Negros biocontrol fungi show promise against sugarcane pest

BACOLOD CITY — A biological pest management initiative in Negros Occidental is yielding encouraging results in the battle against red-striped soft scale insects damaging sugarcane crops across the region.

Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II reported that field observations and preliminary laboratory testing have confirmed both the presence and effectiveness of biocontrol materials developed by the provincial government. The findings came roughly two months after the province began deploying the fungal agents in affected sugarcane fields.

The red-striped soft scale insect has long posed a significant threat to sugarcane production in the Philippines. The shift toward biological controls represents an attempt to reduce reliance on chemical pesticides while protecting crop yields.

The development of province-produced biocontrols signals efforts by local authorities to provide sugarcane farmers with accessible, cost-effective pest management alternatives. As results continue to be monitored, agricultural officials are expected to evaluate broader implementation of the fungal biocontrol program across additional fields in the province.