Horticulture

Increasing local food crop production in American Samoa is vital. Due to our tropical climate, plant pests and diseases are common, and the identification and development of crops that will grow well in our conditions is essential to increase local production. The American Samoa Community College horticulture laboratory provides research and extension services to the community pertaining to traditional and vegetable crop production.

Projects and Programs

Taro breeding project to develop new taro varieties that are resistant to disease and have good eating qualities.
Vegetable variety trials evaluate crops and varieties that are underutilized locally. Crops and varieties that produce well in local conditions are recommended to local growers.
Training and technical support for hydroponic vegetable growers.
Provide mentoring for American Samoa elementary, high school, and college students in horticulture research.
Maintain a plant tissue culture laboratory.

Taro Breeding Program

Vegetable Variety Trials

WSARE

Harvesting and Storing Laupele

Did you know that laupele is a healthy, nutritious leafy green vegetable that may already be growing in your own back yard? In this video, the Horticulture Research Program share information on how to harvest and easily store laupele.

Laupele or Edible Hibiscus (Abelmoschus manihot) is one of the most nutritious of all leafy green vegetables. Rich in protein, fiber, iron, calcium, vitamin A and zinc, it is more nutritious than Chinese cabbage or even spinach, and is very easy to grow in American Samoa.

For more information, please call the Horticulture Research Program at the American Samoa Community College – Agriculture, Community and Natural Resources Division (Land Grant) at 699-1575.

HORTICULTURE TEAM

Ian Gurr

Horticulture Researcher

i.gurr@amsamoa.edu

Jennet Chang

Research Assistant II - Horticulture

j.chang@amsamoa.edu

Ellen Ropeti-Ng Lam

Research Assistant I - Horticulture

e.ropeti@amsamoa.edu