BY JEN BAYLON

The Negros Occidental Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) has confirmed reports of an “outbreak” of armyworm infestations in two local government units.

OPA head Dina Genzola said they had begun gathering data and verifying reports of infestation, particularly in southern Negros Occidental, as crops are being severely damaged.

Armyworms are said to be affecting a sugarcane field at Sitio Iling-iling in Himamaylan City’s Barangay Cabadiangan, and corn fields in Himamaylan and Binalbagan town’s Barangay Santol.

The outbreak comes at a critical time for local farmers, who are still recovering from the effects of the drought brought by the El Niño phenomenon.

The farmers are encouraged to remain vigilant and take proactive measures to protect their crops from pestilence.

The Sugar Regulatory Administration said they will conduct a thorough inspection of the affected sugarcane fields.

Armyworms, also known as Spodoptera larvae, are moths that belong to the Noctuidae family.

These nocturnal fliers lay eggs that develop into tiny larvae, reaching up to two inches, and curl up when startled.

Although they eventually develop into moths, the larvae have been known to cause widespread damage to crops, with severe infestations capable of wiping out entire fields of lawn grass in a matter of days.

They can hatch 200 eggs at a time.

Armyworms consume the leaves, stalks and ears of corn plants, particularly during its vegetative stage.

Aside from corn and sugarcane, armyworms can also attack rice and sorghum.

The appearance of the worms when they congregate in large numbers is likened to an “army battalion,” hence their name.

Armyworms usually come out of hibernation after a long, dry season or drought.

Experts said chemical sprays are available to curb the spread of armyworm infestations./JB, WDJ