Batangas farmers and the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) have been able to successfully deal with a scale insect infestation in the province by implementing a number of mitigating measures in the affected municipalities, the agency reported Monday.
”We are happy to know that the measures that we are undertaking to combat scale insect infestation are effective. Continuous support from our farmers and local government units is needed,” said PCA Administrator Euclides Forbes.
According to the PCA, P5.2 million has been released for ongoing measures that include the mass breeding and release of predators that feed on scale insects, as well as pruning, spraying and fertilizing trees.
After the trees' leaves are pruned, salt is applied as a fertilizer. Technical people and farmers have reported the recovery of the plants after the treatment.
With no registered pesticides for coconut yet, Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Director Norlito Gicana, advised farmers to be cautious when spraying pesticides on infected coconut trees, as it may leave residue on the drupes.
According to experts from the PCA's Albay and Davao Research Centers, this is the first incident of a scale insect outbreak, despite the insects' having been in the Philippines for a long time.
The treated trees will take three years to recover to normal production.
More on: http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/277369/economy/agricultureandmining/pca-scale-insect-infestation-attacking-batangas-coconut-trees-under-control
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