Business · Philippines Bureau
DA tests lacewing larvae as biological weapon against sugarcane pests
The Department of Agriculture is conducting laboratory studies on lacewing larvae as a potential natural control method for red-striped soft scale insects devastating Negros Island sugarcane farms. The research aims to provide farmers with an environmentally sustainable alternative to chemical pesticides.
LSN Philippines ·
BACOLOD CITY—The Department of Agriculture (DA) is investigating whether lacewing larvae could serve as a biological control agent against red-striped soft scale insects (RSSI), which have inflicted significant damage across sugarcane plantations in Negros Island.
The Regional Crop Protection Center (RCPC), operating under the DA's Negros Island Region office, is spearheading laboratory observations to assess the effectiveness of the predatory larvae in managing RSSI populations. The pest has emerged as a major threat to the region's sugarcane industry, one of the area's key agricultural commodities.
Biological control methods using natural predators offer an alternative to synthetic pesticides, potentially reducing production costs while minimizing environmental impact. Lacewing larvae are known voracious predators of various soft-bodied insects, making them promising candidates for pest management programs.
The DA's initiative reflects broader efforts across the agricultural sector to develop sustainable farming practices that balance productivity with environmental stewardship. Farmers in Negros Island have been seeking effective solutions to combat the RSSI outbreak that has threatened crop yields and farmer incomes.
Results from the ongoing laboratory studies are expected to inform recommendations for broader field trials and potential adoption by sugarcane growers in the region.