Gilmore 310
3050 Maile Way
Honolulu, HI 96822
Tel: (808) 956-7076
Fax: (808) 956-2428
Email: peps@hawaii.edu
Web: ctahr.hawaii.edu/peps/

Faculty

*Graduate Faculty

*K. H. Wang, PhD (Chair)—nematology, sustainable pest management
*M. Arif, PhD—host bacterial interaction, bacterial genomics
*J. Bloese, PhD—ornamental entomologist
*Z. Cheng, PhD—turfgrass and landscape pest management environmental bio-indicators, urban soil ecology and environmental sciences
*S. Dobhal, PhD—phytobacteriology
C. Doorenweerd, PhD—insect systematics
*J. Hu, PhD—virology
*P. Krushelnycky, PhD—entomology, invasion biology
*R. Manandhar, PhD—invasive species management, extension education (Kaua‘i Cooperative Extension Service)
*M. Melzer, PhD—agrosecurity, virology
*D. Rubinoff, PhD—insect systematics and ecology, invasive species, conservation biology
M. D. San Jose, PhD—fruitflies population genetics
*I. Shikano, PhD—entomology, integrated pest management
*B. S. Sipes, PhD—nematology, alternative control methods
J. S. Sugano, MS—extensions education (O‘ahu Cooperative Extension Service)
*M. Tian, PhD—molecular host-pathogen interactions
*J.-W. Tay, PhD—urban pest management
H. Valenzuela, PhD—sustainable, organic products
*E. Villalobos PhD—pollinator management, honeybee health
*M. G. Wright, PhD—integrated pest management, tropical fruits and nuts, insect ecology, biological control

Cooperating Graduate Faculty

L. Arita-Tsutsumi, PhD—insect behavior, honeybee ecology (UH Hilo)
A. Jani, PhD—microbial ecology, disease ecology
K. Y. Kaneshiro, PhD—systematics, evolution, insect behavior
M. Medeiros, PhD—mosquito ecology

Affiliate Graduate Faculty

S. Aoki, PhD—insect-microbe interactions; bacterial genomics
J. Eiben—alpine insects (California University of Pennsylvania)
N. Evenhuis, PhD—systematics of Diptera (Bishop Museum)
P. A. Follett, PhD—commodity quarantine treatments, tropical tree fruit IPM (USDA-ARS, Hilo)
S. Geib, PhD—genomic analysis
L. Goff (Emeritus)—forensic entomology
S. M. Gon III, PhD—native insect diversity and conservation (The Nature Conservancy of Hawai’i)
W. Haines, PhD—entomology (DLNR)
K. A. Hayes, PhD—zoology (Bishop Museum)
C. R. R. Hooks—entomology (University of Maryland)
L. Kaufman, PhD—integrated pest management, biological control, risk assessment
L. Keith (USDA-Hilo)
K. Magnacca—entomology (Bishop Museum)
N. C. Manoukis, PhD—invasive pest biology and control, Tephritid fruit fly (USDA-ARS Hilo)
J. M. K. Marquez, PhD—plant pathology and hematology (HDOA) Myers, PhD—plant pathology and nematology (USDA-ARS Hilo)
D. Peck (CIAT, Colombia)
M. Ramadan—entomology (HDOA)
D. G. Stockton, PhD— insect behavior, physiology, and pest management (USDA-ARS, Hilo)
A. Vorsino, PhD—GIS and spatial modeling (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)
P. Waisen, PhD— nematology, integrated pest management, biological and chemical control (UC Riverside)
C. S. Yang, PhD—ant biology (National Taiwan University)

Degrees Offered: BS in tropical agriculture and the environment with specialization in pests, pathogens and invasive species management, MS in entomology, MS in tropical plant pathology, PhD in entomology, PhD in tropical plant pathology

The Academic Program

Agriculture, urban, and natural environments are severely affected by established and invasive plants, animals, arthropods, and disease-causing organisms. Management of these pests and pathogens is essential to preserve the economic and ecological future of Hawai‘i and the Pacific Basin. The need to protect our natural resources and the environment using methods with low non-target impacts have resulted in a focus on using biological control, integrated pest management, cultural, traditional, and genetically-based methods.

Hawai‘i’s location in the Pacific basin provides students with an ideal setting for tropical and environmental studies. The unique island ecosystem also encompasses many cropping niches and natural environments from humid tropical environments to arid temperate conditions. In addition, the multitude of agricultural and landscape plants produced provides a natural laboratory to study a diversity of urban and agricultural inputs. The multicultural aspect of the human population further adds to the intriguing plant, human, and pest interactions that are a part of the PEPS academic and research program.

The faculty in the PEPS department use cutting-edge research tools to address the challenge of plant and environmental protection and food security and develop solutions for rational pest management and conservation of endangered species that have impact locally and globally. Through interaction with faculty from various disciplines, students are presented with great educational opportunities through a BS degree in Tropical Agriculture and the Environment with a specialization in Invasive Species Management, MS, and PhD degrees in Entomology, and Tropical Plant Pathology. Students are prepared for employment in agricultural and urban pest management, science education, government, industry, and environmental resource management. Undergraduate students will be well-prepared for professional and graduate studies.

Affiliations

Studies in Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences (PEPS) at UH Mānoa are strengthened by cooperative relationships with Departments of Tropical Plants and Soil Sciences and Natural Resources and Environmental Management in CTAHR, the Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology Program; Harold L. Lyons Arboretum; Hawai‘i Agriculture Research Center; State of Hawai‘i Departments of Agriculture and Department of Land and Natural Resources; B. P. Bishop Museum; Agricultural Research Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture; Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture; Forest Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and U.S. Geological Service.

Advising/Mentorship

Undergraduates are required to consult with a CTAHR advisor prior to registration each semester. Go to cms.ctahr.hawaii.edu/ugstudies for more information. Academic advisors are available by appointment only, Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. (except holidays). Gilmore Hall, first floor, email: ctahradv@hawaii.edu.

Graduate students are advised initially by a research program advisor or by the department’s graduate program chairperson.

Undergraduate Study

BS Degree

The Departments of Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences and Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences jointly offer a BS degree in Tropical Agriculture and the Environment (TAE). Students in this program complete a common core of courses taught by faculty in both departments and then specializations in one or more of the following areas:

  1. pests, pathogens, and invasive species,
  2. plant production and management,
  3. environmental urban horticulture,
  4. plant sciences,
  5. environmental soil sciences.

Students who undertake this program of study will:

  1. Demonstrate understanding of the science of agriculture and its interaction with the environment from molecules to ecosystems.
  2. Demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate scientific evidence, knowledge and issues associated with agriculture in a dynamic world.
  3. Demonstrate the ability to identify problems associated with agroecosystems and apply the scientific method to develop solutions.
  4. Demonstrate proficiency in oral and written communication for both professional and lay audiences

A student is required to complete 120 credits to graduate with a BS in TAE.

Requirements

Students must complete the UH Mānoa General Education Requirements, alternatives are available to the Hawaiian/Second Language requirement. An updated list of the courses recommended to satisfy the requirements is available from the undergraduate advisor. The college has a core consisting of the following courses:

  • NREM 310 or HDFS 380/380L
  • Capstone or Internship (PEPS 495 or TPSS 492/492L)

The department has a core consisting of the following courses:

  • TPSS 200
  • BIOL 265
  • TPSS 304/304L
  • TPSS 470/470L
  • PEPS 421
  • TPSS/PEPS 499

Specialization in Pest, Pathogens, and Invasive Species

Students who specialize in pest, pathogens, and invasive species are prepared to design and implement pest management programs and conduct basic and applied research using multidisciplinary approaches. Students receive interdisciplinary education in entomology, plant pathology, weed science, and invasive species management.

Students selecting this option need to take MATH 140 or NREM 203, BIOL 171/171L and BIOL 172/172L (or their equivalent), and CHEM 161/161L and CHEM 162/162L (or their equivalent) and PEPS 495. Some of these courses will fulfill part of the Natural Science requirement of the UH Mānoa General Education Requirements. Some of these courses are considered prerequisite to some courses in the major.

Major Requirements (Specialization in Pest, Pathogens, and Invasive Species)

The following courses are required for this specialization:

  • PEPS 350
  • PEPS 363/363L
  • PEPS 405
  • PEPS 422
  • PEPS 430
  • PEPS/TPSS 481

Electives

The student must take 12 credits from a list of 8 courses. The options available are listed on the Bachelor Degree Program Sheet, programsheets/.

Specialization in Plant Production and Management

Students are prepared to produce, manage, and market plants grown as crops or in landscapes with an emphasis on productivity with appropriate pest and disease management. Students learn to solve horticultural problems using evidence-based methods.

Students selecting this option need to take MATH 140 or NREM 203, BIOL 171/171L, BIOL 172/172L, and CHEM 161/161L and 162/162L and TPSS 492/492L. Some of these courses will fulfill part of the Natural Science requirement of the UH Mānoa General Education Requirements. These courses are considered prerequisite to some courses in the major.

Major Courses (Specialization in Plant Production and Management)

The following courses are required for this specialization:

  • TPSS 364
  • TPSS 420
  • PEPS/TPSS 481
  • PEPS 363/363L
  • PEPS 405

In addition, the student must take 6 courses from a list of over 30 choices. The options available are listed on the Bachelor Degree Program Sheet, programsheets/.

Elective Courses

Students may choose from the array of courses offered on an advising list of courses to fulfill the university credit requirement for graduation. Advisors will be available to assist students in selecting courses that prepare students for a career in horticultural crop production and management.

Specialization in Plant Sciences

Specializing in plant sciences allows students to cross the traditional boundaries that have separated genetics, plant physiology, molecular biology, and their application to crop production. By linking laboratory approaches and plant production systems through the application of plant biotechnology students learn to solve multi-disciplinary problems. Students can select courses that allow concentration on genetic engineering or whole plant physiology and plant breeding to address real-world problems.

Students selecting this option must take MATH 140 or NREM 203, BIOL 171/171L, BIOL 172/172L, and CHEM 161/161L, 162/162L and TPSS 492/492L. Some of these courses will fulfill part of the Natural Science requirement of the UH Mānoa General Education Requirements. Some of these courses are considered prerequisite to some courses in the major.

Major Courses (Specialization in Plant Sciences)

Students are required to take 10 courses (30 credits) from a list of over 30 choices. The available options are listed on the Bachelor Degree Program Sheet. For information on a Bachelor Degree Program Sheet, programsheets/.

Electives

Students may choose from the array of courses, offered on an advising list of courses to fulfill the university credit requirement for graduation. Advisors will be available to assist students in selecting courses that prepare students for a career in plant sciences and genetics.

Specialization in Environmental Urban Horticulture

The environmental urban horticulture specialization prepares students to effectively design, install, and maintain landscapes that include trees, shrubs, flowers, house plants, and turf grass that are used to enhance the environment. Students of the program learn theoretical foundations, which lead to a practical understanding and implementation of how to produce environmentally and economically sustainable landscapes.

Students selecting this option need to take MATH 140 or NREM 203, BIOL 171/171L and BIOL 172/172L (or their equivalent), and CHEM 161/161L and CHEM 162/162L (or their equivalent) and TPSS 492/492L. Some of these courses will fulfill part of the Natural Science requirement of the UH Mānoa General Education Requirements. Some of these courses are considered prerequisite to some courses in the major.

Major Requirements (Specialization in Environmental Urban Horticulture)

The following courses need to be taken for this specialization:

  • TPSS 354
  • TPSS 463
  • TPSS 481
  • PEPS 363/363L
  • PEPS 405

Electives

The student must take 15 credits from a list of over 20 courses. The options available are listed on the Bachelor Degree Program Sheet, programsheets/.

Specialization in Environmental Soil Sciences

Students are prepared to effectively manage soils for the production of agricultural commodities and preservation of this important natural resource for human uses and environmental conservation. Students understand the chemical and biological processes that govern soil formation and nutrient cycling.

Students selecting this option need to take BIOL 171/171L, BIOL 172/172L, CHEM 161/161L and 162/162L (or their equivalent), PHYS 151, and Calculus I (MATH 215, see Catalog for prerequisites) and TPSS 492/492L. Some of these courses will fulfill part of the Natural Science requirement of the UH Mānoa General Education Requirements. Some of these courses are considered prerequisite to some courses in the major.

Major Courses (Specialization in Environmental Soil Sciences)

The following courses are required for this specialization.

  • TPSS 435
  • TPSS 450
  • TPSS 460 or NREM 477
  • TPSS 475

Electives

The student must take 18 credits from 14 electives courses for this specialization. The options available are listed on the Bachelor Degree Program Sheet, programsheets/.

Graduate Study

Entomology

MS and PhD degrees are offered in the entomology program. Courses are offered in biological control of insect pests and weed, insect ecology, insect physiology, insect transmission of plant pathogens, systematics and phylogenetics, and various special topics in genomics, conservation and pest management. Thesis and dissertation research can be selected from any of these subject areas.

Students applying for graduate programs in entomology are expected to have acquired a bachelor’s degree with credit hours in entomology and biology, including general biology, general entomology, integrated pest management; one year of chemistry; and an appropriate course in mathematics and/or statistics. Deficiencies in undergraduate preparation can be satisfied during the graduate program.

To apply for the graduate program in entomology, a student must complete the University Graduate Student application, the Graduate Record Examination and any English language proficiency examinations required by the university. Each student should communicate with and identify a graduate advisor from among the entomology graduate faculty and prepare a statement of objectives that describes the goals for and interests in entomology. This statement of objectives and three confidential letters of reference should be sent directly to the graduate program chair.

The MS and PhD degrees in entomology are recognized by the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) regional graduate programs. Residents of Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming are eligible, upon admission, to enroll at Hawai‘i-resident tuition rates.

Master’s Degree

The MS degree program is offered under either Plan A (thesis) or Plan B (non-thesis). A total of 30 credit hours are required for each degree option. An advisory committee composed of at least three members of the graduate faculty provides guidance to the student. For a general description of these options, see “Requirements” for each option.

The program provides an education in general knowledge of entomology, including basic principles of insect identification, biology, and control and prepares the student for employment in private industry, government agencies, and research institutions. Expected student learning outcomes are: (1) acquire and demonstrate competency/skills as a biologist; (2) acquire and demonstrate entomological knowledge necessary for professional success; (3) acquire and demonstrate communication and literacy skills; (4) write and defend a thesis of entomological research; and (5) present findings of their research in oral and/or poster formats in scientific form and publish the results of their research in peer-reviewed journals. Students shall develop into competent and knowledgeable biologists. They demonstrate this competency by having a basic understanding of entomology, insect ecology, phylogeny, and pest management.

MS Plan A (Thesis)

  • 16 credit hours of course work including seminars
  • 2 credit hours of PEPS 690
  • 12 credit hours of PEPS 700
  • 2 credit hours of PEPS 799
  • Final oral defense and submission of acceptable thesis

MS Plan B (Non-thesis)

Students preparing for a career in research or admission to a doctoral program are advised to enroll in MS Plan A (thesis).

  • 23 credit hours of course work including seminars
  • 2 credit hours of PEPS 690
  • 1 credit hour of PEPS 799 (CR/NC) during the semester in which a proposal for the directed research project is given.
  • Final defense of the directed research project and examination on other aspects of entomological training before the advisory committee.

Doctoral Degree

Intended candidates for the PhD program should have earned the MS degree in entomology or equivalent from a recognized institution. Those with a BS or BA may petition for admittance into the PhD program only after enrolling in the MS program.

The goal of the PhD program is to have students possess broad general knowledge in all areas of entomology, in-depth knowledge in at least one area of specialization and develop the capability for original independent research. Employment options for PhD graduates are in teaching, research, and extension at universities and in research, consulting, or management with private industries and government agencies. Expected student learning outcomes are: (1) acquire and demonstrate competency/skills as a biologist; (2) acquire and demonstrate entomological knowledge necessary for professional success; (3) acquire and demonstrate communication and literacy skills; and (4) demonstrate the ability to apply creative and critical thinking in the independent development and conduct of research.

Requirements

  • 3 credit hours of PEPS 690
  • 1 credit hours of PEPS 799 (CR/NC)
  • 1 credit hour of PEPS 800 during semester of graduation
  • Additional course work as determined by the doctoral advisory committee
  • Oral, or oral and written comprehensive examination administered by the doctoral committee.
  • Final oral defense of the dissertation research and submission of an acceptable dissertation.

Tropical Plant Pathology

Plant pathology is the study of plant diseases, their causes, and the interactions with the environment. The primary thrust in the program focuses on agricultural crops of economic importance; however, opportunities exist for discovery research in natural ecosystems and the laboratory. The field consists of several sub-disciplines including phytomycology, plant virology, bacteriology, nematology, epidemiology, crop protection, and molecular biology of host-pathogen interactions.

Tropical plant pathology has three student learning outcomes. Students in the program will communicate effectively; write and defend a thesis of original phytopathological research; present findings of their research in oral and/or poster formats in scientific forums; publish the results of their research in peer-reviewed journals; and assist others in learning plant pathology. Students are competent and knowledgeable biologists. They demonstrate this competency by having a basic understanding of molecular biology and genetics; with a general knowledge of the four major pathogen groups, by possessing understanding of plant disease epidemiology; having strong knowledge of their specialized field of study; and conducting research in plant pathology. Students will propose and formulate research objectives to address relevant plant pathological questions; and will conduct research using appropriate design and methods.

Students should have their undergraduate preparation in botany, horticulture, agronomy, microbiology, or plant and environmental protection sciences. Plant pathology has its foundation in biology and agriculture and offers wide opportunities in both basic and applied areas of biology, plant sciences, and agriculture. The tropical plant pathology program at UH Mānoa offers students a unique opportunity to gain knowledge of plant diseases on a vast diversity of tropical crops and native plants as well as the impacts of plant protection practices on the environment.

Please see the Graduate Division website for general graduate admissions requirements and procedures.

Applications for admission must include GRE scores for verbal and quantitative aptitude. Candidates may need to demonstrate evidence of adequate preparation in other subject areas as well. Deficiencies may be corrected during the graduate program. In addition, applicants must: (1) submit a Statement of Objectives describing their goals and interests in plant pathology directly to the graduate program chair, and (2) arrange to have three confidential letters of reference sent directly to the graduate program chair.

Master’s Degree

The MS degree program is offered under either Plan A (thesis) or Plan B (non-thesis). A total of 30 credit hours are required for each degree option. An advisory committee composed of at least three members of the graduate faculty provides guidance to the student. For a general description of these options, see “Requirements” for each option.

The MS degree in tropical plant pathology provides a basic education and understanding of the pathogen groupings. Employment opportunities exist in industry, government agencies, research institutions, consulting, and farm management.

MS Plan A (Thesis)

  • Research: 12 credits in PEPS 700, Thesis Research, with at least 1 credit in PEPS 700 during the semester of graduation, and submission of acceptable thesis.
  • Courses: 16 credits in courses approved by the candidate’s committee, including PEPS 605, 606, 615, and 615L, excluding 660, 699, 700, and 799.
  • Seminars: Minimum of 2 credits in PEPS 660, which is required each semester except when enrolled in PEPS 799; 2 credits in PEPS 799 (CR/NC). PEPS 799 credits are not counted towards degree credit requirements.

MS Plan B (Non-thesis)

  • Research: 6-9 credits in PEPS 699, preferably taken in 2-3 different laboratories.
  • Courses: 19-22 credits in courses approved by the candidate’s committee, including PEPS 605, 606, 615, and 615L, excluding PEPS 660, 699, 700, and 799.
  • Seminars: Minimum of 2 credits in PEPS 660, which is required each semester except when enrolled in PEPS 799; 1 credit in PEPS 799 (CR/NC). PEPS 799 credits are not counted towards degree credit requirements.

Doctoral Degree

Intended candidates for the PhD program should have earned the MS degree in plant pathology or equivalent from a recognized institution. Those with a BS or BA may petition for admittance into the PhD program only after enrolling in the MS program.

Employment options for PhD graduates are in teaching, research, and extension at universities and in research, consulting or management with private industries and government agencies.

Requirements

  • No minimum course requirement. A candidate’s committee develops a course plan together with the student.
  • 1 credit hour of PEPS 660 each semester, except when enrolled in PEPS 799.
  • 2 credit hours of PEPS 799 (CR/NC).
  • Comprehensive and final defense examinations.
  • 1 credit hour of PEPS 800 during semester of graduation.
  • Submission of acceptable dissertation.