Honolulu Record, August 26, 1948, vol. 1 no. 4, p. 1
A sticky sap from the amaumau fern which grows abundantly in the Puna district of Hawaii might be the answer to the weed and insect problems on the plantations.
Richard C. Tongg, horticulturist and landscape architect, reported on successful tests made with the amaumau fern sap.
This discovery came after 10 years of work with this emulsifier by Russell Wold.
Tests made by the Pineapple Research Institute at the University of Hawaii points to dual use of the emulsifier, as a weed killer and as an insecticide.
A mill in Hilo owned by the Hawaiian Tree Farm Products Co., will process the product which will be called "Emulsaide." The company was formed by Myron Wold, Ruddy Tongg and Ben Akana.
The product will be shipped to the mainland in 16 and 55 gallon drums, besides being used locally.
Amaumau ferns grow wild in Puna. About 42,000 acres of ferns are found in Keaau area.