Black bug infestation threatening C. Luzon farmers

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines – Following the widespread infestation of coconut trees in Southern Tagalog and Basilan, black bug infestation now threatens rice farmers in Central Luzon and Cagayan Valley. 

Farmers in Cagayan Valley have been alerted on the possible infestation of the black bug, which experts describe as one of the most difficult rice pests to contain.

The Regional Crop Protection Center (RCPC) based in Isabela, one of the country’s rice-producing provinces, said it is closely monitoring all municipalities in Region 2 against the pest infestation.

“The rice black bug is present in Central Luzon and Ilocos and it is possible that it can reach Cagayan Valley,” said RCPC agriculturist Minda Flor Aquino.

She said they are checking reports that the pest has infested several farms in Nueva Vizcaya and Dinapigue town in Isabela.

She said they have put in place the necessary measures to prevent the possible wide-scale infestation of the black bug to rice crops.

“We have produced beneficial organism that can thwart the infestation of rice black bug. This will be given to farmers who will be affected by the pest,” Aquino said.

Locally called “itim na atangya,” the rice black bug (Scotinophara coarctata) is a sap-feeding insect and one of the most difficult rice pests to control. It attacks rice plants in irrigated farmlands at almost all stages of its growth.