Hawaii Ag Department proposes releasing wasps on Hawaii Island to save macadamia nuts trees | Local [Video]

HAWAII ISLAND, Hawaii (Island News) – Macadamia Felted Coccid (MFC) are a known pest for killing Hawaii’s macadamia nuts. The State Department of Agriculture (DOA) is proposing to introduce a parasitoid wasp that is a natural enemy of MFC.

“If we’re approved for release, the Parasitoid Metaphycus will be released at certain key locations on the Big Island, where Macadamia Felted Coccid infestations are the worse,” said Darcy Oishi, Acting Branch Manager of the DOA Plant Pest Control Branch.