HONOLULU (AP) — An insect that’s harmful to vegetable crops has been found on Maui. ADVERTISING HONOLULU (AP) — An insect that’s harmful to vegetable crops has been found on Maui. The state Department of Agriculture says the bagrada bug
HONOLULU (AP) — An insect that’s harmful to vegetable crops has been found on Maui.
The state Department of Agriculture says the bagrada bug was found last week in a student garden at Maui College. State agriculture staff surveyed the site and found five adults and two nymphs. More were found during subsequent surveys, for a total of 19 adults and two nymphs.
The department is launching a statewide survey because the bug feeds on a wide range of vegetables.
The bug is native to Africa and was first detected in Los Angeles in 2008. It has spread to Nevada, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah and Texas. Black with orange and white markings, it’s also known as the painted stink bug.
The bug is particularly harmful to gardens and organic farms.
