More Negros sugar farms hit by pest infestation could threaten yield - SRA

Metro Manila, Philippines - Sugarcane farms in at least 11 areas in Negros Occidental are infested with pests that could threaten yield, the Sugar Regulatory Administration said on Friday, May 23.

In a message to reporters, the SRA said three areas in south Negros Occidental, seven in the northern part, and one in the central section of the province have been monitored with the presence of red striped soft scale insects (RSSI).

This was the assessment after a meeting between the regulator’s task force and the local office of the Department of Agriculture (DA) on Friday, two days after the confirmation of pest infestation in six areas in northern Negros Occidental. 

SRA Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona earlier said the pest can reduce sugar content by almost half, and warned that the infestation could “increase production cost and can threaten the industry’s stability in general” if not controlled.

In Friday’s meeting, the SRA said the DA agreed to implement quarantine protocols to prevent the transport of planting materials from infected areas.

The SRA earlier said sugar farmers have begun planting canes for the next crop season beginning September.

To ensure pest-free canes, the DA will make available two disinfectant tankers in Negros island and one in Iloilo, as well as provide pesticide assistance to sugar farmers pending an official protocol based on a “conclusive study.”

“The DA is ready to assist through these measures to prevent the spread in sugarcanes, and make sure it will not affect other value crops,” the SRA said.

Agriculture officials will be trying to apply for an emergency-use permit for five possible insecticides that could curb the infestation on sugarcanes, but the application needs for them to conduct two trials in two locations.

Raphael Henri Mundo, SRA chief science research specialist, earlier said there was already an ongoing trial in Pampanga.