Dr. Melzer: Nudivirus on the Way!

Aloha CRB Action Kaua’i Friends.

A few CRB Action Kaua’i Advisors met with Dr. Michael Melzer from CTAHR at UH Manoa at our home here on Kaua’i to learn more about the important work Dr. Melzer and his team are doing — and how that will be used on Kaua’i. 

The good news is that the Nudivirus has been found to be an effective biocontrol and is actively being researched for deployment in Hawaii.  Dr. Melzer confirmed that the process for  release is very much underway.  The necessary testing with the Host Range Species is being carried out now.  This includes exposure to about eight other insect species that could be adversely impacted by the Nudivirus.  The Oriental Flower Beetle, whose larvae are deceivingly similar to the CRB larvae is on the list along with the flightless scarab beetles typically found in high-elevation Kōkeʻe State Park forests.

Dr. Melzer explained that an important facet of the research is testing adult beetles with the Nudivirus in a special lab to make sure the Nudivirus does not spread from a rogue escaping beetle! In the interest of time, CTAHR is seeking a special permit to use their already existing facilities.  Once the Nudivirus has passed the tests and review by an Ad Hoc committee, which should occur by the end of 2027, the approval process begins at Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and USDAFSA which will occur simultaneously.  Once approved, and hopefully in a matter of months, the Nudivirus can be deployed throughout Hawaii.  In the meantime, CTAHR will be working collaboratively with countries such as Vietnam and Malaysia to find additional strains of the Nudivirus.  

One thing to bear in mind is that the biocontrol is unlikely to fully eradicate CRB. It should do more than half the work.  We will probably need to continue the new practices covered in this site, especially netting, trapping, and green waste management. 

We also learned that CRB Response and CTAHR are focusing on Kaua’i and going to launch a new effort to work with us to implement strategies and disseminate information, initially providing free nets and free traps as early as late February or early March.  They have agreed to work closely with ongoing CRB Action Kaua’i to help accomplish our shared goals.  Stay tuned for information on CRB events on Kaua’i.  CTAHR’s Dr. Michael Melzer along with Dr. Keith Weiser and his assistants, Sanna and Arisa, at CRB Response, have told us that free traps and netting are on their way to Kaua’i shortly, as a result of Bill 236 that passed last July at the State level.  If you enter your email here, we will update you via email as to exactly when and where — and whenever opportunities like this arise.  Free stuff!

Warmest wishes, 

Merlyn, Coordinator, CRB Action Kaua’i