Bacolod City – Armyworms ravaged 3,377 hectares of cornfields in Negros Occidental, affecting the livelihood of 5,256 farmers, as of August 12, according to reports of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist.
In a report submitted by OPA officer in charge Dina Genzola to Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, it indicated that damage caused by armyworm infestations in 120 barangays of 18 local government units amounted to P50,238,476.
San Carlos City reported the highest amount at P9,465,975, affecting 663.38 hectares, tilled by 852 farmers in nine barangays.
Other LGUs affected by armyworm infestations are the cities of Himamaylan, Sipalay, Sagay, Bago, Cadiz and Kabankalan, as well as municipalities of Toboso, Hinigaran, Cauayan, Don Salvador Benedicto, Ilog, Calatrava, Moises Padilla, Murcia, La Castellana, Isabela, and Hinobaan.
Genzola said that Bantay Peste Brigade was activated and is assisting in reporting pest infestations, while spraying activities were conducted in Isabela, Himamaylan City, Binalbagan, La Castellana, and Murcia, in tandem with partner agencies such as the Sugar Regulatory Administration, Bureau of Plant Industry, Department of Agriculture RCPC, and concerned local government units.
Aside from the armyworms, Genzola reported that other pests also attacked cornfields in the municipalities of Binalbagan and Candoni, and cities of Escalante, Silay, and Bacolod, and also affected 10 hectares of sugarcane fields in Hinigaran and Himamaylan City.
Fall armyworms typically attack crops like corn, especially if a long, dry spell is followed by heavy rains.
When the worms transform into moths, they migrate to nearby fields, attacking corn and other crops, according to the DA. (Gilbert Bayoran via tvds)