Sugar Regulatory Administration chief Pablo Luis Azcona has sought the assistance of Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson and the mayors of 11 towns and cities in Negros Occidental where sugar farms have been hit by the highly destructive red-striped soft-scale insects (RSSI) to contain their spread.
“We have secured the help of the Department of Agriculture (DA) in putting in place quarantine measures but we are also seeking your assistance to advocate among sugar farmers in your area to immediately cordon off infested areas,” Azcona wrote the local officials.
He also called for a halt to the transport of planting materials to other areas “until we can have protocols in place on how best to contain or curb these pests”.
Azcona told the local officials that industry stakeholders were being informed that the RSSI has been monitored in 11 LGUs in Negros Occidental and can rapidly spread from one field to another if not contained.
“These pests pose a significant threat to our crops and can affect yield, which in general can also affect the production of the entire sugar industry,” he said.
The RSSI as of Friday had infested 87 hectares of sugarcane farms in seven areas in the north, three in the south and one in central Negros, an SRA report said Sunday.
The sugar farms with slight to severe infestation are in Silay City, Talisay City, EB Magalona, Victorias City, Manapla, Cadiz City and Toboso in the north, La Carlota City, La Castellana and Bago City in the south and Murcia in central Negros.
Most farms reported mild infestation of 20 percent, and a 12-hectare area showed 70 percent infestation but is now being treated, the SRA report said.
Researchers are encouraging early monitoring and detection and insecticide spraying, Azcona said.
However, if infestation is massive, researchers have recommended to trash the canes and burn them immediately, he said.
The SRA has asked the DA Negros Island Region Director Albert Barrogo for pesticide assistance to be given to small farmers, and to enforce quarantine measures, Azcona said.
Barrogo said they will deploy their pesticide sprayer tankers – two in Negros and one in Panay.
Azcona said the SRA recommending the following measures to prevent the spread of the RSS:
*Avoid exchanging planting materials, including purchasing, transporting, or moving these between locations. If exchange is necessary, ensure insecticide treatment (soaking) is applied before planting;
*Limit field visits, particularly to areas where infestations have been detected, to prevent the spread of pests; and
*Thoroughly sanitize all materials and equipment after use to maintain a clean and pest-free environment (clothes, farm tools, transportation vehicles, etc.).
“The sugar industry is the lifeblood of our province and we had a positive output this year despite the challenging dry spell last year. We cannot afford this threat and we need everyone’s help and cooperation to contain this infestation,” Azcona said.*