• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) has reported that 87 hectares of sugarcane fields in 11 local government units (LGUs) of Negros Occidental were hit by the red-striped soft scale insects (RSSI).
The pest can reduce the plant’s sugar content by almost 50 percent, the SRA warned, citing a study conducted by the University of the Philippines (UP).
Most farms reported mild infestation of 20 percent with one area of 12 hectares that showed 70 percent infestation, which is now being treated.
SRA Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona has asked the assistance of the 11 chief executives, and Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson to help contain the infestation in their localities.
Hit by slight to severe infestations of RSSI were sugar farms in the cities of Cadiz, Victorias, Silay, Talisay, La Carlota and Bago as well as municipalities of Toboso, Manapla, E.B. Magalona, Murcia and La Castellana, SRA reports indicated.
In his letters to Lacson and the 11 mayors, Azcona said the RSSI can rapidly spread from one field to another, if not contained.
“This pest poses a significant threat to our crops and can affect yield, which in general can also affect the production of the entire sugar industry,” he added.
While they already have secured the help of the Department of Agriculture (DA) in putting in place quarantine measures, Azcona they have recommended some preventive measures, such as avoiding the exchange of planting materials, including purchasing, transporting, or moving these between locations.
SRA also recommended soaking cane points in insecticide solution before planting, and to limit field visits, particularly to areas where infestations have been detected, to prevent the spread of pests, and thoroughly sanitize all materials and equipment after use to maintain a clean and pest-free environment.
Negros Island accounts for two-thirds of the country’s annual sugar production.
The first confirmed RSSI infestation was reported in Pampanga in 2022.
A task force headed by SRA board member David Andrew Sanson has been created to oversee government response in controlling the infestation and coordinate with relevant government agencies.
Albert Barrogo, DA regional director for Negros Island Region, said they will deploy pesticide sprayer tankers, two in Negros and one in Panay, after the Bureau of Quarantine reported that some canes are being transported to Panay from Negros. | GB
