HOW TO COMBAT THE RED-STRIPED SOFT-SCALE INSECT WITH MULTISECTORAL COOPERATION

HOW TO COMBAT THE RED-STRIPED SOFT-SCALE INSECT WITH MULTISECTORAL COOPERATION

It is difficult to understand why, after four years, we are still struggling to control a pest that was first officially documented in Bacolor, Pampanga in June 2022.

I am referring to the Red-Striped Soft-Scale Insect (RSSI), identified in research materials as Pulvinaria tenuivalvata, which has become a serious threat to sugarcane, particularly in the Negros Island Region and other sugar-producing areas.

The good news is that there is now a promising multisectoral effort involving the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Central Philippines State University (CPSU), RU Foundry Machine, Inc. (RUFMI), and entomologist Dr. Ravindra C. Joshi. RUFMI was represented by its President, Mr. Ramon Uy, Sr. of Bacolod City

I find this cooperation particularly encouraging because it demonstrates something I have always advocated: the government, the academe and the private sector should work together when confronting problems that affect our people.

DAR can mobilize farmers and agrarian reform communities. CPSU can provide research, technical expertise and farmer training. The private sector can provide practical resources and equipment. Dr. Joshi brings specialized knowledge in Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Why should these sectors work separately when they can accomplish much more by working together?

Another encouraging aspect is the emphasis on organic and ecological solutions rather than simply reaching for chemical pesticides.

Yes, what is significant about this collaboration is that they are specifically looking for organic solutions to the problem, instead of using chemical pesticides.

As reported in Digicast Negros, Mr. Uy has been promoting and supporting organic farming not only in Bacolod City but in the entire Negros Island Region (NIR).

RSSI is a sap-sucking pest that weakens sugarcane and produces honeydew that encourages black sooty mold, interfering with photosynthesis and potentially reducing crop productivity.

The proposed approach includes biological controls such as Metarhizium and Beauveria fungi, conservation of natural enemies such as parasitoid wasps and ladybird beetles, field sanitation, removal of alternative host weeds, balanced fertilization, and targeted organic sprays during the crawler stage.

But perhaps the most important lesson is that we should not wait until the infestation becomes an epidemic before acting.

We need community-based scouting networks, strict quarantine of planting materials, sanitation of farm equipment and rapid reporting of new infestations.

And we should ask: Why did the pest spread from Luzon to the Visayas in the first place? Could better biosecurity and movement controls have slowed or prevented its spread?

This is not merely a sugarcane problem.

Sugarcane is an important livelihood crop in Negros. Therefore, protecting sugarcane also means protecting the livelihoods of farmers, the rural economy and our country's food security.

Perhaps it is time to establish a permanent National RSSI Multisectoral Task Force, bringing together DAR, DA, SRA, DENR, SUCs, LGUs, farmer organizations and responsible private-sector partners.

Four years is already too long.

Let us stop treating RSSI as merely an agricultural pest problem.

It is a livelihood problem, an economic problem and potentially a food-security problem.

And perhaps the best weapon against it is not one agency acting alone, but many sectors working together.

RAMON IKE V. SENERES

www.facebook.com/ike.seneres  iseneres@yahoo.com  senseneres.blogspot.com  09088877282/08-21-2027

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