Buhisan insect attack: Damaged teak trees producing new leaves

CEBU, Philippines – A team from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7's and Ecosystem Research and Development Service (ERDS) identified the massive population of teak skeletonizer (Eutectona machaeralis) or gravid moth as the main culprit in the infestation of the 80-hectare teak trees within the 631-hectare Buhisan watershed forest reserve.

According to Aguinaldo Bueno, Chief Science Research Specialist of DENR 7, 90 to 98 percent of the leaves of trees are damaged by the larvae of the insect, but they observed that some trees are producing new leaf buds.

"The larva of teak skeletonizer feeds on the flesh tissues of the leaves leaving only the veins and eats between the networks of veins, leaving a fine specific skeleton of the leaf," Bueno added.

As stated by DENR-7 Regional Executive Director Leonardo R. Sibbacula, the insect attack at the Buhisan plantation has been observed every year but this year's infestation is worse. The pest might not kill the tree but it will eventually hold back the growth of the trees.

They are also strictly implementing the no-hunting-of-birds policy as part of the control measures within the watershed, as these birds are predators of the insects.

They are urging the community, local government officials and residents in the watershed to help them in enforcing the ban by reporting violators.

One of the long term measures, Sibbacula said, is by planting other types of trees to diversify the plant life in the area.

Almost 100 percent of the teak species were attacked by the pest, comprising 12.68 percent of the total land area of Buhisan. (THE FREEMAN)