(BIVN) – The government has considered introducing a Brazilian insect into the environment in the hopes that it would eradicate an invasive plant. Locals, who have learned to live harmoniously with strawberry guava, or waiawi, and see it as a useful food source, oppose the measure.

The USDA Forest Service is holding a series of statewide public information and listening sessions about the proposed release of the insect Tectococcus ovatus, to slow the spread of strawberry guava. Listening sessions begin this September and will help the public to become familiar with the proposed biocontrol insect, to ask questions, and to provide input prior to completion of a new draft Environmental Assessment (EA).

LINK: E-News from Hawaii Invasive Species Council