THE Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) has sought the assistance of Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and the 11 mayors in the province that have been hit by the red-striped soft scale insect (RSSI) to help contain infestation within in their locality.
SRA Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona said they sent the letter to Lacson and the 11 mayors of Silay City, Talisay City, Victorias City, Cadiz City, Bago City, La Carlota City, and the towns of E.B Magalona, Manapla, Toboso, La Castellana, and Murcia on May 23, 2025.
He said they are issuing an advisory to inform all sugarcane farmers and agricultural stakeholders about the RSSI that have been monitored in 11 local government units (LGUs) of Negros Occidental and can rapidly spread from one field to another if not contained.
He added that this pest poses a significant threat to the crops and can affect yield, which in general can also affect the production of the entire sugar industry.
The SRA already requested quarantine measures from the Department of Agriculture (DA) to address the infestation.
Azcona has asked Lacson and the 11 mayors to advocate among local government units and farmers in the province to immediately cordon off infested areas and stop transporting planting materials to other areas until they can have protocols in place on how best to contain or curb these pests.
Azcona said that for now, they can only recommend preventive measures such as to avoid exchanging planting materials, including purchasing, transporting, or moving these between locations. If exchange is necessary, ensure insecticide treatment (soaking) is applied before planting.
He also recommend to limit field visits, particularly to areas where infestations have been detected, to prevent the spread of pests, and thoroughly sanitize all materials and equipment after use to maintain a clean and pest-free environment (clothes, farm tools, transportation vehicles, etc.)
“The sugar industry is the lifeblood of our province and we had a positive output this year despite the challenging dry spell last year. We cannot afford this threat and we need everyone’s help and cooperation to contain this infestation,” Azcona said.
He said as of May 23, the RSSI had infested 87 hectares of sugarcane farms in seven areas in the North, three areas in the South and one in Central Negros.
He added that most farms reported mild infestation of 20 percent with one area of 12 hectares that showed 70 percent infestation but is now being treated.
Azcona noted that researchers are encouraging early monitoring and detection and insecticide spraying. If infestation is massive, it was advised to de-trash the canes and burn these immediately.
In consultation with the DA-Negros Island Region on Friday, May 23, Azcona said they asked DA-NIR director Albert Barrogo for pesticide assistance to be given out to small farmers and to quarantine measures.
SRA also asked to deploy their pesticide sprayer tankers, two in Negros and one in Panay after it reported that some canes are being transported to Panay from Negros. (MAP)