THE INFESTATION of red-striped soft scale insect (RSSI) in Negros Island and the Western Visayas region remains uncontained to this day.
Despite notable efforts—including the use of pesticides—the RSSI, a bane for sugar production, seems to be palaban (unyielding).
According to the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA), the pest has already damaged a total of 2,876.28 hectares of sugarcane farms, affecting 1,574 big and small sugar planters across various towns and cities in the Negros region alone.
The estimated damage as of July 25 stands at P350 million. Will that figure continue to rise? Yes.
So, what’s the best intervention?
Hope is now pinned on two fungi—Metarhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana.
Where are they now?
SRA pathologists are currently breeding these fungi at the agency’s research and laboratory center in Barangay La Granja, La Carlota City, Negros Occidental. These fungi, tested and proven to be the “natural enemies” of RSSI, were discovered in Capiz and Bago City, Negros Occidental. Any time soon, they will be deployed en masse in affected areas where RSSI continues to wreak havoc.
GREEN LACEWING BUG
Research shows that both Metarhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana are highly effective in eliminating RSSI. If bred properly, they could serve as a potent solution to this plague threatening the sugar industry.
Aside from these two fungi, Albert Barrogo, director of the Department of Agriculture – Negros Island Region, revealed that preparations are also underway to import eggs of the green lacewing bug from other countries such as Australia, various parts of Asia, and North America.
Barrogo said the idea of using green lacewing bugs came from Andrew Curran, chairman of Hawaiian-Philippines Company, a sugar central based in Silay City, Negros Occidental. Barrogo has since assisted in processing the importation permit with the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI).
DISOBEDIENCE, DESTRUCTION
Reports about RSSI lead to an unusual idea—Negros may soon host a “pesti-val.”
Strange? Yes. But it makes sense: pests battling pests.
At the end of the day, the ultimate goal is to contain RSSI—nothing less, nothing more.
It’s worth noting that in this world, there are two kinds of pests: the bad and the good. Biblically, bad pests are often portrayed as consequences of disobedience. Others view them as instruments of destruction.
An AI-assisted research source even notes that pests can also be seen as instruments of divine judgment—or as symbols of sin and corruption. Heavy stuff, yes, but believable—after all, the Bible tells it so.
Thus, the upcoming “pesti-val” in Negros—with the ultimate showdown between RSSI, the two fungi, and the green lacewing bug—promises to be quite an event. Much awaited, indeed.
It may not be visible to the naked eye, but its impact will be deep and far-reaching.
In sum, the logic is impeccable. Only God could design such a “pest-versus-pest” scenario—coming soon./PN
