The Negros Occidental provincial government will distribute 3,278 packs of biological pest insecticide to sugarcane farmers in October as part of its intensified campaign against the red-striped soft scale insect (RSSI).
Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II said the Biocon Laboratory has increased production following the completion of corn supply procurement.
The laboratory produced 3,000 packs weighing 200 grams each, 170 packs at 300 grams, and 108 packs at 400 grams, expected to cover about 300 hectares of sugarcane farms.
Meanwhile, the province’s surveillance team and Collaborative Laboratory reported continued improvement in the effectiveness of entomopathogenic fungus (EPF), or white fungus, against RSSI.
Samples sprayed in Sibucauan, Isabela, on Sept. 9 showed positive fungal growth.
The Task Force Kontra RSSI also conducted field interventions in Kabankalan, Hinoba-an, Hinigaran, Narauis, Murcia, and Himamaylan from Sept. 13 to 18, distributing biocontrol materials and conducting orientation and spraying activities for affected farmers.
In Himamaylan, operations on September 18 served 195 farmers and covered 128.9 hectares in Barangays Cabadiangan and Carabalan, while a follow-up spraying operation in Murcia covered 54.8 hectares on September 17. ||
