Pineapple nematode research in hawaii: past, present, and future

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Nematology
• Plant Pathology

Background:

• Pineapple cultivation in Hawaii dates back to 1813, with commercial production beginning in 1901.
• Nematode issues in Hawaiian pineapple were identified in the early 1900s, impacting crop yields.
• Early management strategies included fallowing and crop rotation from 1920 to 1945.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a historical overview of nematode management in Hawaiian pineapple production.
• To trace the evolution of nematode control strategies from traditional methods to modern chemical and biological approaches.
• To highlight recent and future research directions in sustainable nematode management.

Main Methods:

• Historical review of scientific literature and research records.
• Analysis of the development of nematode management techniques over time.
• Identification of key researchers and their contributions to pineapple nematology.

Main Results:

• Nematode management evolved significantly, from crop rotation to the introduction of soil fumigants like D-D mixture and DBCP.
• Soil fumigation became the primary strategy post-1945, significantly impacting pineapple production.
• Recent research focuses on developing nonvolatile and systemic nematicides, alongside biological and cultural controls.

Conclusions:

• The history of pineapple cultivation in Hawaii is intertwined with the ongoing challenge of nematode management.
• Significant advancements in chemical control, particularly soil fumigation, have shaped current practices.
• Future research emphasizes integrated and sustainable approaches, moving beyond sole reliance on nematicides.