PCA approves Chemrez’s organic cocolisap solution

MANILA, Philippines —  The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) has approved an organic solution developed by Chemrez Technologies Inc., a subsidiary of D&L Industries, against the coconut scale insect (CSI), also known as cocolisap.

Chemrez said the approval of its CropGuard product is a “significant step” forward in promoting sustainable agriculture and safeguarding the country’s prized coconut industry.

The integration of the organic solution into the PCA’s integrated pest management framework will empower farmers with “safer” and “more accessible” solutions against devastating pests, particularly cocolisap.

“We commend the PCA for its bold, science-driven stance in support of organic and environmentally responsible farming practices,” Chemrez president Dean Lao Jr. said.

“This decision underscores a strong commitment to protecting our farmers, our coconut heritage and our future,” Lao said.

Chemrez said the government employed trunk injection of insecticides, particularly neonicotinoids, prior to the adoption of organic spray oils like CropGuard.

The company noted that trunk injection is effective in the short term but poses significant risks in the long-term including tree damage, disruption of beneficial insects and potential chemical residues in coconut products.

Worse, the use of synthetic pesticides to address pest infestations may invalidate organic certifications of coconut farms, according to Chemrez.

“This not only disqualifies farmers from accessing the premium organic market but also jeopardizes livelihoods and disrupts entire rural economies that depend on organic coconut production for income, sustenance and export revenue,” the company said.

According to Chemrez, CropGuard offers a non-invasive, residue-free alternative against cocolisap that ensures farmers’ remain compliant with organic standards.

The organic solution renders cocolisap vulnerable to environmental factors and dehydration, blocking its breathing organs leading to suffocation and forming of a barrier that kills its eggs.

CropGuard also acts as an insect repellent, discouraging feeding and egg deposition of insects, Chemrez added.

The PCA earlier disclosed that the coconut industry is facing cocolisap infestation with about 516,962 trees across 3,600 hectares in eight regions having been infested already. However, the PCA said 355,859 trees have been already treated.

PCA assured farmers that the current CSI infestation remains at a manageable level, with some officials noting that the extent of the infestation “pales in comparison” with the 2014 infestation that impacted over 2.4 million trees mostly in Calabarzon.

PCA administrator and CEO Dexter Buted said the CSI infestation is not a threat on a national level, describing the status as only “sporadic.”

The PCA has allocated P94 million for the control of various pests hounding the coconut industry this year, with P60 million going to be used to address CSI infestation.

Based on its estimates, PCA said the current CSI infestation has resulted in the loss of 14 million coconuts with an estimated value of as much as P280 million.

CSI infestation has been recurring in certain areas of the country and has been exacerbated by the prolonged dry spell last year caused by El Niño.

The PCA is undertaking a comprehensive approach to address the current infestation by using bio control agents, leaf pruning as well as establishment of checkpoints to monitor the transport of coconuts as well as planting materials in concerned areas.