Capitol Hill came to the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa to learn how research at the (CTAHR) is delivering high-impact solutions for Hawaiʻi and the nation.
Leaders from the United States (U.S.) House Committee on Agriculture’s Subcommittee on Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology toured CTAHR labs and its Magoon Research and Education Facility in Mānoa in August. The visiting delegation was led by Agriculture Committee Chair Glenn “G.T.” Thompson (Pennsylvania), accompanied by Hawaiʻi Rep. Jill Tokuda, Reps. Frank Lucas (Oklahoma), Shontel Brown (Ohio) and Jahana Hayes (Connecticut); joining them was Hawaiʻi Congressman Ed Case.
CTAHR Dean Parwinder Grewal welcomed the lawmakers and outlined college initiatives to build resilience in agriculture and biosecurity, food and nutritional security, community resilience and well-being, and natural resource management. The group visited several research projects addressing urgent agricultural challenges in the islands and across the country.
Biosecurity, invasive species control
Professor Mike Melzer presented ongoing research on a virus that suppresses coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB) populations that are devastating Hawaiʻi palm trees and coconut production. This work will protect Hawaiʻi agricultural ecosystems and safeguard the U.S. continent, particularly in states along the southwest border where CRB has been confirmed in Mexico.
Professor Daniel Jenkins demonstrated the use of drone technology in precision aerial pesticide applications; drones can deliver treatments to tree crowns infested with CRB while sparing surrounding palm trees. Professor Koon Hui Wang shared her research on biofumigants to control nematodes and parasites in the floriculture industry.
Global competitiveness
The visit highlighted aquaculture and new plant variety development that boosts 贬补飞补颈ʻ颈’蝉 aquaculture industries. Professor Andre Seale shared research on tilapia, native Hawaiian sea cucumbers and striped mullet, emphasizing how these studies will advance sustainable aquaculture practices across the nation.
Researcher Tessie Amore presented decades of ornamental flower breeding, showcasing CTAHR-developed anthurium varieties such as “Lahaina,” named by Tokuda to honor the late U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka and his wife Millie. Created in partnership with local growers and floral designers, these varieties help keep U.S. floriculture competitive in global markets.
National clean plant collaboration and crop innovation
Extension agent Sharon Wages related how CTAHR’s clean seed lab collaborates with the National Clean Plant Network to provide virus-free sweetpotato vines locally and nationally. Extension agent Amjad Ahmad presented his work on the production of virus-free apple bananas and tissue culture and seedling distribution to growers, while Assistant Professor Marian Luis detailed clean seed cultivation strategies for export turmeric, an in-demand crop.