What is the value of a strawberry guava tree?

This question is vitally important for future compensation of Hawai'i property owners whose trees become infested with the Brazilian scale insect, Tectococcus ovatus, that the USDA Forest Service, along with the Hawai'i Department of Agriculture and Department of Land and Natural Resources, is wanting to release into the environment.

Strawberry guava is an ornamental fruit tree, with useful hard wood.   This insect attack is expected to severely reduce fruit production, stunt growth, and destroy the beauty of the tree.   To estimate the value of a landscape tree, go to http://www.hort.purdue.edu/hort/ext/Pubs/HO/HO_201.pdf .

Why are they wanting to attack strawberry guava?

Some forestry officials and conservationists don't like the strawberry guava, which has been in Hawai'i since the 1820's when the Hawai'i monarchy still reigned.  Why?  Because it now grows wild in Hawai'i and is not "native".  

But not everyone agrees.  And millions of strawberry guava trees are on private property and are desired by property owners for the tree's beauty, hardwood, and fruit. It has been planted as an ornamental and for soil retention, and is a delicious and nutritious food source that has been enjoyed for generations.

Will the scale insect stay in forest areas where strawberry guava management is desired?

No, the insect will spread with the wind, infesting privately owned plants statewide.

What will the scale insect do to the strawberry guava trees?

The insect will attack leaves, causing ugly galls and reducing the tree's vitality and fruit production. Studies show it can defoliate a tree and cause stunting of growth.

How fast could this insect infestation spread across the state?

It may spread very quickly, traveling with the wind.  The insect is being introduced without any of its own natural predators that keep it under control in its native Brazil, so it has the potential in Hawai'i to explode in numbers. In addition, these insects can reproduce without needing a male (i.e., they are parthenogenic), making their spread even faster.   Recently, the wili wili wasp spread lightning fast across the state attacking wili wili trees, surprising scientists on how fast an insect invasion can occur.  And a fungus that attacks o'hia, guava, eucalyptus, and has destroyed the rose apple travels with the wind, too, and spread within a couple of years across the state.  This scale insect may do the same thing.

Can the insect attack other species of trees?

Yes.  There is the risk of this bug mutating and adapting to attack other plant species, especially related myrtles, including our native o'hia, mountain apple, guava, rose apple, surinam cherry, java plum, eucalyptus, and much more.

Are there alternative methods of control besides releasing this insect?

Yes, there are alternatives, such as increased harvesting and utilization of this resource for wood chips, biofuel, fruit, and more, creating an industry and opportunities.   Strawberry guava could be an important part of food and fuel self-sufficiency.

Does the government acknowledge that damage will be done to privately owned strawberry guava?

Yes.  The March, 2008 Environmental Assessment states that, "Since strawberry guava is occasionally planted as an ornamental, infestation by T. ovatus may be perceived as damaging to their aesthetic value. In these cases infestation could be controlled by application of appropriate insecticides. For example, T. ovatus is susceptible to insecticidal oil sprays, which are relatively innocuous to the environment and are compatible with production of fruit for consumption. Substituting other plants, such as native Hawaiian trees, for ornamental plantings of strawberry guava is an alternative option."  

It does not mention who will pay for the spraying or replanting.

Do property owners have a right to compensation?

Yes.  According to the Hawai'i Constitution, “Private property shall not be taken or damaged for public use without just compensation”.

The Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution states,“...nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.” 

The Federal and Hawai'i governments will therefore have to consider their liability for strawberry guava biocontrol.

What will be the cost of the damage?

Damages would include, but not be limited to:

• loss of ornamental value; 

• reduced wood production; 

• reduced fruit production; 

• costs of pest control and other mitigation measures;

• re-landscaping and tree replacement costs; and

• property value reductions.

Since this insect may also adapt and evolve to attack other hosts,  damages could extend to these host plants, as well.  

Finally, reflect for a moment on what is really happening here. 

The public is fighting the government to not release an insect that will attack a valued ornamental fruit tree. Meanwhile, people are told to become food self-sufficient, since we rely too much on imports to feed us. We are being told a resource for food and wood that grows well and is plentiful is a useless weed worthy of an insect attack, which will not kill it but just make it galled, ugly, sick, and nearly fruitless – even on private property where the tree is grown for its value.

So, if you live in Hawai'i, what do you think is the value of your strawberry guava trees? Think about it, because that is what the government wants to take away from you.

If you own strawberry guava and want compensation for damages, then join the Strawberry Guava Biocontrol Damage Compensation list.

Email us at biodamage@gmail.com to get on the list.  Or call us at 808-935-5563.

We will notify you of any legal action and other issues that will help you get reimbursed for biodamages to your strawberry guava trees from this insect attack.

For more information on strawberry guava biocontrol, go to www.SaveTheGuava.com. 

Come to the SUSTAINABILITY EXPO on MAY 9, Mainstreet Pahoa at 2PM for more information on “The Value of Strawberry Guava”.

Listen to a radio interview between EnviroWatch investigative reporter Carroll Cox and Good Sherpherd Foundation's Sydney Ross Singer, exposing corruption at the DLNR.  http://blog.thecarrollcoxshow.com/2009/05/03/the-carroll-cox-show--050309t.aspx