 974-7444
Fx: (808) 933-3304
