Donning full protective gear reminiscent of the pandemic, agricultural workers spray chemicals across a sugarcane plantation in Bukidnon to halt the rapid spread of the Red Stem Scale Insect (Pulvinaria tenuivalvata). The microscopic pest threatens to reduce regional crop yields by up to 50 percent if left uncontained ahead of the November milling season. (Photo by SRA Bukidnon)
MARAMAG, Bukidnon — Mindanao sugarcane planters have sounded the alarm over the rapidly spreading infestation of the Red Stem Scale Insect (RSSI), which is now present in four provinces in the, warning that crop yields could plunge by up to 50 percent if the pest is not immediately contained.
Data validated by the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) as of July 31 shows that the pest has affected a total of 1,306.31 hectares across Mindanao.
Johnny Agsaoay Jr., Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) Bukidnon mill district officer, said that technical teams and multi-agency task forces are monitoring affected provinces to implement containment measures against RSSI (Pulvinaria tenuivalvata).
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