Bacolod City, Philippines: The National Crop Protection Center (NCPC) of the University of the Philippines-Los Baños (UPLB) is taking action against the fall armyworm threatening sugarcane crops. NCPC will conduct various studies on the sound management of fall armyworms in sugarcane currently monitored in different localities in Negros Occidental.
Led by Director Barbara Caoili, the NCPC team conducted a field visit and assessment from July 3 to 4 to investigate the infestation of sugarcane in the province, in coordination with Fifth District Rep. Emilio Bernardino Yulo. The focus was on areas in Himamaylan City, Binalbagan, and Hinigaran towns.
“In Himamaylan, a specific area showed pest damage at 100 percent,” the report stated.
During the site visit, the team monitored and collected specimens from the affected sugarcane and corn fields. The NCPC report indicated that they will study the collected parasitized eggs and dead larvae covered by fungi to identify potential biological control agents against fall armyworms in sugarcane.
Additionally, armyworms were found to infest various weeds associated with sugarcane and caused damage to ornamental plants near the sugarcane field.
The NCPC will research molecular and morpho-cultural identification, susceptibility tests on various insecticides, and the identification and mass production of biological control agents collected during the site visit.
The NCPC team also presented their research, extension initiatives, and the initial assessment of pest infestation in sugarcane at Barangay Carabalan, Himamaylan City, during a sugar planters forum with the OPA, Sugar Regulatory Authority, and Department of Agriculture-Regional Crop Protection Center.
They showcased the possible biological control agents identified during the site visit, in addition to the existing biological control agents studied by NCPC, which have proven effective in controlling fall armyworms in corn.
The forum also aimed to train farmers on the proper insecticide spraying techniques, highlighting the importance of correct application for effective insect management, as emphasized by Rep. Yulo.
