We live in one of the safest places on earth. Our climate changes from season to season. Locals and visitors often feel that our islands have little risk other than volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and hurricanes. These are rare. Excessive exposure to the sun can be dangerous, and people die every year indiscriminately on the beach or in the mountains.
Although there are a few poisonous local plants, some of the most unusual landscape plants are poisonous, such as oranges, croissons, and angel trumpets. Some people may experience skin reactions such as exposure to the toxins of cassava and mango trees. For example, long, thin oleander branches may look perfect for cooking swamps or hot dogs over an open fire, but they make that juice very toxic to a hot dog.
There is another type of hazard that is not very obvious and it is a natural disaster that promotes diseases and pests. Many of the plant diseases that we have today did not exist before humans. The common fungus, called plumeria rust, is now found in many vegetable plumeria. This disease is relatively new to Hawaii. Signs of rust appear on the underside of the leaves. This can lead to premature yellowing and death of leaves.
Good cultural and hygiene practices can help prevent problems as soon as they contaminate diseased parts, such as disease or branches. Decomposition of wood with wood specially designed to stop the entry of decaying creatures and wood-eating insects. In order to treat fungal plants, the development of the disease should be considered early and continued as recommended by the manufacturer.
Algae usually grow on moist soil for a period of time. This is very common during the rainy season. During these minutes, green plants often grow in such an abundance, creating a thick, green to black carpet. This type of growth in grasslands is detrimental to grass because algae actively compete with grass for space and nutrients. The algae also form a crust that prevents the carpet from drying out. Similar conditions that promote bed growth also promote the growth of fungi that cause grass diseases. It is important to control both problems in one exercise. Reduction of humidity is an appropriate method, however, in many cases this is not possible. Effective use of fungi against both grasses and algae is an effective control method. It can help you with the right materials for your local garden supply or nursery. You can also call the main garden hotline at the University of Hawaii’s Tropical Agricultural College. The main number in Hilo is 981-5199. The main number in Kona is 322-4893.
Prevention of germs is important, and it includes keeping them out of Hawaii. Some people are unhappy when they find that they cannot bring certain plants or seeds to Hawaii, or if they can, they have to go through all kinds of red tape, smoke detectors or extended isolation to get through the plants. Some people find it difficult to get permits and go through the proper process of bringing plants to Hawaii. They smuggle a few plants, saying it doesn’t make any difference. This view cannot be taken for granted.
Florida is one of the best places to live. Deadly yellow fever, palm disease, coconut palms have killed millions and are a threat to other areas such as Hawaii. The disease affects coconut palms, Manila palms and Hawaiian spheres. If the yellow fever is brought in by importing infected plants, our native palm species will soon be extinct.
This again shows that we need to support our state and federal agricultural segregation. Illegal importation of plants can bring such a devastating disease to Hawaii. There are ways to legally bring new plants to Hawaii. The Hawaii State Department of Agriculture and the USDA Plant Quarantine Office can provide you with the details. Hundreds of new plant transplants are being made each year in accordance with the law. These can enrich our lives without bringing unwanted pests and diseases into our economy.