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There’s an app for that: development of a decision support tool for the management of Twolined Spittlebug on Hawaii rangelands
Author
horne, MS
Wright, M
Wilson, S
Peck, D
Oshiro, M
Publisher
XII International Rangeland Congress
Publication Year
2025
Body

Twolined spittlebug (TLSB), Prosapia bicincta, was detected in Hawaii in 2016 where it had damaged over 2,000 acres of rangeland. Research revealed that TLSB expanded its range to over 178,000 acres in approximately six generations. In highly infested areas, TLSB resulted in nearly 100% die back of key range grasses including Kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum) and pangola (Digitaria eriantha) grasses when nymph densities exceeded 50/m2. The loss of these important forages provided entry for the establishment of invasive plants including Pamakani (Eupatorium adenophorum), wild blackberry (Rubus spp.), and fireweed (Senecio madagascariensis) among others. These losses forced livestock producers to reduce stocking rates resulting in significant economic losses. Work on a smartphone application to identify, report, and facilitate management of the TLSB started in 2020. The app has four main feat ures. First, an information guide provides an overview of TLSB biology and ecology. Next, the app provides a tool to help users identify TLSB in the field and distinguish it from other, non-pest species. A third tool allows users to report sightings of TLSB. Reports include a geo-referenced picture and basic details about the habitat and geographical location of the pest. The reported data is then captured in a database and displayed on a web-based mapping tool. Users have the option to enter data on TLSB population density and provide estimates on spatial extent and observed damage in their report. Data on TLSB populations is determined by following sampling protocols provided in the fourth tool. This tool allows users to determine the size of the TLSB population, and then, based on the potential damage threshold calculated, select from a series of integrated pest management decisions. It is anticipated that this app will facilitate tracking and documenting the spread of the pest and lead to better pest management decisions for rangeland managers.

Language
English
Resource Type
Text
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Additional Information
This paper is part of the larger XII International Rangelands Congress Proceedings. Page Numbers: 656-660. Theme: Theme 3 / Poster presentations – Theme 3
ISSN
978-0-646-72121-7
Conference Name
International Rangeland Congress
Collection
International Rangelands Congress
Keywords
Rangelands
Pest Management
Decision Support Tools