The National Crop Protection Center (NCPC) has provided assistance to sugarcane farmers in some local government units (LGUs) in Negros Occidental in strengthening sustainable management of the red-striped soft scale insect (RSSI).
In a report posted on Monday, the University of the Philippines Los Baños-based NCPC said its team led by Dr. Barbara Caoili visited the province on July 15 to 17 and conducted a series of trainings, field assessments and stakeholder meetings.
These activities, which promoted science-based, environmentally sound, and sustainable RSSI management practices, were part of the NCPC’s partnerships with the Victorias Milling Company Inc. (VMC), and the Offices of 5th District Rep. Emilio Bernadino Yulo III and Isabela Mayor Miguel Angelo Yulo, following the renewed outbreak of RSSI in Negros Island, which produces more than 60 percent of the country’s sugar output.
“Through stronger collaboration among LGUs, research institutes, state universities and colleges (SUCs), the private sector, and policymakers, the program aims to expand the promotion of sustainable management and enable a more coordinated response to RSSI outbreaks,” the NCPC said.
More than 100 sugarcane planters attended the VMC-organized training in Victorias City on July 15 while at least 400 sugarcane planters and other agricultural stakeholders participated in the training themed “Fight against RSSI: Strengthening Multi-Sectoral Partnerships for Sustainable RSSI Management” in Isabela town on July 16.
The NCPC said these seminars focused on integrated pest management strategies for managing RSSI.
Caoili discussed the geographic distribution of the insects and the NCPC initiatives and research on RSSI.
Other resource persons presented the biology of RSSI and its biological control management and the various alternate and bridging hosts of RSSI.
Also part of the discussions were the insecticide management and chemical interventions against RSSI as well as the proper insecticide application techniques and the use of proper protective gear.
The NCPC team also met with Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson, 6th District Rep. Mercedes Alvarez, and other local government officials to discuss ongoing NCPC initiatives on RSSI sustainable management.
These include pest surveillance, molecular diagnostics, varietal evaluation, biological control, risk mapping and capacity-building programs.
Consultations focused on strengthening partnerships with SUCs to enhance the mass production of biological control agents for wider field application. (PNA)
