The infestation of red-striped soft scale insects (RSSI) has now affected 186 hectares of sugarcane plantations in Negros Occidental, according to the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA).

The RSSI infestation, first detected in the northern part of the province in late May, has since spread to multiple key sugar-producing areas, impacting the livelihoods of at least 115 farmers.

The most severely affected local government units include Bago City, with nearly 60 hectares infested, followed by Murcia town (43.62 hectares) and Victorias City (27.05 hectares).

Other localities reporting RSSI presence are the cities of Silay, Cadiz, Sagay, and La Carlota; as well as the towns of La Castellana, E.B. Magalona, Manapla, and Toboso, and capital Bacolod City.

While the current infestation is not yet considered severe, officials urge vigilance and rapid intervention to protect the province’s vital sugar industry.

SRA Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona warned that if left unchecked, the RSSI could reduce sugar yields by up to 50 percent, citing studies from the University of the Philippines.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) and SRA are also implementing quarantine protocols to prevent the movement of infected planting materials, aiming to contain the spread as farmers begin preparations for the next crop year.

RSSI, scientifically known as Pulvinaria tenuivalvata, typically inhabits the lower surfaces of sugarcane leaves and is challenging to control, especially during the busy harvest season when cane transport is at its peak.

Authorities have responded swiftly by forming an inter-agency task force that includes the DA, the Bureau of Plant Industry, the National Crop Protection Center, local government units, and sugar planters’ associations.

Emergency measures are underway, including the application for special permits to use five targeted insecticides — buprofezin, dinotefuran, phenthoate, pymetrozine, and thiamethoxam — believed to be effective against the pest./JB, WDJ