The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) assured doing its best to prevent the spread of red-striped soft scale insects (RSSI) in the country.
The RSSI, which was first discovered in Egypt, may reduce sugar content by almost 50 percent.
This came after the SRA disclosed early reports of RSSI infestation in some farms in Victoria, Hawaiian area, Silay, Saravia, Sagay, and Lopez in the northern portion of Negros Occidental.
In a hybrid press conference, SRA chief Science Research Specialist Raphael Henri Mundo said they are in close coordination with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the National Crop Protection Center (NCPC) to implement stringent monitoring and quarantine measures in affected areas.
“This is equally a vast area of sugarcane. So, very critical na kailangan siyang ma-handle, ma-manage nang maayos. So, we are doing our best to manage the situation,” he said.
Besides quarantine measures, he also mentioned the need for a second trial of a possible insecticide against the RSSI to protect the sugarcane industry.
Based on the NCPC’s study, five insecticides, namely buprofezin, dinotefuran, phenthoate, pymetrozine, and thiamethoxam, have shown potential in curbing its spread.
“The good news, may ongoing trial dito sa Pampanga with NCPC na iyong five possible. But the protocol calls for the company to conduct ng dalawang trials sa dalawang locations,” Mundo said.
“But our initial study with the NCPC ngayon, iyon po ang ipe-present natin sa Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority para mabigyan tayo ng emergency use permit.”
To date, there are no licensed pesticides yet for sugarcane.
SRA Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona, meanwhile, said they have already created a task force to ensure monitoring and containment of RSSI infestation.
The SRA has also instructed local farmers to be careful in transporting planting materials to avoid unintentional introduction or spread in other areas.
Mundo maintained optimism with the insects’ containment, considering the upcoming rainy season.
“Medyo kaunti pa naman iyong area ngayon. What we want to see is ma-control siya immediately,” he said.
“Another good news, papalapit na po iyong rainy season. We observed that during rainy days, dito sa Luzon, nagde-decrease po iyong population ng insects.”
Before the reported infestation in Negros Occidental, the SRA has already logged infestation reports in Pampanga in 2023. (PNA)