Pest attacks Visayas sugarcane plantations anew

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — Sugarcane plantations in the Visayas have been provided beneficial micro-organisms, foliar fertilizers and high-powered sprayers to help stop the spread of the red stripe soft scale insect (RSSI).

The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) said that up to 1,080 hectares of sugarcane farms in the region are affected in the recent RSSI infestation.

SRA board member David Andrew Sanson warned that the infestation is beginning to spread again due to hot weather.

While the current pestilence is not as severe as last year’s attack yet, Sanson said that early interventions must be applied  to prevent the RSSI from spreading to other farms.

He said that as of May 11, the RSSI infestation has affected sugarcane plantations in Capiz, Iloilo and Negros.

While he considers the situation alarming, Sanson said the damage to sugarcane leaves is mild so far, compared to previous years.

He warned that if the hot weather would continue until December, the RSSI population might increase rapidly.

Sanson said the continuous training on fungi reproduction and application is among  efforts being undertaken by the SRA to curb the infestation.

Local researchers have found that the fungi could prevent the spread of the RSSI. Sanson said that after completing the training, farmers can reproduce the fungi in their own backyards.