Best Management Practices for Reducing the Impact of CRB to Hawaii's Landscape
Posted on Nov. 1, 2023 / Best Practices, Invasive Species / Subscribe 0
By: Arisa Barcinas
As Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (Oryctes rhinoceros; CRB) populations rise across Oʻahu, the risk for accidental transport of CRB has increased. Historically, human-vectored spread has been the main contributor to the geographic spread of CRB. With increased inter-island movement of commodities, the risk of transporting CRB off Oʻahu to neighboring islands has become more imminent, and increased diligence is needed. The commitment to prevent the spread of CRB will be a community-wide effort. Implementing best management practices is crucial for the protection of Hawaiiʻs ecosystems, industries, and communities. In addition to the adoption of best practices, HDOA has also established a new rule to regulate the movement of high-risk material off Oʻahu.
Figure 1. Adult Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle
Figure 2: Coconut Palm damage on Oahu caused by CRB.
Figure 3. Fan palm damage caused by CRB.
On October 4, 2023, the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture (HDOA) established Plant Quarantine Interim Rule 23-1 to help stop the movement of the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle from designated CRB-infested areas to non-infested areas in the state. Oʻahu is currently the only island that has been determined infested, despite the presence of CRB on neighboring islands, specifically Kauaʻi. The current defined infested area may be updated if CRB numbers increase on other islands. This rule restricts the movement of CRB host material leaving Oʻahu, including host palms larger than 48 inches, and breeding material such as compost, mulch, potting soil, and other landscaping products. Under this rule, high-risk material is quarantined, and any material originating from Oʻahu is allowed only through permits from HDOA.
Figure 4. CRB adult beetle and larvae found in breeding material on Oahu.
CRB spend most of their lifecycle in decomposing plant material including but not limited to compost, mulch, potting soil, manure, etc. CRB feeds on host plants including palms, as well as other crops such as hala, sugarcane, and banana. While HDOA Interim rule restricts the movement of most high-risk material, understanding potentially unregulated vectors of spread and following best practices is important. When receiving, maintaining, or working with green waste or other host material, always check for any signs of CRB, including CRB damage, or the presence of eggs, larvae, pupae, or adult beetles. It is recommended that all material moving, even locally on each island, is properly treated. Proper treatment can include chipping, grinding, heat treatment, or fumigation. When maintaining potential host material, periodic inspections (~ every 3-4 months) are helpful in monitoring for CRB. Additionally, all host plants should undergo thorough inspections before movement to prevent the accidental spread of CRB across each island.
Figure 5. CRB larvae found in a pile of breeding material (mulch).
Oʻahu is currently designated as an infested area, emphasizing the need for community control. For more information on recommendations for individuals located on Oʻahu, please visit crbhawaii.org/treatments. For any signs of CRB found on neighboring islands, please report immediately to the CRB Response at [email protected] or (808) 679-5244.
Arisa Barcinas is an outreach associate for the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Response.
The Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Response is a collaboration between the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture, the United States Department of Agriculture, and the University of Hawaiʻi, among other partners. The CRB Response regularly posts updates at crbhawaii.org, on Instagram @crbhawaii, and on Facebook at facebook.com/crbhawaii. CRB Outreach can provide free presentations that may be eligible for ISA or RUP CEU credit if scheduled in advance.
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