Project Number: 500-44-007-07
Project Type: Specific C/A

Start Date: Sep 28, 2001
End Date: Aug 31, 2005

Objective:
Obtain baseline data on population density, distribution, and levels of field parasitization in wild & cultivated Cucurbitaceae & other hosts of melon fly; exploration in native region of melon fly (Thailand & neighbor countries) for biological control agents; importation of biocontrol agents into State HDOA Quarantine facility, determination of biological attributes & establishment of host suitability tests & response to non-target tephritids; develop methods for mass-rearing & release of parasitoids.

Approach:
1) Surveys of wild and cultivated host plants will be conducted on major Hawaiian Islands. 2) Exploration of Thailand and surrounding areas will be conducted to identify potential natural enemies for introduction into Hawaii. 3) Promising natural enemies will be shipped to the Quarantine Facility in Honolulu for mass-rearing, host testing, and release. Documents SCA with State of HI Dept. of Agriculture.

Project Team

Vargas, Roger Mohsen Ramadan - Entomologist 808-959-4346

Project Annual Reports

FY 2003   FY 2002

Related National Programs

Crop Protection & Quarantine (304)