State and Private Forestry - Pacific Southwest Region

Black Twig Borer

The black twig borer (Xylosandrus compactus) is a serious pest of agriculture, plantation forests and native forests in Hawaii. Since its naturalization in the 1960’s, it spread throughout Hawai`i and infests young live wood on apparently healthy trees and seedlings. At least 108 tree and shrub species, many of which are native to Hawai`i are attacked. The survival of the economically important tree Acacia koa is significantly limited by the black twig borer. The reproduction of other important forest trees and shrubs are also likely impacted, increasing the challenge of forest restoration in Hawaii. There are currently few options for managing this pest. New technology is needed. The Hawaii Agricultural Research Center, the University of Hawaii, the Forest Health Technology Center at Morgantown WV and PSW Research Station are partnering to investigate potential chemical attractants and repellents to monitor and manage the black twig borer.

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