Oahu Invasive Species Committee (OISC)

ROD – OʻAHU

Send photos and locations of symptomatic ʻōhiʻa:  CLICK HERE TO REPORT!

ROD Symptoms in ʻōhiʻa trees = brown leaves attached

Slideshow of symptomatic ʻōhiʻa trees. These symptoms can be caused by a variety of issues. ROD can only be confirmed by a lab test of the wood.

Healthy ʻŌhiʻa 

Slideshow of healthy ʻōhiʻa trees
A large, healthy ʻōhiʻa
A very old, & healthy ʻōhiʻa
Healthy ʻōhiʻa
Healthy ʻōhiʻa
Red ʻōhiʻa blossoms are the most common.
Yellow ʻōhiʻa blossoms are called “lehua mamo”
ʻōhiʻa blossoms can be red, yellow or this salmon color.
Healthy ʻōhiʻa with its trademark silhouette
Healthy ʻōhiʻa with its trademark silhouette
Healthy ʻōhiʻa with its trademark silhouette
Healthy ʻōhiʻa
ʻŌhiʻa are a pioneer species, one of the first to grow on recent lava flow. Their roots break up the lava rock, creating space and soil for other plants to germinate…creating new forests.

Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death (ROD) Detections on Oʻahu (as of June 2021) CLICK HERE FOR UPDATED MAP

Eight (8) trees have tested positive for the less aggressive ROD fungus, Ceratocystis huliohia.

356 ʻōhiʻa trees have been sampled to test for the presence of ROD.

There have been no detections of the very aggressive species, Ceratocystis lukuohia.

What Should You Do To Prevent the Spread? 

Donʻt injure ʻōhiʻa trees.

Clean soil from shoes and tools and spray with 70% rubbing alcohol if can.

Don’t move ʻōhiʻa logs or plant parts.

Don’t transport ʻōhiʻa inter-island.

Wash any vehicles/bikes that have been off-road with high pressure hose.

What is ROD?

Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death (ROD) is a fungal pathogen new to science not ever seen before 2014. There are two (2) species of ROD:

  1. Ceratocystis lukuohia – VERY aggressive and rapid death as occurs in as little as two weeks.
  2. Ceratocystis huliohia – Less aggressive and death can take many months.

Quick Facts About ROD:

  • Symptoms of ROD are dead or dying ʻōhiʻa trees with brown leaves still attached.
  • Both species of ROD present the same symptoms: brown leaves on branches or entire tree.
  • ROD fungus lived INSIDE the tree, you cannot see it on leaves, branches or flowers.
  • ROD enters the ʻōhiʻa tree through a wound…do not injure ʻōhiʻa trees.
  • If you see suspect ROD, send photos to OISC via email: oisc@hawaii.edu or text to: 808-286-4616.
  • You can also always report using the free smartphone app: 643PEST

A variety of things can kill ʻōhiʻa trees and we canʻt know if itʻs ROD unless we get a sample of the wood from inside the tree. You cannot see ROD on leaves or branches…it grows inside the sapwood. This is where the tree moves water around. When the fungus plugs up the sapwood, no water can be moved and the leaves turn brown.

About ʻŌhiʻa

ʻŌhiʻa is the dominant canopy forest tree in the state with over 350 million trees across 800,000 on all the main Hawaiian islands. It is a keystone species, meaning itʻs integral to the ecosystem and the services they provide like clean water, water capture, as well as flood and erosion control. ʻŌhiʻa is also significant to Hawaiian culture and represented in numerous hula, moʻolelo, mele and oli. There are five species of ʻōhiʻa in Hawaiʻi. They are all endemic to our state, meaning they are found nowhere else in the world…and two of those five are endemic to Oʻahu island! You can see ʻōhiʻa in yards and in the forest.

For more details about ROD and ʻōhiʻa, visit: www.rapidohiadeath.org

FOURTH DETECTION OF RAPID ʻŌHIʻA DEATH ON O‘AHU

Dead leaves still attached to ʻōhiʻa (as seen here from the air)…this is known as “flagging” and symptomatic of potential presence of ROD inside the tree.

(Honolulu) – An aerial survey of some 20,000 acres of forest on O‘ahu has resulted in the fourth detection of Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death (ROD) in an ʻōhiʻa in the Moanalua Section of the Honolulu Watershed Forest Reserve above Tripler Army Medical Center.

“Fortunately,” explains State Protection Forester Rob Hauff of the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW), this tree is infected with Ceratocystis huliohia, the less aggressive species of the fungus associated with ROD.”  The tree was located using a helicopter-mounted camera system developed by the University of Hawai‘i-Hilo, Spatial Data Analysis and Visualization Lab (SDAV).  The collected images were analyzed in partnership with staff from the O‘ahu Invasive Species Committee (OISC) and DOFAW, as part of an on-going effort to improve the ability of field personnel to spot potentially infected trees.

The previous detections of the same species on O‘ahu include single trees on Kamehameha Schools land in Waiawa, and on two private properties in Windward O‘ahu residential areas. Nathan Dube, the manager of the OISC said both of those trees were planted ʻōhiʻa. He said, “Both of these detections were from concerned landowners, who reported their dead or dying ʻōhiʻa to OISC.  An OISC field team cut down the trees, dissected them, and sent samples to a lab in Hilo for positive confirmation and for research purposes.”

The aerial survey that picked up the tree in the Honolulu Watershed Forest Reserve, focused on the area adjacent to the earlier Waiawa detection. Surveyors identified about 40 additional trees from the images that need to be sampled for the disease, including ground-truthing. That process will take some time, as the area is rugged and difficult to reach.  DOFAW and OISC crews, with the help from experts on Hawai’i Island, decided to remove the infected branch of the tree and monitor it monthly for further signs of disease. Crews used a sealant on the wound to prevent additional disease infection.

*Please report location of dead or dying ʻōhiʻa trees with dead leaves still attached on O‘ahu to OISC at: oisc@hawaii.edu  (Photos are helpful)

Surveying 20,000 acres of forest on Oahu. using helicopter mounted camera system designed by UH-Hilo, Spatial Data Analysis and Visualization Lab.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Residents and visitors can help protect our remaining ʻōhiʻa forests with the following actions:

  • Avoid injuring ʻōhiʻa. Open wounds on ʻōhiʻa are an entry point for disease spores. The disease can also spread from tree to tree on machetes or other tools.
  • Don’t transport ʻōhiʻa inter-island.
  • Don’t move ʻōhiʻa wood or vegetation, especially from areas known to have ROD.
  • Clean your hiking boots/gear/tools. Scrub off all dirt and spray boot soles and tools with 70% rubbing alcohol, and wash your clothes in hot water and use a dryer to ensure the disease is not spread on boots and clothing.
  • Wash your vehicle if driving near ʻōhiʻa forests. The disease can remain alive and infectious in soil, so wash all dirt off vehicles.

Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death has now been detected on Hawai‘ Island, Maui, Kaua‘i and O‘ahu since the fungal disease was first discovered in 2014. To date, the more aggressive form of the disease has not been found on Maui or O‘ahu, and is extremely limited on Kaua‘i.

Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death Detected on Oʻahu

DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES NEWS RELEASE: July 31, 2019

RAPID ʻŌHIʻA DEATH NOW DETECTED ON FOUR ISLANDS: Less Aggressive Strain Discovered on O‘ahu

(Honolulu) – One of the species of fungus causing Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death was recently detected for the first time on O`ahu. A team of natural resource managers from the O`ahu Invasive Species Committee (OISC) and the Ko’olau Mountain Watershed Partnership (KMWP) recently sampled a dead ʻōhiʻa tree on private land in a remote area in the Ko’olau Mountains above Pearl City.

The sample was analyzed by the USDA Agriculture Research Service lab in Hilo. It confirmed the presence of Ceratocystis huliohia. Although this is the less aggressive of the two Ceratocystis species associated with ROD, it still has the ability to kill ʻōhiʻa trees.

A partnership of state, federal, university, and non-government organizations have been conducting systematic helicopter and ground surveys to look for Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death since 2016.  On Oʻahu, 150 dead or unhealthy ʻōhiʻa trees have been sampled for the disease in the past three years, and all have been negative until now. The location of the infected tree is extremely remote and it is considered highly unlikely to have been spread by people. Researchers are still trying to understand the source of the two Ceratocystis pathogens and are looking at any possible patterns of dispersal.

This first detection on O‘ahu has initiated a rapid response which includes additional surveys to determine how widespread the disease is. A combination of helicopter, UAS (drone) and ground surveys are planned with OISC, DLNR and KMWP playing lead roles. The landowner, Kamehameha Schools, is working closely with the response agencies to coordinate access to the property so agencies are able to test for the fungus and prevent it from spreading.

Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death threatens Hawaii’s most important tree species. ʻŌhiʻa grows throughout the Ko’olau and Waianae mountain ranges across approximately 50,000 acres. ʻŌhiʻa serves as a keystone species providing important watershed cover for recharging the island’s aquifer, habitat for endangered species, and cultural uses such as hula performances.

Residents and visitors can help protect our remaining ʻōhiʻa forests with the following actions:

  • Avoid injuring ʻōhiʻa. Open wounds on ʻōhiʻa are an entry point for disease spores. The disease can also spread from tree to tree on machetes or other tools.
  • Don’t transport ʻōhiʻa inter-island.
  • Don’t move ʻōhiʻa wood or vegetation, especially from areas known to have ROD.
  • Clean your hiking boots/gear/tools. Scrub off all dirt and spray boot soles and tools with 70% rubbing alcohol, and wash your clothes in hot water and use a dryer to ensure the disease is not spread on boots and clothing.
  • Wash your vehicle if driving near ʻōhiʻa forests. The disease can remain alive and infectious in soil, so wash all dirt off vehicles.

Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death has now been detected on Hawai‘ Island, Maui, Kaua‘i and O‘ahu since the fungal disease was first discovered in 2014. To date, the more aggressive form of the disease has not been found on Maui or O‘ahu, and is extremely limited on Kaua‘i.

RESOURCES (All images/video courtesy: DLNR)

To report dead or dying ʻōhiʻa on Oʻahu please call or text the Oahu Invasive Species Committee at (808) 286-4616 or e-mail oisc@hawaii.edu.

Additional information about Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death can be found at www.rapidohiadeath.org.

Media Contact: Dan Dennison, Senior Communications Manager (808) 587-0396,  DLNR.comms@hawaii.gov

 

 

Aggresive ROD Fungus Confirmed on Kaua‘i

JOINT NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 21, 2018

 

DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES

DAVID Y. IGE: GOVERNOR

SUZANNE D. CASE: CHAIRPERSON

 

 AGGRESSIVE RAPID ʻŌHIʻA DEATH FUNGUS FOUND ON KAUA‘I

 (Lihue)-Detection of Ceratocystis lukuohia, the more virulent of the two fungal pathogens causing Rapid ʻŌhi‘a Death (ROD), has now been confirmed in three trees on Department of Hawaiian Homelands parcel behind Kalalea Mountain on the east side of Kaua‘i. This first detection of C. lukuohia comes after the other pathogen resulting in ROD, Ceratocystis huliohia, was detected on Kauai in three distinct locations this past year.

“These three trees that tested positive for C. lukuohia were spotted by our rapid response team as they were conducting botanical surveys across the island,” said Sheri S. Mann, Kaua‘i District Manager for the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW). “Later, a team trekked by foot to visually inspect and take samples from the tree.”

ʻŌhi‘a die for many reasons, although symptoms consistent with ROD include the sudden browning of leaves on limbs or the entire crowns of trees. The fungus is not visible on the leaves or the bark but grows in the sapwood just below the bark. The three trees that were sampled earlier this month stood out in a forest of green, because the entirety of the trees leaves had browned.

Samples were then sent to the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in Hilo for the necessary laboratory testing that confirmed C. lukuohia in all three trees.

“This is obviously news we didn’t want to hear,” Mann said. “But within a day of learning the news, we scheduled a helicopter to conduct more digital mobile sketch mapping to identify any additional symptomatic trees. We followed that with pinpoint drone surveys conducted by the UH Hilo Department of Geography SDAV Lab and more tree sampling to try and determine the severity and distribution of the outbreak. It’s been a busy week.”

 A benefit for Kaua‘i is the hard-earned research conducted on Hawaii Island where ROD was identified more than four years ago. Hundreds of thousands of trees have died due to ROD on Hawai‘i Island, more than 90 percent due to C. lukuohia. Earlier this year, scientists at ARS described the two-different species of fungi that cause ROD as C. huliohia and C. lukuohia. Both species are new to science.

The difference between the two pathogens is how they move through the tree and how quickly they kill.

“The pathogen enters the tree through a wound; be it a broken limb, twig or, perhaps, a scuffed up exposed root. Whereas C. huliohia may take months to years to kill an ohia tree, C. lukuohia can kill a tree within weeks,” said James B. Friday, the extension forester with the University of Hawaii.

The Kaua‘i ROD Working Group does not know exactly when or how the disease arrived on Kaua‘i-whether it was the result of human activity or on its own, e.g. via the wind.

Once additional lab results and drone imagery are available, the rapid response team will consult with the ROD science team to determine what management actions should be taken.

“Our priority is to save ohia. It has a critical role in the ecosystem’s function,” said Tiffani Keanini, project manager of Kaua‘i Invasive Species Committee (KISC). “We are currently determining the best method to contain the spread and prevent ROD from entering pristine watershed areas. At this point, we are treating the recent outbreak with rapid response actions.  As we learn more about the distribution and density of the affected area, we will likely adapt our management strategy efforts.”

The C. lukuohia detection site is located in a remote area at 550-foot elevation. This forest location is comprised of a mix of native trees and plants like ʻōhi‘a, koa, hala, and uluhe that are being crowded out by non-natives such as albizia, java plum, strawberry guava, and octopus trees. Unfortunately, any loss of a native tree will give rise to the faster-growing invasives unless aggressive native tree plantings take place.

As there is no known cure to ROD, prevention is the key to ensuring it doesn’t spread and both Kama‘aina and visitors can help by following these key five guidelines:

1) Keep your eyes open. If you see ʻōhiʻa with a limb or crown turning brown, take a picture, and contact KISC via email (saveohia@hawaii.edu) or phone (808-821-1490). Samples of the wood must be taken by trained technicians and tested in a laboratory to confirm the presence of the ROD fungi.

2) Avoid injuring ʻōhiʻa. Wounds serve as entry points for the fungus and increase the odds that the tree will become infected and die from ROD. Avoid pruning and contact with heavy equipment wherever possible.

3) Clean gear and tools, including shoes and clothes, before and after entering the forest and areas where ʻōhiʻa may be present. Brush all soil off tools and gear, then spray with 70% rubbing alcohol. Wash clothes with hot water and soap.

4) Wash your vehicle with a high-pressure hose or washer if you’ve been off-roading or have picked up mud from driving. Clean all soil off tires–including mountain bikes and motorcycles–and vehicle undercarriage.

5) Don’t move ʻōhiʻa wood or ʻōhiʻa parts, including adjacent soil. The disease can be spread to new areas by moving plants, plant parts, and wood from infected areas to non-infected areas.

 

 

MEDIA RESOURCES

(All images/video courtesy: DLNR)

HD video-field survey training, digital sketch mapping (May 11, 2018)

  • https://vimeo.com/269082425 (shot sheet attached)

HD video-Kauai Rapid Ōhiʻa Death video news release (May 11, 2018)

  • https://vimeo.com/269288041

Photographs-digital sketch mapping, field survey training: (cut sheet attached)

Video-Ceratocystis: Tale of Two Species & Screening for Resistance:

For more on Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death:

Credit: Kauai Invasive Species Committee/Kim S. Rogers:

Seanne Igne (Protection Forester/DOFAW) is pictured while conducting Digital Mobile Sketch Mapping surveys via helicopter.

 

Media Contacts:

Kaua‘i Invasive Species Committee

Kim S. Rogers

(808) 821-1490

(808) 634-6667 (cell)

saveohia@hawaii.edu

 

 AJ McWhorter

DLNR Communications Specialist

Hawaii Dept. of Land and Natural Resources

dlnr.comms@hawaii.gov

aj.mcwhorter@hawaii.gov

808-587-0396 (Communications Office)

808-587-0418 (Direct Line)

www.dlnr.hawaii.gov

Cedric Duarte

Information & Community Relations Officer

Department of Hawaiian Home Lands

91-5420 Kapolei Parkway

Kapolei, Hawai’i 96707

Phone: 808-620-9591

Mobile: 808-342-0873

Cedric.R.Duarte@hawaii.gov

Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death

Rapid Ohia Death symptoms include rapid browning of affected tree crowns. Trees die so fast, the leaved remain even after the tree has died.

Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death symptoms include rapid browning of affected tree crowns. Trees die so fast, the leaved remain even after the tree has died.

In an effort to prevent spread of this devastating disease to other islands, the Hawai‘i Board of Agriculture approved an emergency quarantine measure on intrastate movement of ‘ōhi‘a and ‘ōhi‘a products.

Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death (ROD) is caused by two strains of the  fungus Ceratocystis that until now, where unknown to science. Ceratocystis lukuohia, destroyer of ‘ōhi‘a and Ceratocystis huliohia, turning of ‘ōhi‘a. Both fungi infect and kill ‘ōhi‘a by attacking the vascular system of the tree. These fungal strains haven’t been seen before and there is no known cure for this new disease, but the quarantine will afford researchers more time to look for ways to mitigate the impacts.

Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death has now been detected on Hawai‘i Island, Maui, Kaua‘i and O‘ahu. To date, the more aggressive form of the disease has not been found on Maui or O‘ahu.

Everyone is asked to help stop the spread of ROD by following these 5 steps:

  1. Don’t injure ‘ōhi‘a. Avoid mowing and walking over roots.
  2. Don’t move ‘ōhi‘a wood, especially if you don’t know where it came from. Follow the quarantine rule and do not move ‘ōhi‘a materials to other islands without a permit. (Permit applications at: www.hdoa.hawaii.gov)
  3. Keep your eyes open. If you see ‘ōhi‘a with ROD symptoms on O‘ahu, take a picture and contact OISC right away so we can collect a sample for testing. Email photos to oisc@hawaii.edu or call us at: 266-7994.
  4. Clean your tools, gear, clothing and shoes when hunting, hiking, or gathering. Remove all dirt and much and either dip or spray your soles in *approved solution, and wash clothes in hot water and detergent.
  5. Wash your vehicle with detergent, especially if you’ve traveled off-road.

*approved decontamination treatment proven to kill ROD fungus: spray with 70% rubbing alcohol. 

Since August 2015, OISC joined the effort to monitor for Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death (ROD). OISC conduct aerial surveys of all ʻōhiʻa forests on the island twice a year to look for and sample suspect trees. OISC also responds to reports of symptomatic ʻōhiʻa trees across the island. Wood is collected from these symptomatic trees, then sent to a lab in Hilo to test for the presence or absence of the ROD fungus.

ON O‘AHU: PLEASE REPORT DEAD/DYING ‘ŌHI‘A TREES WITH BROWN LEAVES. 

OISC has been assisting with reports of suspect ‘ōhi‘a trees on O‘ahu by collecting samples and submitting them to the ROD Team on the Big Island.  On O‘ahu, If you see a dead or dying ‘ōhi‘a trees that still have brown leaves attached, you can contact OISC at 266-7994 or email oisc@hawaii.edu.  Also, please take a photo (if can) of the suspect tree and note the precise location in the report.

For O‘ahu updates, visit: www.oahuisc.org/rod-oahu

For current news statewide, maps and pictures, visit: www.rapidohiadeath.org or Facebook/rapidohiadeath

Read More Here: Board of Agriculture Restricts Movement of Ohia

Sick ohia trees? How to report suspected Ohia Wilt/Rapid Ohia Death

Rapid Ohia Death (ROD) was first detected in the Puna District on Big Island in 2010. It begins with wilting and yellowing leaves at the end of branches, then leaves on branches turn brown. Within days or a couple of weeks, the whole crown of the tree browns and dies with the dead leaves still attached.The fungus attacks the ohia tree vascular system and trees die so quickly that they retain their yellow/brown leaves.

The mortality rate for ROD infected trees is 100%, and research continues on how the fungus is spread and how to combat it. Currently, it is only known to be on Big Island and the Dept. of Agriculture has issued instructions on how to sample and submit specimens of suspect ROD trees on all islands.

For more information, photos, and maps, visit www.rapidohiadeath.org or www.facebook.com/RapidOhiaDeath 

_______________________________________________________________________________________  ROD Symptoms – ROD Brochure

Laboratory tests are necessary to verify the presence or absence of the fungus that caused ROD. There are a variety of things that can cause ohia trees to show symptoms of illness, from drought, old age and more. You can report sick or dying tree with the following symptoms.

  • Crowns of ‘ōhi‘a trees that appear healthy turn yellowish or brown within days to weeks; dead leaves remain on branches for some time.
  •  All ages of ‘ōhi‘a trees can be affected and can have symptoms of browning of branches and/or leaves.
  • If a tree with ROD is cut down, or a section of the tree is removed, the fungus shows up as dark staining in the sapwood along the outer edge, and there may be an over-ripe fruit-like odor.
  •  Trees within a given stand die in a haphazard pattern; the disease does not appear to radiate out directly from infected or dead trees.

 

Residents on Oahu can contact OISC at 266-7994 or email oisc@hawaii.edu.  Also, please take a photo (if can) of the suspect tree and note the precise location in the report.

Residents on Hawaii Island with questions regarding the disease should contact:

Dr. J.B. Friday

UH Cooperative Extension Service

Email: jbfriday@hawaii.edu

Phone: (808) 969-8254

 Dr. Flint Hughes

USDA Forest Service

Email: fhughes@fs.fed.us

Phone: (808) 854-2617

Dr. Lisa Keith

USDA  Agriculture Research Service

Email: Lisa.Keith@ars.usda.gov

Phone: (808) 959-4357

 

 

 

Contact Us

Oahu Invasive Species Committee (OISC)
Office: (808) 266-7994
Fax: (808) 266-7995

OISC Manager: Nate Dube
E-mail: oiscmgr@hawaii.edu
OISC Outreach Coordinator: Erin Bishop
E-mail: oisc@hawaii.edu

Pest Hotline: 808-643-PEST (7378)
Report a Pest Online