SUSTAINABLE AND ORGANIC FARMING SYSTEMS RESEARCH AND OUTREACH FOR HAWAII.

• Sponsoring Institution: National Institute of Food and Agriculture
• Project Status: COMPLETE
• Funding Source: HATCH
• Reporting Frequency: Annual
• Accession No.: 0220547
• Project Start Date: Oct 1, 2009
• Project End Date: Sep 30, 2014
• Program Code: [(N/A)]- (N/A)

Recipient Organization
UNIV OF HAWAII
3190 MAILE WAY
HONOLULU,HI 96822

Performing Department
Tropical Plant & Soil Science

Non Technical Summary
The science of sustainable agricultural systems involves uniquely integrated studies, combining recent technological advances in chemistry and biology with traditional agrarian practices and an increasingly sophisticated understanding of ecological processes in agriculture. Sustainable farming systems are expanding in Hawai'i and possess significant potential to generate economic growth in the State by improving the viability of small family farms, generating new entrepreneurial programs within agriculture, and enhancing the growth of agri-tourism as an attractive component of Hawaii's visitor industry. The Sustainable Farming Systems Research program will work with other CTAHR faculty members with related research interests to coordinate ongoing and future multi-disciplinary efforts within CTAHR. In addition, the research program will address both applied and basic scientific questions related to the eco-physiology of food crops in the tropics. 15. Expected Outcomes (Outcome Indicators in parenthases). Short-range 1) Improved grower knowledge regarding local inputs, locally adapted germplasm and low-inpact pesticides. (pre and post field day evaluations) 2) Significant contribution to the growing body of scientific knowledge regarding local inputs, locally adapted germplasm and low-inpact pesticides. (Publications and citations) Medium -range 4) Increased productivity and profitability of farming operations currently using local inputs, locally adapted germplasm and low-inpact pesticides. (Grower surveys twords end of project period). 5) Increased cooperation between the University, industry, growers and other stakeholders. (projects, grants and publications with University, industry, growers as co-pi/co-authors.

Animal Health Component

(N/A)

Research Effort Categories

Basic

(N/A)

Applied

(N/A)

Developmental

(N/A)

Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)	Subject of Investigation (SOI)	Field of Science (FOS)	Percent
204	2410	1070	30%
205	2410	1070	30%
206	2410	1070	30%
601	2410	1070	10%

Knowledge Area
601 - Economics of Agricultural Production and Farm Management; 204 - Plant Product Quality and Utility (Preharvest); 206 - Basic Plant Biology; 205 - Plant Management Systems;

Subject Of Investigation
2410 - Cross-commodity research--multiple crops;

Field Of Science
1070 - Ecology;

Keywords

sustainable

organic

germplasm evaluation

fertility

pest control

agroecosystem

Goals / Objectives
The science of sustainable agricultural systems involves uniquely integrated studies, combining recent technological advances in chemistry and biology with traditional agrarian practices and an increasingly sophisticated understanding of ecological processes in agriculture. Sustainable farming systems are expanding in Hawai'i and possess significant potential to generate economic growth in the State by improving the viability of small family farms, generating new entrepreneurial programs within agriculture, and enhancing the growth of agri-tourism as an attractive component of Hawaii's visitor industry. The Sustainable Farming Systems Research program will work with other CTAHR faculty members with related research interests to coordinate ongoing and future multi-disciplinary efforts within CTAHR. In addition, the research program will address both applied and basic scientific questions related to the eco-physiology of food crops in the tropics. The objectives of this cooperative effort include: 1. Reduce the reliance of Hawaii growers on imported, non-renewable resources. 2. Identify and evaluate vegetable germplasm for high performance under Hawaii conditions 3. Establish recommendations for low-impact agricultural inputs and practices for Hawaii's farmers. The activities outlined in this proposal will address a majority of CTAHR Strategic Plan and Hawaii Plan of Work (see below). Ina addition, these activities will: 1) Provide research that maintains and enhances production of established tropical and subtropical agricultural products; 2) Develop agricultural practices in the tropics and subtropics that are environmentally acceptable through an agroecosystems approach; 3) Enhance the role of value-added agriculture in tropical island ecosystems, and ; 4) Develop and deliver user-friendly decision support packages to help client needs. Outpits include: At least 5 refereed journal articles (1 per year) in publications targeting both growers and the general scientific community (e.g. HortTechnology and Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, respectively). At least 10 extension fact sheets (2 per year), including agronomic and economic evaluation local inputs, locally adapted germplasm and low-impact pesticides. On-line database of relevant information, to be hosted at http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/organic and http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/sustainag. At least 10 field days (2 per year) statewide on local inputs, locally adapted germplasm and low-impact pesticides.

Project Methods
Utilizing Local and Alternative Inputs Effectively Several local inputs will be evaluated for their nutrient quality and potential for impacting crop growth. Economic analysis will also be conducted. Local inputs evaluated will include composts (Hawaiian Earth Products, Waikiki Worm Company, etc), bone and blood meal (Island Commodities) and invasive algae (Avrainvillea amadelpha, Gracliaria salicornia). Specific research activities associated with this objective include: 1. Determine fertilizer value of invasive marine algae (multiple locations and species). 2. Evaluate innovative methods of compost application and use, including: Aqueous extraction (compost tea) Peat and fertilizer replacement in seedling production. Utilizing low rates of application (<5 t/acre) to improve fertilizer use efficiency of high nitrogen fertilizers (e.g. urea, bone meal). 3. Efficacy trials of botanical based pesticides. Examples include neem, spinosad, a secondary metabolite from the aerobic fermentation of Saccharopolyspora spinosa on nutrient media (Premachandra et al., 2005), clove oil based herbicides and the new class of strobilurin fungicides that are derivatives of natural fungicidal products produced by mushrooms (Sudisha et al., 2005). Objective 2. Specific research activities associated with this objective include: 1.Variety trials of new and under utilized crops, including: Specialty chile peppers Tropical pumpkins Mullunggay (Moringa oleifera) 2.Differential growth, yield and crop quality response of multiple vegetable genotypes to high and low rates of synthetic and organic fertilizers. For example, 2 open-pollinated and one hybrid variety previously shown to perform well under organic conditions will be grown under multiple rates of nitrogen (0, 150, 300 and 600 lbs/acre) provided as bone meal. Objective 3. We will maximize resources for training growers CES and NRCS staff by: Using existing video conferencing technology to broadcast classroom lecture-style presentations to neighbor islands, Distributing our training materials on-line and/or via CDs, Providing honoraria for local farmers to serve as co-presenters (when feasible), and Providing travel funds for presenters to travel to neighbor islands for follow up physi-cal field days and field tours. We will work with CTAHR and external collaborators to develop three (3) intermediate training video-workshops for SA practices (2-3 hours long) annually CTAHR CES specialists will work in partnership with local farmers to serve as co-presenters for the workshops. We will collaborate with local teams of extension agents and NRCS staff on each island for both design and delivery of the in-depth programs. Classroom lectures will be held via video-conferencing with feeds to neighbor islands. If a local team determines that a field day is necessary, limited funding for travel expenses for the trainers to neighbor islands will be provided. We will also the convert the Hawaii SA website needs to from GoLive to DreamWeaver (GoLive no longer supported), and .css based instead of ta-bles based.

Progress 10/01/09 to 09/30/14

Outputs
Target Audience: *-Local farmers and producers on Hawaiian and the Pacific Islands. *-Local extension agents on different Hawaiian and the Pacific Islands. *-Professionals at Universities, and Community Colleges. *-State and Federal Agencies personnel. *-College, Community Colleges, and High School students. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? 1-All our farm visits, workshops, field days, public talks, and presentations (as described in the products section) are aiming to educate andtrain thelocal farmers and community regarding the new practices and scientific research findings. 2-A High School student received guidance and training from our program, and presenting part of the experiment worked/learned in counties level competitions. 3-On going SOFT program activities. It's an Organization for undergraduate students at the University of Hawaii. Their goal is to spread out sustainable farming practices among students and local community by providing training through Learning-by-doing. The participation in SOFT activities is increasing, especially among the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources students. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? A-The program conducted field day/workshop to present the cover crop and compost tea projects on Oahu Island, Poamoho research Station, to local farmers, with help from extension agents and other UH professionals. B-Extension bulletins and CTAHR publications which target local farmers and community. C-Public talks were given by the program personnel's throughfield days/workshop in Hawaii, US Mainland, and outsidethe US. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? A-Local organic fertilizers (Tankage, compost, and algae species) quality, nutrient release pattern, and plant growth response were determined and we are in process of releasing recommendations for local farmers. B-The program conducted field day/workshop to present the cover crop and compost tea projects on Oahu Island, Poamoho research Station, to local farmers, with help from extension agents and other UH professionals. C-The program was able to leverage more fund from the NRCS-Conservation Innovation grant for the cover crop project to expand the previous work to cover more species and areas within the Hawaiian Islands. Please see http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/WangKH/index.html D-Public talks were given by the program personnel throughfield days/workshop in Hawaii, US Mainland and outsidethe US. We have achieved all the proposed objectives and conducted all proposed activities through out the project duration. Also, we were able to leverage extramural fundings to expand the activities and include more materials in the studies. Total extramural funding reached about 2.5 Million (Radovich being a PI/Co-PI on different project).

Publications

• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Pant, A., T.J.K. Radovich, K. Wang, N.V. Hue, M. Fergerstrom, R. Hamasaki, M. Wung, and C. Robb. 2014 Performance and Plant-Available Nitrogen (PAN) Contribution of Cover Crops in High Elevations in Hawaii. CTAHR Publication. Sep 2014.
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Amjad. A. Ahmad; Nguyen. V. Hue, and Theodore J.K. Radovich. 2014. Nitrogen release patterns of some locally made composts and their effects on the growth of Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa, Chinensis group) when used as soil amendments. Compost Science & Utilization 22(4): 199-206.
• Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Jeana Cadby. 2014. The effect of invasive seaweed (Eucheuma spp.) and tankage, as a soil amendment, on sweet potato growth in two Hawaiian soils. Master Thesis. University of Hawaii at Manoa.
• Type: Book Chapters Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Radovich, T., A. Pant, A. Ahmad, C. Elevitch, and N. Hue. 2014. Enhancing soil function and plant health with locally available resources. Book Chapter In: Food-Producing Agroforestry Lanscapes of the Pacific (Series). Hawaii, USA.
• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Amjad Ahmad, Theodore J.K. Radovich, and Nguyen V. Hue. 2014. Effect of Intercropping Three Legume Species on Early Growth of Sweet Corn (Zea mays). HanaiAi (Sustainable and Organic Agriculture Program). http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/sustainag/news/articles/V19-Ahmad-Nfertigation.pdf
• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Amjad Ahmad, Theodore J.K. Radovich, Nguyen V. Hue, and Alton Arakaki. 2014. Producing High Nitrogen Liquid Fertilizer for Fertigation Purposes. HanaiAi (Sustainable and Organic Agriculture Program). http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/sustainag/news/articles/V19-Ahmad-Nfertigation.pdf
• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Amjad Ahmad, Theodore J.K. Radovich, Nguyen V. Hue, and Alton Arakaki. 2014. Producing High Nitrogen Liquid Fertilizer for Fertigation Purposes. HanaiAi (Sustainable and Organic Agriculture Program). http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/sustainag/news/articles/V19-Ahmad-Nfertigation.pdf
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Ahmad, A., A. Fares, N.V. Hue, M. Safeeq, T. Radovich, F. Abbas and M. Ibrahim. 2014. Root distribution of sweet corn (Zea mays) as affected by manure types, rates and frequency of applications. The Journal of Animal and Plant Sciences 24: 592-599.
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Halbrendt, J, A.H. Kimura, S.A. Gray, T. Radovich, B. Reed and Bir Bahadur Tamang. 2014. Implications of Conservation Tillage for Mens and Womens Workloads Among Marginalized Farmers in the Central Middle Hills of Nepal. Mountain Research and Development 34:214-222.
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Halbrendt, J., S.A. Gray, S. Crow, T. Radovich, A.H. Kimura and B.B. Tamanag. 2014. Differences in Farmer and Expert Beliefs and the perceived impacts of conservation agriculture. Global Environmental Change 28:50-62.
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Wang, K-H, T. Radovich, A. Pant and Z. Cheng. 2014. Integration of covercrops and vermicompost tea for soil and plant health management in a short term vegetable cropping system. Applied Soil Ecology 82: 26-37.
• Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2013 Citation: Public Talk: Radovich, T, A. Pant, J. Sugano, N. Arancon and N.V. Hue. Vermicompost tea research update. Invited Presentation at Glenstone Museum, Potomac, Maryland. October 11, 2013.
• Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2014 Citation: Public Talk: Radovich, T, A. Pant, J. Sugano, J. Uyeda, N.V. Hue, R. Paull, R. Nagata. Vermicompost and Moringa oleifera: Examples of strategies to improve agricultural sustainability in the tropical Pacific. Special Seminar. Invited presentation at the University of South Africa, Pretoria. June 6, 2014.
• Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2014 Citation: Public Talk: Radovich, T, J. Sugano and J. Smith. Building an agricultural professional development program: the Hawaii example. Invited presentation at the Annual WSARE PDP meeting. Fairbanks, Alaska. 16 July, 2014.

Progress 10/01/12 to 09/30/13

Outputs
Target Audience: 1-Local farmers and producers on Hawaiian and the Pacific Islands. 2-Local extension agents on different Hawaiian and the Pacific Islands. 3-Professionals at Universities, and community colleges. 4-State and Federal Agencies personnel. 5-College, community colleges, and high school students. Changes/Problems: Major changes that we are trying to engage the previous focus (on Soil fertility and crops productivity) to germplasm selection, through building data base specific for Hawaii condition and to meet local market needs and preference. We are trying to introduce new germplasm of crops and evaluate their suitability for Hawaii (growth, yield, and market preference). What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? With collaboration from USDA NRCS, we were able to conduct four statewide workshops (Additional information are posted on the Sustainable and Organic Farming Program Website). How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? The Sustainable and Organic Farming Program have now pages at the most popular websites, such as:Twitter, Facebook, in addition to SOAP main page, which have all the up to date information and activities/announcements. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? We are planning/working on continuous engagement with different groups of farmers to disseminate the project findings among wider ranch of local farmers.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? The effort in achieving all the project goals are on-going and continuing via different channels and media, and that due to the nature of the project which require continuous evaluation. However, we were able to accomplish all the major goals of the project, except # 2 "Identify and evaluate vegetable germplasm for high performance under Hawaii conditions." For this goal, we have been shifting the focus toward new germplasm of crops to evaluate their performance under Hawaii condition.

Publications

• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Farhad, W., Cheema, M.A., Saleem, M.F., Radovich, T., Abbas, F., Hammad, H.M., and Wahid, M.A. 2013. Yield and quality response of maize hybrids to composted poultry manure at three irrigation levels. International Journal of Agriculture and Biology 15:181-190.
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Radovich, T.J.K., Pant, A., Gurr, I., Hue, N.V., Sugano, J., Sipes, B., Arancon, N., Tamaru, C., Fox, B.K., Kobayashi, K.D., and Paull, R. 2012. Innovative use of locally produced inouts to improve plant growth, crop quality, and grower profatibility in Hawaii. Horttechnology, 22(6): 738-742.
• Type: Websites Status: Other Year Published: 2012 Citation: CTAHR's Sustainable and Organic Program. http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/sustainag/
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Fox, B.K., Tamaru, C.S., Kinger-Bowen, R., McGovern-Hopkins, K., Ako, H., Hori, M., Hotta, M., Lee, M., Bright, L., Radovich, T., Ahmad, A., Daley, V., Lee, C.N., Sugno, J., Uyeda, J., Wang, K-H., Tavares, J., Hollyer, J., Castro, L., Fonseca, J.M., and Jay-Russell, M. 2013. Toward Lower-Cost, More Reliable, Pacific-Friendly Aquaponic Systems. Secretariat of the Pacific Community Aquaculture Expert Consultation: Aquaponics for the Pacific Islands Region: Review of Opportunities and Constraints. 23-27 September, 2013, Rarotonga, Cook Islands.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Radovich, T., Ahmad, A., and Pant, A. 2013. Sustainable and Organic Agriculture Laboratory. Sustainable and Organic Agriculture Program's Extension and Research Update. Sep 25-26, 2013. University of Hawaii-Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Virginia Daly, V., Pant, A., Ahmad, A., Fox, K., Tamaru, C., Uyeda, J., and Radovich, T. 2013. Yield and glucosinolate concentrations of eight aquaponically grown pak choi varieties (Brassica rapa, Chinensis group). CTAHR 25th Annual Symposium, Apr. 12-13. University of Hawaii-Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA.

Progress 10/01/11 to 09/30/12

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Beside the 5 referred journal articles (See below), our program outputs for this period were: Four field days, on Oahu, Maui, and Big Island, were conducted to demonstrate sustainable farming findings among local farmers and producers. Also, to spread out different project findings among local farmers, producers and scientific community. Three public talks-lectures were given, at the University of Hawaii, CTAHR updates regarding vermicompost, and compost tea and their function in enhancing vegetable growth and yield. PARTICIPANTS: Hawaii Industry Collaborators: Including: Hawaii Crop Improvement Association (HCIA), Hawaii Organic Farmers Association (HOFA), Hawaii Tropical Fruit Growers (HTFG), Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation (HFBF), and others. State and Federal Agencies: We have collaborators from different State and Federal agencies including (NRCS, US. Department of Agriculture, and FSA) and more. CTAHR Collaborators: Our collaborators are from different department within CTAHR school, including TPSS Dept (Drs. Paull, and Hue), NREM Dept. (Drs. Cox, and Chan-Halbrendt), MBBE Dept. (Dr. Bingham), PEPS Dept (Dr. Wang) and others. Multi States Collaborators: including Texas A&M, and Western Samoa International Collaborators: We have different international collaborators including: LIBird (NGO); Tribhuvan University (Nepal); Kerala Forestry Institution (India); Instituto de Biologia, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (Mexico). TARGET AUDIENCES: 1-Local farmers and producers on Hawaiian and the Pacific Islands. 2-Local extension agents on different Hawaiian and the Pacific Islands. 3-Professionals at Universities, and community colleges. 4-State and Federal Agencies personnel. 5-College, community colleges, and high school students. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

Impacts
1-Approximately 450 participants (local farmers and producers, extension agents, and professionals) were able to participate in workshops, field days/tours, and public talks were given by my program. We are expecting high adoption of more sustainable practices by local farmers and producers. 2-On going SOFT program activities. Its an Organization for undergraduate students at the University of Hawaii. Their goal is to spread out sustainable farming practices among students and local community by providing training through Learning-by-doing. The participation in SOFT activities are increasing, especially among the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources students. 3-Ten High School students: I have worked with two high schools (Pearl City, Waipahu, and Olomana). Students from these high schools are receiving guidance and training from our program, and presenting part of what they are learning in Counties level competitions, and some of them going to State level competition. 4-We awarded about $20,000 Extra Mural fund from HDOA (Hawaii State Department of Agriculture).

Publications

• Pant A., Radovich, T.J.K., Hue, N.V., and Arancon, N.Q. 2012. Pak choi (Brassica rapa, Chinensis Group) yield, phytonutrient content, and soil biological properties as affected by vermicompost to water ratio used for extraction. HortScience 47:395-402
• Radovich, T.J.K, Pant, A., Gurr, I., Hue, N.V., Sugano, J., Sipes, B., Arancon, N., Tamaru, C., Fox, B.K., Kobayashi, K.D., and Paull, R. 2012. Innovative use of locally produced inputs to improve plant growth, crop quality, and grower profitability in Hawaii. HortTechnology, 22(6): 738-742.
• Ahmad, A., Hue, N., and Radovich, T. 2012. Screening Hawaii's Locally Produced Composts for Their Nitrogen Release and Plant Growth Response Under Different Soils. HortScience, 47(9): S151-152, ASHS Annual Conference, July 31 to Aug. 3. Miami, FL, USA.
• Gurr, I., Radovich, T., Kobayashi, K., Paull, R., and Ahmad, A. 2012. Using Hawaii's Locally Produced Organic Material to Improve Quality of Vegetable Seedlings. HortScience, 47(9): S150, ASHS Annual Conference, July 31 to Aug. 3. Miami, FL, USA.
• Pant, A., Radovich, T., Hue, N., and Paull, R.E. 2012. Biochemical Properties of Compost Tea Associated with Compost Quality and Effects on Pak Choi Growth. ASHS Annual Conference, July 31 to Aug. 3. Miami, FL, USA.
• Ahmad, A., Radovich, T.J.K, Hue, N.V., and Cox, L.J. 2013. Hawaii's Locally Produced Composts: Nitrogen release and effects on pak choi (Brassica rapa var. chinensis) growth. HanaiAi (Sustainable and Organic Agriculture Program).
• Ahmad, A., Fares, A., Radovich, T.J.K., and Hue, N.V. 2012. Using Manures to Improve Sweet Corn Biomass and its Nutrient Content. HanaiAi (Sustainable and Organic Agriculture Program).
• Radovich, T., Crosby, K., Teves, G., Arakaki, A., and Ahmad, A. 2012. It's Hot in Hawai'i: Capsaicin Content of Hawaii-grown Chili Peppers. HanaiAi (Sustainable and Organic Agriculture Program).
• Mitschele, R., Radovich, T., Fares, A., and Ahmad, A. 2012. Field and Laboratory Evaluation of the Cardy Nitrate-N Meter for Measuring Soil Solution Nitrate-N in Hawaiian Soils. Commun. Soil Sci. Plant Anal. 43(9): 1237-1246.
• Pant, A., Radovich, T.J.K., Hue, N.V., and Paull, R. 2012. Biochemical Properties of Compost Tea Associated with Compost Quality and Effects on Pak Choi Growth. Horticulturae Scientia 148: 138-146.
• Arancon, N., Pant, A., Radovich, T.J.K., Hue, N.V., Potter, J.K., and Converse, C.E. 2012. Seed germination and seedling growth of tomato and lettuce as affected by vermicompost water extracts. HortScience 47(12): 1722-1728.

Progress 10/01/10 to 09/30/11

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Seven field days, on different Hawaiian Islands, were conducted to demonstrate sustainable farming findings among local farmers and producers. Four public talks were given, at the University of Hawaii, CTAHR updates regarding vermicompost and its extract production, and their effect on vegetable growth and yield. Seven workshops were conducted, on different Hawaiian Islands, to demonstrate production of Composts and their extracts. Also, to spread out different project findings among local farmers, producers and scientific community. PARTICIPANTS: Hawaii Industry Collaborators: Including: Hawaii Crop Improvement Association (HCIA), Hawaii Organic Farmers Association (HOFA), Hawaii Tropical Fruit Growers (HTFG), Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation (HFBF), and others. State and Federal Agencies: We have collaborators from different State and Federal agencies including (NRCS, US. Department of Agriculture, and FSA) and more. CTAHR Collaborators: Our collaborators are from different department within CTAHR school, including TPSS Dept (Drs. Paull, and Hue), NREM Dept. (Drs. Cox, and Chan-Halbrendt), MBBE Dept. (Dr. Bigham), PEPS Dept (Dr. Wang) and others. Multi States Collaborators: including Texas A&M, and Western Samoa International Collaborators: We have different international collaborators including: LIBird (NGO); Tribhuvan University (Nepal); Kerala Forestry Institue (India); Instituto de Biologia, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (Mexico). TARGET AUDIENCES: 1-Local farmers and producers on Hawaiian and the Pacific Islands. 2-Local extension agents on different Hawaiian and the Pacific Islands. 3-Professionals at Universities, and community colleges. 4-State and Federal Agencies (USDA, NRCS). 5-College, community colleges, and high school students. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

Impacts
Approximately 600 participants (local farmers and producers, extension agents, and professionals) were able to participate in workshops, field days/tours, and public talks were given by my program. We are expecting high adoption of more sustainable practices by local farmers and producers. 2-SOFT program. Its an Organization for undergraduate students at the University of Hawaii. Their goal is to spread out sustainable farming practices among students and local community by providing training through Learning-by-doing. The participation in SOFT activities are increasing, especially among the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources students. 3-High School students: I have worked with two high schools (Kalani and Waipahu). Waipahu high school was received Science Fair presentation award: Best Practical Application Award at the state level in Spring 2011. 4-We awarded about $288,000 Extra Mural fund (Western SARE R&E program).

Publications

• Pant A., Radovich, T.J.K., Hue, N.V., and Arancon, N.Q. 2011. Effects of Vermi-compost Tea (Aqueous Extract) on Pak-choi Yield, Quality, and on Soil Biological Properties. Compost Science & Utilization. Vol.19(4):279-292.
• Pant, A., Radovich, T.J.K., Hue, N.V. 2010. Application of Vermicompost Extract On Pak-Choi: Effects On Yield, Quality, and Soil Biological Properties. Annual Meeting of the American Society for Horticultural Science, Desert Palms, CA.
• Pant, A., Radovich, T.J.K., Hue, N.V., and Bingham, J.P. 2010. The Influence of Compost Origin On Chemical and Biological Properties of Compost Extracts and Pak Choi (Brassica rapa Chinensis Group) Yield. Annual Meeting of the American Society for Horticultural Science, Desert Palms, CA.
• The Costs of Organic Insecticides. 2011. College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, University of Hawaii. SA-4. www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/oc/freepubs/pdf/SA-4.pdf
• An Economic Comparison of Commercially Available Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers for Hydroponic Lettuce Production. 2011. College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, University of Hawaii. SA-5. www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/oc/freepubs/pdf/SA-5.pdf
• Student and Food Safety: Best Practices for Hawaii School Gardens. 2011. College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, University of Hawaii. FST-45. www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/oc/freepubs/pdf/FST-45.pdf

Progress 10/01/09 to 09/30/10

Outputs
OUTPUTS: To improve stakeholder awareness of the breadth and depth of sustainable agricultural research, research results are disseminated via presentations to scientific collegues, agents and growers. Results are also highlighted in newsletter articles, and published in peer review extension bulletins. A total of 14,858 stakeholder contacts have been made in the period 10/1/2009-9/30/2010. 1407 stakeholders were directly engaged via 38 scientific and outreach presentations. In addition, a total of 11,531 indirect contacts via websites and newsletters. Phone calls and email contacts are estimated at 1920 contacts. Examples of presentations and websites follow: -Radovich, T.J.K, K. Crosby, J. Butcher, G. Teves, A. Arakaki and A. Pant. 2010. Capsaicinoid concentration of Hawaii-grown hot peppers (Capsicum sp.). Annual Meeting of the American Society for Horticultural Science, Desert Palms, CA. -Pant, A., T.J.K. Radovich, N.V. Hue and J.P. Bingham. 2010. The Influence of Compost Origin On Chemical and Biological Properties of Compost Extracts and Pak Choi (Brassica rapa Chinensis Group) Yield. Annual Meeting of the American Society for Horticultural Science, Desert Palms, CA. -Outreach workshops and demonstrations -Organic farm Planning. NRCS Field training. Aloun Farms. Kunia. 9/29/10. 20 attendees. -Promoting plant growth with aqueous extracts of compost. Integrated Crop and Livestock Management Workshop. Hilo. 6/06/2010. 55 attendees. -Effective use of local inputs. North Hawaii Education and research Center. 11/3/2010. 35 attendees. -Organic research update. Hawaii Organic Farmers Association Annual Meeting. Hilo. 9/26/2010. 50 attendees. -Sustainable and Organic Farming Systems update. Hawaii Tropical Fruit Growers Association. Lihue. 9/25/2010. 100 attendees -Developing chili-pepper as a value added crop in Hawaii. Hawaii Agriculture Conference. Honolulu. 9/23/2010. 40 attendees. -Organic Farming: opportunities and challenges (Co-presented with Linda Cox and Lao translation provided by Pacific gateway Center). Immigrant Farmer Training. Kahuku. 2/18/20010. 30 attendees. -Farming for Functionality: Identifying management strategies to optimize crop quality. Functional Food Conference (Workshop coordinators: Corilee Watters and Stuart Nakamoto). Manoa. 1/23/2010. 25 attendees. -Chili pepper variety trial. Molokai Research Station. Hoolehua. 10/14/2009. 25 attendees. -Sustainable and Organic website. http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/sustainag/ 9,531 visitors 10/1/2009-9/30/2010 (Google analystics). -Hanai'Ai Newsletter. 2000 contacts (500 subscribers x 4 newsletters) 10/1/2009-9/30/2010. PARTICIPANTS: Primary collaborators include: Dr. Linda Cox, CTAHR, UHM; Dr. Nguyen Hue, CTAHR, UHM; Jari Sugano, CES, UHM; Alton Arakaki, CES, UHM; Jody Smith, CTAHR, UHM; Dr. Clyde Tamaru, CTAHR, UHM; Dr. Kevin Crosby, TAMU. Partner Organizations include:Hawaii Department of Agriculture; Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation; Hawaii Organic Farmers Association; Natural Resource Conservation Service. See outcomes section for details on professional development. TARGET AUDIENCES: Cooperative Extension Agents represent an important group of stakeholders for Extension Specialists because they engage frequently and intimately with the growers and industry members our programs are supposed to support. The burden on our agents continues to increase as their numbers decrease and responsibilities expand. It is therefore critical that CES agents be actively engaged to identify key topics and resources needed to provide the necessary extension support to our growers and industry. Natural Resource Conservation Service Planners are responsible for developing conservation plans for growers. NRCS has recently implemented special EQUIP programs for growers wishing to transition to organic production. As a result, the number of organic stakeholders that NRCS deals with has increased dramatically. Grower groups represent the diverse and strong opinions of their constituency and the project interacts regularly with several important groups, including: Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation; Hawaii Organic Farmers Association; Hawaii Tropical Fruit Growers association. Individual growers and industry members also engaged directly in collaboration with relevant CES agents and other specialists. Other groups targeted include: Department of Hawaiian Home leasees, K-12 educators and the general public. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
In the first year of the project outcomes are primarily short-term. The Integrated Crop and Livestock Management held 6-7 June 2010 was developed based on responses received from the 2009 CES agent survey. This two-day workshop in Hilo was attended by 55 CES and NRCS personnel, and included research-based presentations by specialists and agents on the first day, with a grant writing seminar and field trips on day two. Evaluation responses to the workshop were overwhelmingly positive. Presentations were rated as highly relevant to stakeholders and over 90% of participants improved their ability to serve their stakeholders. Five separate trainings on Oahu, Maui and the Big Island engaging a total 45 NRCS planners was also held. Evaluations from these workshops were indicate that all planners will use information in future activities, and that each NRCS agent will communicate information provided to 5-20 growers.

Publications

• Kobayashi, K.D., Radovich, T.J.K. and Moreno, B. 2010. A tropical perspective on environmental sustainability in horticultural education. HortTechnology 20:503-508.
• Pant, A., Radovich, T.J.K., Hue, N.V., Talcott, S. T., and Krenek, K.A. 2009. Compost extracts influence growth, total carotenoids, phenolics and antioxidant activity in Pak choi (Brassica rapa Chinensis group) grown under two fertilizer regimes. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture 89:2383-2392.
• Radovich, T. 2010. Pumpkin and Squash (Cucurbita spp). In: C.R. Elevitch (ed.). Farm and Forestry Production and Marketing Profiles for Pacific Islands. http://www.agroforestry.net/pubs
• Radovich, T. 2009. Moringa (Moringa oleifera). In: C.R. Elevitch (ed.). Farm and Forestry Production and Marketing Profiles for Pacific Islands. http://www.agroforestry.net/pubs
• Radovich, T. and Hue, N.V. 2010. Evaluating Limu Compost as a Soil Amendment. Hana'Ai Sustainable and Organic Agriculture Program newsletter. University of Hawaii, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources. September, 2010.
• Cox, L and Radovich, T. 2010. Organic Pesticides: What's the cost Hana'Ai Sustainable and Organic Agriculture Program newsletter. University of Hawaii, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources. September, 2010.
• T. Radovich. 2010. Cover Your Asset: Choosing appropriate cover crops for your Production System. Hana'Ai Sustainable and Organic Agriculture Program newsletter. University of Hawaii, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources. June, 2010.
• T. Radovich. 2010. Farming for Functionality: Enhancing phytonutrients in vegetables through crop management. Hana'Ai Sustainable and Organic Agriculture Program newsletter. University of Hawaii, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources. March, 2010.
• T. Radovich. 2009. Fruit and Vegetable Quality: It Matters!. Hana'Ai Sustainable and Organic Agriculture Program newsletter. University of Hawaii, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources. December, 2009.