Insect infestation spreads in Negros Occidental sugarfields
The red-striped soft scale insects (RSSI) have spread to other sugarcane farms in Negros Occidental, the country’s largest sugar producer, days after the first infestation was confirmed in the Visayas.
In a message to reporters, the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) said the RSSI has infected 87 hectares of sugarcane farms in the province.
Of the total affected area, one farm spanning 12 ha recorded an infestation of 70 percent.
“Unfortunately, we monitored three areas in the south of Negros that has the presence of RSSI already, and seven in the north and one in central Negros already,” it added.
On Wednesday, the SRA confirmed the first case of RSSI infestation that hit six areas in the northern part of Negros Occidental, including Victorias City, the Hawaiian area, the town of Enrique B. Magalona, and Sagay City.
The first RSSI case broke out in Pampanga in 2023.
The RSSI, scientifically known as Pulvinaria tenuivalvata, is usually found on the lower surfaces of the middle leaf portion of sugarcane, according to the National Crop Protection Center (NCPC) of the Univesity of the Philippines (UP) Los Baños.
The SRA said earlier the pest might reduce sugar content by as much as 50 percent, unless not contained, according to studies conducted by UP in certain areas in Batangas and Tarlac.
No effect on prices
Although it has yet to disclose the number of affected farmers, the SRA assured it would not impact sugar prices and supply as domestic production is projected to increase and the milling season is nearing its end.
SRA chief science research specialist Raphael Henri Mundo said it is very crucial to manage the spread of RSSI to avoid any potential impact on sugar production, particularly in northern Negros as it houses a vast area of sugarcane farms.
The Department of Agriculture and the SRA are coordinating with the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority for the release of an emergency-use permit covering five insecticides that can curb the RSSI: buprofezin, dinotefuran, phenthoate, pymetrozine, and thiamethoxam.
SRA Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona urged sugar farmers to be “more vigilant” about where they purchase their cane points and stop transporting planting materials from Luzon and other infected areas.
He noted that the infestation was suspected to have been brought to Negros Occidental from Luzon, where some areas are still battling a pest infestation.
