Pest management needs assessment for the ornamental cropping industry in Hawaiʻi

A survey was conducted to understand stakeholder priorities and management needs relating to pests in the ornamental cropping industry in Hawaiʻi. Electronic and paper versions of a semi-structured questionnaire, as well as interviews, were disseminated to stakeholders (n = 259) statewide from December 2024 to February 2025. The survey identified beetles (Coleoptera), mites (Arachnida), whiteflies (Hemiptera), scale insects (Hemiptera), thrips (Thysanoptera), and ants (Hymenoptera) as the most significant pest challenges in the nursery, floriculture, and landscape industries, contributing to economic losses and industry decline. The majority of respondents indicated a strong preference for integrated pest management (IPM) strategies over pesticides as standalone treatments. The most pressing needs for the industry were identified as research and development in emerging tools and technologies, including the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for pest monitoring and management. Additional priorities included the expansion of extension and education programs, timely information dissemination, effective phytosanitary measures, and the development of innovative management. This information will help foster the development and optimization of IPM programs in response to the identified needs of the industry.