PCA steps up drive vs. coco pest
by Jennifer Catan-Tilos
DUMAGUETE CITY, Oct 25 (PIA) The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) has intensified its campaign to undertake emergency measures to wipe out the coconut leaf beetle scientifically known as the Brontispa Longgissima, from spreading to more than 80,518 hectares of coconut farm in Negros Oriental.
The destructive pest infested more than 11,550 fruit and non-bearing coconut trees planted on more than 113 hectares of coconut farms in six areas in Bayawan City.
PCA Provincial Manager Brendan Trasmonte said heavily infested came from Barangays Tabuan, Villareal, Tinago, Boyco, Suba and Tabuan, all in Bayawan and has spread to nearby barangays, and particularly in the boulevard of Bayawan.
Of the total number infested, 6,493 coconut trees are already being treated by spraying with “karate” chemicals, pruning, and cut-and-burn to contain the spread of the invasive pests, said Trasmonte.
This invasive pest is a new malady of the coconut, which is presumed to have entered the country thru importation of ornamental palms. It causes great damage to seedlings and mature coconut trees as well as ornamental palms by destroying the young spears and eventually the whole palm.
It spreads rapidly and if not properly controlled and eradicated, it could severely affect, if not wipe out, our coconut industry to the detriment of coconut farmers and farm workers, PCA official cited.
Scientists from the Davao Research Center are being invited to conduct a week-long training to coconut farmers, for the culture of parasitoids to combat the Brontispa.
In a press conference held recently, researcher Vivencio Gallego, Chief Crop Protection Division of PCA based in Davao City explained that an indigenous wasp or parasitoid has been multiplied to feed on the pupae of the Brontispa beetle to prevent the proliferation of the beetle.
The team of Gallego has conducted trainings to coconut farmers, for the culture of parasitoids to combat the Brontispa in Bayawan City.
Trasmonte also called on barangay officials especially the coconut farmers and farm workers in the province to report to PCA if they have detected of any signs of damage of coconut trees in their areas for technical assistance. (PIA/JCT)