Conduct a statewide nursery and ornamental survey in hawaiʻi to enable early detection of invasive phytopathogens and protect specialty crops and the broader agricultural sector

The Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service awarded a cooperative agreement to the Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity for $109,307 on August 1, 2026, to conduct a statewide nursery and ornamental survey designed to detect invasive phytopathogens and protect specialty crops and agricultural biosecurity in Hawaii.

Over one year, the recipient will conduct visual surveys at 85 sites representing approximately 50 percent of nurseries, garden stores, and public gardens across the state, performing approximately 325 host-specific visual assessments targeting national priority and program pests including phytoplasmas, tobamoviruses, fungal pathogens, and bacterial pathogens. The work includes collection of symptomatic and asymptomatic plant samples, GPS-enabled documentation of observations, and preliminary diagnostics at the Hawaii Department of Agriculture using ELISA, lateral flow assays, and preliminary culturing, following CAPSA-approved surveillance methods. The award enhances state diagnostic capacity and personnel support to strengthen rapid response capability and long-term agricultural biosecurity protection. Period of performance extends from August 1, 2026, through July 31, 2027, with all work performed in Hawaii. The obligated amount breaks down as personnel at $52,000, fringe at $33,410, travel at $5,092, supplies at $6,660, and indirect costs at $12,145. No subawards were anticipated at the time of award.

Purpose

The purpose of this award is to conduct a statewide nursery and ornamental survey in hawaiʻi to enable early detection of invasive phytopathogens and protect specialty crops and the broader agricultural sector.

Activities

Conduct a one‑year statewide visual survey at 85 sites, representing approximately 50% of nurseries, garden stores, and public gardens in hawaiʻi, performing approximately 325 host‑specific visual assessments targeting national priority and program pests, including multiple phytoplasmas, tobamoviruses, fungal pathogens, and bacterial pathogens. Collect symptomatic and asymptomatic plant samples, document observations with GPS‑enabled tools, and process samples following caps‑approved methods for pest surveillance. Conduct preliminary diagnostics at the hawaiʻi department of agriculture (hdab), including elisa, lateral flow assays, and preliminary culturing. Deliverables and expected outcomes: the outcome will be an enhanced capacity at state of hawaii department of agriculture and biosecurity through personnel support and workflow improvements, strengthening long term ability to support rapid response and protect U.S. Agricultural biosecurity. Intended beneficiary(IES): the state of hawaii, industry stakeholders, and the general public. Subrecipient activities, if known or specified at the time of award: no subawards. Financials: personnel = $52,000; fringe = $33,410; travel = $5,092; supplies = $6,660; indirect = $12,145