Pests Infest 87 Hectares of Sugarcane in Negros Occ.

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) reported that an infestation of red-striped soft scale insects (RSSI) has affected 87 hectares of sugarcane farms in 11 local government units across Negros Occidental.

In a press statement Sunday, the SRA said the affected areas include seven LGUs in northern Negros, three in the south, and one in Central Negros.

Most of the infested farms showed mild damage at around 20 percent, with one 12-hectare area reporting 70 percent infestation, which is now undergoing treatment as of Friday.

The SRA is urging sugarcane farmers to refrain from transporting planting materials between areas until the infestation is contained.

SRA Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona has appealed to the 11 local chief executives, including Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson, to assist in controlling the spread within their jurisdictions.

Researchers are encouraging early detection, field monitoring, and timely insecticide application to limit the damage.

In cases of severe infestation, they recommend detrashed canes be burned immediately to prevent further spread.

In coordination with the Department of Agriculture–Negros Island Region (DA-NIR), the SRA has requested pesticide assistance for small-scale farmers, the implementation of quarantine measures, and deployment of pesticide sprayer tankers.

DA-NIR Director Albert Barrogo confirmed that two tankers will be sent to Negros and one to Panay following Bureau of Quarantine reports of cane transport from Negros to Panay.

Earlier, the SRA warned that RSSI infestation can reduce sugar content by up to 50 percent, prompting close monitoring in northern Negros Occidental.

A task force led by SRA Board Member David Andrew Sanson has been formed to implement control measures and coordinate with the Department of Agriculture for quarantine protocols.

Azcona advised farmers to be “more vigilant” when purchasing cane points, as the infestation is believed to have originated from Luzon, where similar outbreaks have occurred and remain active.

Sanson echoed the call, urging farmers to stop transporting planting materials from Luzon and other infected areas, citing evidence that the infestation spread through infected cane points.