UH Hilo College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Natural Resource Management hosts 4th Student Symposium
Twenty-four students from UH Hilo, Windward Community College, and Xavier University in the Philippines gave oral and poster presentations of their research and projects.
The College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Natural Resource Management at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo hosted its 4th Student Symposium on April 19.
Twenty-four students from UH Hilo, Windward Community College, and Xavier University in the Philippines gave oral and poster presentations of their research and projects.
Norman Arancon, professor of horticulture and director of UH Hilo’s ag college delivered opening remarks.
“Each presentation has provided new discovery, an application of a theory or a display of skills put into practice leading to solving challenges we face daily to make agriculture more efficient, food security more attainable and environmental problems more addressed,” said Arancon.
Award winners from this year’s symposium:
Oral Presentation: Research
First Place
Kellen Chan and Jacob Thompson, UH Hilo: “Organic Fertilizers and Dryland Rice Production.”
Abstract:
The growing concern of synthetic fertilizer use has become a central topic of debate and discussion due to potential negative environmental and health impacts. The use of organic fertilizers is quickly becoming a more environmentally conscious goal. However, there are many different types of organic fertilizers to choose from and many have pros and cons when it comes to plant growth. In order to better understand the effects of quick-release and slow-release organic fertilizers, we undertook a study to compare three different organic treatments in dry-land rice production. Treatments consisted of a control, pig manure, pig manure with azomite mineral, and fish emulsion plot. Each treatment was mixed with five gallons of water in a bucket in order to help with application. Each treatment was replicated three times. Rice was transplanted one week after fertilizer application into each experimental plot. The data collected was rice canopy height.
Second Place
Kristal Raz, Xavier University, Philippines: “Growth and Yield of Green Onions (Allium fistulosum) in a mini-aeroponics system using commercially available nutrient solutions.”
Abstract:
Growing crops has been a challenge now that agricultural land has been utilized for commercial spaces. The current trend in crop production is soilless production systems such as aeroponics, an emerging practice in modern agriculture. However, the adoption by farmers has been slow due to lingering questions on its accessibility and practicality. This study aims to evaluate a modified aeroponics system and demonstrate the productivity of Allium fistulosum (green onion) using four treatments including both non-organic and organic options: Distilled water (T0, contro1), SNAP solution (T2), Masterblend’s (T3) Vermitea (T4) for organic). Treatments T1 and T3 recorded pH ranging from 6 to 8. Green onions thrived in EC’s ranging from 1.8 to 2.4 range, with T1 meeting this criterion. T1 exhibited superior leaf production, likely due to its adherence to these requirements. Further results presented that T1 (a) exhibited notably superior growth compared to counterparts T2, T3, and T4 in group (b). This was attributed to the absence of contaminants such as arsenic or lead, commonly found in certain water sources, and chlorine, a common water treatment additive that does not contribute to plant growth. The existing aeroponics system design showed promise for cost-effectiveness in the Philippines, but its feasibility was impeded by the trial-and-error setup process and the need to improvise with locally available materials. While the system has potential cost-effectiveness, further research could improve its efficiency. The study confirmed that using distilled water with specific electrical conductivity (EC) and pH levels fulfills the growth requirements for green onions. Distilled water consistently outperforms other treatments in terms of yield. The research accentuates disparities in crop growth among various organic and inorganic nutrient solutions. Inorganic nutrient solutions tend to hinder growth, potentially causing crop burns and resulting in lower growth rates compared to organic solutions like vermicast and the control (distilled water). These findings stress the importance of selecting appropriate nutrient solutions in aeroponic systems to optimize crop growth.
Oral Presentation: Project
First Place
Luke Peyerwold and Leilani Badamo, UH Hilo: “A Sustainable and Collaborative Garden Project: UH Hilo’s Library Lānai.”
Abstract:
Located in the heart of the UH campus, we wanted our garden to embody the ideals we hold highest: community, sustainability, and reciprocity. Our garden plan was to create two raised beds with surrounding areas which utilized sustainable agriculture methods, varied agricultural designs, techniques, and aimed to benefit the ecosystem of this campus garden area. One bed houses organic vegetables, herbs, and flowers, while the other bed features Hawaiian “canoe plants.” Throughout the rest of the garden, we have implemented other permacultural practices, which range from companion planting, to mounded Hügelkultur beds, to integrative pest management. We were able to naturally enrich our soil by using a combination of lactobacillus bacteria and vermicompost tea, which promoted the development of all of our plants. With these methods, we created an environment of biodiversity, followed the methods as seen in nature, and implemented holistic approaches which did not involve the use of toxic chemicals. Through this process, we have learned the importance of holistic gardening practices, and hope to continue to learn, grow, and give back all that we can.
Second Place
Ryan Pottenger and Gabriel Kaneakalau, Windward Community College: “Study of Ti Ringspot Disease on WCC Campus”
Abstract:
Ti leaf (Cordyline fruticosa) is a commercially important horticulture product in Hawaiʻi and the Asia-Pacific region. It has significant cultural importance and applications to this day. Ti leaf can be used in the preparation of food as a wrapper for steaming, as a decoration in a variety of displays, and is employed as part of traditional hula attire. Since the first report of ti ringspot disease on Oʻahu in 2009, it has spread over the Hawaiian Islands, and threatens the local economy around ti farming by prematurely aging the leaves, causing damage that renders them unsightly and drying them so they are useless in decoration and for food preparation. The causative agent of the disease is Ti Ringspot-Associated Virus (TiRaV), a negative-sense RNA virus. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of TiRaV in Ti plants around WCC campus and determine the potential insect vector that may be responsible for its transmission. Twenty ti leaf samples were collected from different locations on WCC campus. Using the CTAB method, total RNA was successfully extracted from the samples with a good quality and quantity that was determined by the Nanodrop spectrophotometer. To identify the vector, three ti leaves with visible viral damage were washed with 90% isopropyl alcohol, and the volume of wash liquid was filtered through a 0.25 mm pore sieve, which was analyzed manually under a dissecting microscope to identify insects. The insects collected from the sieve will be used for total RNA extraction. Detection of TiRaV in the ti leaves and insects will be performed by the RT-PCR test with virus-specific primers.
Poster
First Place
Keʻalohilani Grace and Kealohakaumaka Rapoza, UH Hilo: “UH Hilo Plastic and Food Waste Project: Phase 2 Project Development”
Abstract:
This project aims to limit the amount of plastic and food waste that enters into landfills across the globe. Biomass Energy Systems, Inc. (BESI) and the Defense Logistic Agency (DLA) have partnered to combat this challenge; particularly within the United States military. BESI’s approach to this issue is to manufacture a biodegradable Cellulose Bio-Polymer (CBP) packaging material and convert its waste into energy. Then, this energy would be used to heat and make potable water with the use of BESI’s B-Rx biodigester. The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo (UH Hilo) is working alongside BESI and the DLA to plan and execute Phase Two of this project. Phase Two includes, six tasks. However, the student interns at UH Hilo are only participating in tasks two, three, and six. These tasks involve the collaboration, communication, and management necessary to ensure that the CBP packaging and B-Rx biodigester can be utilized at a larger, military scale. After completing Phase Two, BESI hopes to provide various industries and the military with their CBP packaging solution. One of the primary target locations for installing the B-Rx unit is the Pōhakuloa Training Area (PTA), where the CBP packaging solution is also set to be received. This would prove beneficial for Hawaiʻi as plastic waste would lessen, a new industry would arise, and both academic and economic opportunities would increase for the community.
