Personnel of the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Plant Industry (DA-BPI) National Plant Quarantine Services Division has started conducting field validation in the northern part of Negros Occidental, which has recorded the highest area of infestation of red-striped soft scale insects (RSSI) in Negros Island.
DA-Negros Island Region Director Albert Barrogo said the team from the DA-BPI central office arrived on Monday and proceeded to northern Negros on Tuesday, Jue 3.
“They are validating the affected areas, and we’re hoping by tomorrow, we can dispatch the disinfection vehicles to spray these areas,” he added.
Barrogo said farmers whose sugarcane fields have been infested can request spraying through the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA).
Data released by the SRA on Monday showed at least 13 cities and municipalities in Negros Occidental have a reported presence of RSSI. affecting 424.82 hectares.*PNA