ALBUERA, LEYTE — The Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 8 (DA-RFO 8), through its Regional Crop Protection Center (RCPC 8), successfully launched a biological control spraying operation across sugarcane fields in Albuera, Leyte, providing sustainable defense against Rooted Sugarcane Scale Insect (RSSI) infestation.
Collaborative Field Intervention and Technical Support
The field spraying operation was executed as part of a joint agricultural defense effort involving DA-RCPC 8, the Local Government Unit of Albuera, the Mill District Development Council Foundation, Inc. (MDDCFI), and the Bureau of Plant Industry-Crop Pest Management Division (BPI-CPMD):
Biological Control Agent Deployment: Field teams utilized the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana, a safe, eco-friendly biological control agent proven effective against scale insects without damaging surrounding ecosystems.
Technical Guidance and Training: RCPC 8 and BPI-CPMD personnel supplied the fungal agents and provided hands-on instruction to local farmers regarding proper mixing ratios, application dosages, and optimal spraying schedules.
Late Afternoon Application: Experts instructed farmers and municipal agriculture officers to conduct spraying operations during the late afternoon to shield the fungal spores from high midday heat and maximize biological efficacy.
Promoting Sustainable Agriculture and Pest Resistance Management
The biological intervention highlights ongoing efforts across Leyte to shift toward sustainable, eco-friendly farming practices:
Eco-Friendly Pest Management: Utilizing Beauveria bassiana provides a sustainable alternative to harsh chemical pesticides, safeguarding soil health, local water sources, and beneficial insects.
Protecting Local Livelihoods: Municipal and regional agricultural offices continue to monitor sugarcane plantations across Western Leyte to ensure pest containment and protect local farm yields.
