By JEN BAYLON

The Negros Occidental Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) said the infestation of armyworms on crops has affected 381 farmers in seven local government units (LGUs) in the province.

Nilo Basco, coordinator of the OPA’s Crop Protection Coordination Section, said four more LGUs reported armyworm infestations.

Armyworms have affected around 178.14 hectares of sugarcane and corn fields in Isabela town (with 22 hectares), Binalbagan town (18) and Moises Padilla (25), Basco said.

He added that OPA is still confirming infestation reports in La Castellana town and Talisay City’s Barangay Concepcion.

Eighty hectares of sugarcane fields and 32 hectares of corn fields in Himamaylan City were infested by armyworms.

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

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.

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