The HISC Brown Bag series are short lunchtime talks by invasive species experts.

Biopesticides are pesticides derived from natural materials, such as plants, bacteria, and fungi, used to control pests. This talk delves into the challenges and successes of developing, testing, and regulating biopesticides, as well as the potential benefits of using these agents to provide alternatives to traditional chemicals in pest control.

Dr. Zhiqiang Cheng from the University of Hawaiʻi College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (UH-CTAHR) with UH Mānoa will talk about his labʻs research into potential biopesticides for coconut rhinoceros beetle, a fast spreading pest of coconut palms in Hawaiʻi.

Esther Riechert, an Environmental Health Specialist in Pesticides Branch (HDOA), will talk about the state and federal regulatory rules and protections that cover biopesticides.