The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) on Friday, July 4, reported a slower rate of increase in red-striped soft scale insect (RSSI) infestations across sugarcane fields in Negros Occidental.

SRA Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona attributed the slight deceleration to heightened awareness among farmers and active interventions from sugar planters, according to a news release.

The SRA reported a 13-percent increase in areas affected as of July 2, or 2,281.36 hectares in Negros Occidental from 2,027.79 hectares on June 25.

This was slower than the infestation spread reported on May 28, June 13 and June 6, when increased rates were logged at 34 percent, 62 percent and 54 percent, respectively.

The initial infested area, however, was recorded at 87.04 hectares on May 22.

To further control the fest, the agency will conduct trainings for local agriculturists in Bacolod on Monday, July 7, for the monitoring and mitigation of the RSSI spread.

“The training’s end-target result is to equip participants with the necessary knowledge and skills for early detection, prevention, and monitoring of RSSI infestations, thereby supporting efforts to control and ultimately eradicate the pest,” the SRA said.

Earlier, Azcona ordered the La Granja Agricultural Research and Extension Center to study the effects of RSSI on recovered canes as well as conduct a second study on pesticides (buprofezin, dinotefuran, phenthoate, pymetrozine, and thiamethoxam) to hasten its permit application with the Fertilizers and Pesticides Authority (FPA).

The Department of Agriculture likewise approved at least P10 million in funds for the procurement of pesticides once the FPA approval is secured.

To date, 1,326 sugar farmers have been affected, with 1,290 from Negros Occidental alone. The total infested area in the Visayas stands at 2,332.51 hectares. (PNA)