Biotechnology, 2002 - present
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Item Somatic embryogenesis from mature Bambusa ventricosa(University of Hawaii, 2011-08) Cheah, Kheng T.; Chaille, Lee C.This paper describes a bamboo tissue culture protocol based on explants from mature plants that minimizes the browning and rooting problems identified as bottlenecks in previous methods. The positive results of this initial research can be further optimized for commercial application.Item Construction of Automatic Bell Siphons for Backyard Aquaponic Systems(University of Hawaii, 2010-06) Fox, Bradley K.; Howerton, Robert; Tamaru, Clyde S.Item How to Cultivate Indigenous Microorganisms(University of Hawaii, 2008-08) Park, Hoon; DuPonte, Michael W.In Korea and other Asian countries, deliberate collection and culturing of naturally occurring soil organisms and their application to crop soils is believed to minimize the need for applications of inorganic soil amendments. While there is little scientific data to verify the benefits of this practice, the publication provides step-by-step descriptions and illustrations of the process.Item Preparing Tissue-Cultured Banana Plantlets for Field Planting(University of Hawaii, 2008-03) Perez, Eden A.; Hooks, Cerruti R2This publication describes basic requirements for preparing tissue-cultured banana plantlets in greenhouse nurseries and for field planting. To help growers fight the spread of banana bunchy top virus and mitigate its negative impact on the Hawai‘i banana industry, the CTAHR Agricultural Diagnostic Service Center will have tissue-cultured banana plants available for purchase as part of its seed distribution program.Item How to Cultivate Indigenous Microorganisms(University of Hawaii, 2008-08) Park, Hoon; DuPonte, Michael W.In Asian countries, deliberate collection and culturing of naturally occurring soil microorganisms has been a common agricultural practice for centuries, and application of these cultures to crop soils is believed to minimize the need for applications of inorganic soil amendments. However, little scientific documentation of the benefits of these practices exists. This publication outlines the principal steps in culturing naturally occurring microorganisms in a process similar to one used on farms in Korea.Item Attitudes of Hawai`i Consumers Toward Genetically Modified Fruit(University of Hawaii, 2007-04) Shehata, Sabry; Cox, Linda J.A telephone survey assessed knowledge about and attitudes toward genetically engineered fruit. Only 8 percent of respondents thought themselves well informed about genetic modification of food crops, indicating the need for consumer education. Respondents strongly indicated that genetically modified fruits should be labeled.Item Use of Biotechnology in Agriculture -- Benefits and Risks(University of Hawaii, 2003-05) Wieczorek, AniaBiotechnology is the application of scientific techniques to modify and improve plants, animals, and microorganisms to enhance their value. Agricultural biotechnology is the area of biotechnology involving applications to agriculture. Modern biotechnology represents unique applications of science that can be used for the betterment of society through development of crops with improved nutritional quality, resistance to pests and diseases, and reduced cost of production. Biotechnology, in the form of genetic engineering, is a facet of science that has the potential to provide important benefits if used carefully and ethically. Society should be provided with a balanced view of the fundamentals of biotechnology and genetic engineering, the processes used in developing transgenic organisms, the types of genetic material used, and the benefits and risks of the new technology.Item Results from a Hawaii Opinion Survey on Genetically Modified Organisms(University of Hawaii, 2002-11) Ferguson, Carol A.; Chan-Halbrendt, Catherine; Wieczorek, Ania; Wen, NaIn September 2001, the QMark Research and Polling company conducted a telephone survey of Hawaii households for the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources. The survey included questions about residents’ knowledge and opinions on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and their use in different applications, plus basic demographic information on the respondent. This document summarizes the main findings of the survey.Item Is Organic Papaya Production in Hawaii Threatened by Cross-Pollination with Genetically Engineered Varieties?(University of Hawaii, 2002-10) Manshardt, RichardThe organic certification regulations of the USDA currently define “organic” foods to exclude “genetically engineered” crop varieties. In Hawaii, the genetically engineered papaya varieties ‘Rainbow’ and ‘SunUp’ were released in 1998 to provide protection from a damaging disease, papaya ringspot virus, which threatened to destroy the papaya industry. The rapid adoption of these varieties on about half of the total production acreage in Hawaii has caused concern among growers of organic papayas, who fear that uncontrolled pollination of their plants by genetically engineered papayas in the vicinity will make their fruits unmarketable as organic produce. This publication provides pertinent information for growers who want to continue to produce organic papayas in regions where genetically engineered trees are common.Item Agricultural Biotechnology in Hawai‘i(University of Hawaii, 2006-09) Wieczorek, Ania M.; Munster, PeterIn its broad and historical sense, the word “biotechnology” refers to the use of living organisms or parts of organisms in agriculture, food and beverage processing, and medicine. Recently, the word has come to refer more narrowly to techniques that alter genes at the molecular level, producing genetically engineered (GE) organisms, or to the manufacture of products using these organisms. This publication briefly outlines the current activities in Hawaii.