The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) said it will look into the effects of the red-striped soft-scale insects (RSSI) on the recovering sugarcanes in the Negros Island region (NIR).

The SRA said around 228.16 hectares of infested areas are reported to be under recovery in Bago City, Murcia, E.B. Magalona, Silay City, Victorias City, and Manapla in Negros Occidental; Mabinay in Negros Oriental; and Sigma in Capiz.

“SRA Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona Paul asked the La Granja Agricultural Research and Extension Center [LGAREC] to study the effects of RSSI on recovered canes as soon as they mature, particularly its effects on sugar content,” the SRA told reporters in a Viber message.

The agency earlier reported that RSSI infestation may potentially reduce the sugar content of infested canes by almost 50 percent.

Azcona also ordered the LGAREC to conduct a second study on pesticides to hasten its permit application from the Fertilizers and Pesticides Authority (FPA).

These include buprofezin, dinotefuran, phenthoate, pymetrozine, and thiamethoxam, which were previously used in the study of the National Crop Protection Center (NCPC).

To date, there are no emergency permits or licenses issued for any pesticide for sugarcane.

The DA, however, vowed to provide at least P10 million for the procurement of pesticides once FPA approval is secured.

As of June 25, the NIR had 2,027.79 hectares infested by RSSI, affecting 1,097 farmers. (PNA)