21-05-2025
Pest infestation monitored in sugar farms in Negros Occidental —SRA
The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) on Wednesday said it has monitored an infestation of red-striped soft scale insects (RSSI)—which can reduce sugar content by as much as 50%—in sugar farms across six areas in northern Negros Occidental.
In a statement, the SRA said it created a task force, headed by SRA Board Member David Andrew Sanson, to control the infestation and seek quarantine measures from the Department of Agriculture (DA).
SRA Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona advised sugar farmers to be 'more vigilant' where they purchase their cane points, as the infestation is suspected to have been brought to Negros from Luzon, where an RSSI infestation has happened before and is still present in some farms.
'We cannot afford to have an infestation, as some farmers are already starting to plant their canes for the next crop year. We made a good showing this year despite the challenges brought about by the long drought, and I hope we can maintain the momentum and even exceed our targets for next year if we will all help one another in containing this infestation,' Azcona said.
According to the SRA chief, RSSI can raise production costs and decrease yield, which can jeopardize the stability of the industry.
The agency is expecting that sugar production in the previous crop year could reach 1.837 million metric tons (MT), higher than the initial estimate of 1.782 million MT.
The SRA said that upon receiving reports from the field in north Negros, it sought the help of the National Crop Protection Center (NCPC) at the University of the Philippines Los Baños, which facilitated the research and found at least five insecticides that may be able to limit the infestation.
Based on the NCPC's study, buprofezin, dinotefuran, phenthoate, pymetrozine, and thiamethoxam have shown potential in curbing the spread.
However, the SRA said, citing the NCPC, 'This is not conclusive until we conduct a second field trial in a different location,' before they can even seek an emergency-use permit from the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA), as 'these insecticides are not yet registered for sugarcane.'
The SRA said Azcona will propose that the second trial be conducted in Negros.
In the meantime, the agency will implement quarantine of canes from infected areas.
Sanson said that the task force will set up an Operation and Monitoring Center to document and report all RSSI and related issues around the country and will facilitate coordination and consultation among SRA delivery units and partner agencies that are involved in the management of the RSSI.
'Supporting the task force is not optional, as it is essential in ensuring the future of the sugarcane industry,' said Sanson. — VBL, GMA Integrated News
