The Philippine Sugar Research Foundation Inc. (PHILSURIN) has issued an advisory on how to protect sugarcane from the destructive Red-Striped Soft Scale Insect (RSSI).
Sugarcane farmers must stay alert and informed to prevent its spread and minimize crop damage, Gina Martin, PHILSURIN director general, said on Wednesday, June 18.
RSSI (Pulvinaria tenuivalvata) was first detected in Pampanga in 2022 and was confirmed in various parts of Negros in early 2025.
RSSI is a sap-sucking pest that feeds on the lower leaves of sugarcane and moves upward as the infestation progresses, the PHILSURIN advisory said.
The pest produces a sticky substance called honeydew, which promotes the growth of black sooty mold — making the plants appear dirty and unhealthy, it added
RSSI is a concern because it causes yellowing, drying, and wilting of sugarcane leaves, and weakens the plant and affects overall crop health.
It can spread quickly from one field to another if left unmanaged.
It is difficult to detect early if not monitored regularly, PHILSURIN said.
RSSI appears first on lower leaves, it said.
Leaves turn yellow, especially near the base, and the presence of black mold on leaves surface.
RSSI are insects with red stripes.
To prevent and manage RSSI, sugarcane fields should be monitored regularly with weekly checking, especially of lower leaf areas, the advisory said.
Look for signs of yellowing or sticky, mold-covered leaves, it said.
Farmers are advised to physically remove and burn infested leaves to stop further spread.
Remove any leaves with visible black mold or insects, the advisory said.
Chemical Control that showed promising results in reducing RSSI population are Carbofuran, Phenthoate, Dinotefuran, Thiamethoxam, Pymetrozine, and Buprofezin, the PHILSURIN advisory said.
“If you suspect an infestation, please contact your local PHILSURIN representative or Department of Agriculture immediately for support and sample testing”, Martin said.
PHILSURIN is collaborating with government agencies to explore the use of biological control agents for RSSI, she added.*