Rapid ohia death fungus detected in Waianae mountain range for the first time

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – A lethal fungus that impacts native ohia bushes was just lately detected for the primary time within the Waianae mountain vary on Oahu, the state Division of Land and Pure Sources stated.

The illness, referred to as speedy ohia loss of life, had beforehand been restricted throughout the Koolau vary on the island.

Officers stated the contaminated tree was discovered throughout invasive species surveys performed by the Oahu Invasive Species Committee.

OISC stated the 40-foot ohia tree was exhibiting signs of ROD and a pattern was taken and despatched to the U.S. Division of Agriculture’s Agriculture Analysis Service lab in Hilo for evaluation.

That’s the place scientists confirmed that Ceratocystis huliohia, the much less aggressive of two fungal strains that trigger ROD, was current.

A workforce from the DLNR and OISC then returned to the fallen tree to stop the unfold of contaminated materials.

Officers stated though Ceratocystis huliohia is much less aggressive, it could actually nonetheless be deadly to ohia bushes. The state added the extra aggressive ROD species, Ceratocystis lukuohia, is at the moment restricted to Hawaii Island and Kauai.

In the meantime, the DLNR stated one other discovery in Kaneohe brings the entire optimistic ROD detections on Oahu to 12 — six on residential properties and 6 in forested, wildland areas.

The state stated residents and guests can assist defend remaining ohia forests by totally cleansing their sneakers and different gear when climbing, washing your car and by not transferring the plant or injuring it.

Lifeless or unhealthy ohia bushes with reddish or brown leaves hooked up will be reported by submitting a photograph at: www.643PEST.org or emailing a photograph to the Oahu Invasive Species Committee at oisc@hawaii.edu.

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