Ka`u News Briefs Tuesday, May 20, 2014

KA`U COFFEE FARMERS were educated in pesticide use last night to train them for war against the coffee berry borer using several chemicals, one that kills on contact and one that distributes a fungus that kills the tiny beetle over time. At a meeting organized by Ka`u Farm Bureau at Pahala Community Center, Andrea Kawabata, of the University of Hawai`i Agricultural Extension Service, gave a class on Proper Pesticide Use and Safety. She reminded farmers to protect themselves from the spray by wearing long-sleeve shirts, pants, socks and shoes, hats and goggles, protective glasses and/or face shields. She said it is also important to advise workers and surrounding farmers of the schedule of spraying and to plan spraying to avoid the pesticide drifting onto neighboring areas.

      With BotaniGard, no one is supposed to enter the sprayed area without Personal Protective Equipment within four hours of spraying. Picking of coffee is allowed after the four hours. She also talked about the importance of keeping records of pesticide application quantities and times in order to avoid problems if neighbors have a question. Education and notification of workers of safety and emergency procedures are also required, she said.
      Kawabata explained that pesticides can include funguses and bacteria that are used to kill pests. Even sprays and applications to organic farms can include pesticides, she said.
      The warning label says that BotaniGard ES is a micoinsecticide. It causes moderate eye irritation and is harmful if absorbed through the skin, inhaled or swallowed. “Avoid breathing spray mist. Wash thoroughly with soap and water after handling and before eating, drinking, chewing gum, using tobacco or using the toilet. Remove contaminated clothing and wash clothing before reuse,” say the directions. Kawabata also recommended washing exposed clothing separately from other clothing.
      She said that farmers should use chemical-resistant gloves made of such materials as nirile rubber or butyl rubber. She also said that those applying, mixing and loading the chemicals should wear a dust mist filtering respirator with a cartridge (not a dust mask), meeting NIOSH standards of at least R-95 or P-95. She suggested that those applying the BotaniGard be fitted for a respirator at such places as Gaspro, so there would be no leaks around their faces. Her handout says that “repeated exposure to high concentrations of microbial proteins can cause allergic sensitization.”
      The handout says that BotaniGard is potentially hazardous to honeybees. “Avoid applying to areas where honeybees are actively foraging or around beehives.” Keep the pesticide away from gulches where it could make its way into fresh water and eventually into the ocean. BotaniGard could harm fish, the warning says. Kawabata said that while BotaniGard is less toxic to bees than some other chemicals, it is best to refrain from spraying when coffee flowers are blooming. It is a federal violation to use BotaniGard in a way inconsistent with the labeling. BotaniGard also kills whiteflies, aphids, thrips, mealybugs, leafhoppers and other beetles. It is legal to use on fruits, berries, nuts, spices, vegetables and such crops as cane, potatoes, tea and rice. It is commonly used on ornamentals.

      Kawabata also cautioned the use of highly clorinated water to mix with the BotaniGard, as the chlorine can damage or kill the fungus. Water testing kits are avaiable through the Agricultural Extension Service for $5 each.

Kaimana Kaupu-Manini swings at the ball during MLB's Pitch, Hit and Run. Photo from Nona Makuakane

      Kawabata said that the pesticide must remain in the container with its label and warnings, rather than pouring it into various containers. She suggested that farmers have a first aid station on the farmland and coordinate with one another regarding warning signs for spraying times. Support for using BotaniGard to fight the coffee berry borer is coming from the County of Hawai`i through Ka`u Farm Bureau. Farmers are required to take the pesticide-use training course to qualify for subsidies to help them pay for BotaniGard. BotaniGard is considered the best tool to fight the coffee berry borer, which has devastated Kona Coffee farms and has moved into Ka`u.

      Anyone with questions about pesticide and safety can contact Derek Shigematsu, Environmental Health Specialist Hawai`i Department of Agriculture at derek.m.shigematsu@hawaii.gov or call 974-4143.

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INSTALLATION OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANTS in Na`alehu and Pahala may get help from a federal program. In advance of the release of the bipartisan, bicameral agreement on the Water Resources Reform and Development Act, Sen. Brian Schatz, Chair of the Senate’s Subcommittee on Water and Power, announced key provisions included in the bill that would provide resources for wastewater infrastructure, flood control and water supply projects as well as improve Hawai`i harbors. “As an island state, our harbors and waterways are gateways to communities and are essential to connecting people and goods across our state,” Schatz said. “This agreement dedicates funds for Hawai`i and authorizes funding for our harbors and water projects, which are important to jobs here and will help protect our precious water resources.”