PCA continues campaign to eradicate scale insect infestation

MANILA, Philippines - Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) administrator Euclides G. Forbes assured yesterday that the agency is continuing with its campaign to eradicate the scale insect infestation plaguing nine towns in the province of Batangas.

In a recent field operation, the PCA Scale Insect Control Action Team (SICAT), composed of representatives from the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Local Government Units (LGUs,) joined forces in implementing mitigating measures which include pruning, spraying and fertilization in the affected municipalities. 

“As we conduct field tests, we found out that mineral and/or vegetable oils and dishwashing liquid soap can be used as alternatives to pesticides,” Forbes said.

Experts from PCA recommend the use of mineral and/or vegetable oils with four percent concentration for spraying on scale insect-infested palms. It is also recommended for use  in coconut nurseries and young palms. 

The dishwashing liquid soap was used as an emulsifier with a 0.4 percent concentration.

As a home remedy solution, the dishwashing liquid soap with a four-percent concentration can also be used. Spraying should be done every 10-15 days. 

This is cheaper and safer as pesticides can leave residue on nuts. The residue is dangerous to human health as pesticides contain harmful contents.

This was supported by Dr. Luis Rey Velasco, an entomologist from the University of the Philippines-Los Baños (UPLB), who had previously  said that the spray has negative impact to natural enemies.

In addition, director Norlito Gicana of the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) admitted  that there is no registered coconut pesticide yet. 

As part of the timely intervention measures, PCA resident scientist Ambrosio Raul Alfiler reported that thousands of predators have already been released.

In Talisay there were 2,500 predators released; 3,000 in Sto. Tomas, Batangas; 1,690 in Dolores, Quezon; 1,000 in Cavinti and Liliw, Laguna and 2,000 in Sampaloc, Quezon respectively. 

“With the help of our LGUs, farmers, land owners and constant support from the government, these campaign and control measures won’t be possible. A united community effort is essential in getting rid of this infestation,” Forbes noted.