Bacolod City – The Sugar Regulatory Administration reported that 87 hectares of sugarcane fields in 11 towns and cities of Negros Occidental have been affected by the red-striped soft scale insects (RSSI).
The pests can reduce the sugar content of sugarcane by almost 50 percent, the SRA warned, citing a study conducted by the University of the Philippines (UP).
Most farms reported a mild infestation of 20 percent, although one 12-hectare area showed a 70 percent infestation, which is currently being treated, according to the SRA.
Sugar Regulatory Administrator (SRA) Pablo Luis Azcona asked the assistance of the 11 chief executives and Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson to help contain infestations within their locality.
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 the municipalities of Toboso, Manapla, EB Magalona, Murcia, and La Castellana, SRA reports indicated.
In his letters to Gov. 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 to put in place quarantine measures, Azcona they have recommended some preventive measures, such as avoiding the exchange of planting materials, including purchasing, transporting, or moving those between locations.
SRA also recommended the soaking cane points in an 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 (clothes, farm tools, transportation vehicles, etc.) 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 the government response in controlling the infestation and coordinate with relevant government agencies.
Engr. Albert Barrogo, DA regional director for Negros Island Region, said they will deploy their 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. (Gilbert Bayoran via tvds)