Gov’t experts on alert after coco pest attacks
LEGAZPI CITY—Experts from the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) have been put on alert following recent reports of pest attacks in coconut farms in Camarines Norte and Masbate provinces.
Ed Bailon, spokesperson for integrated pest management of the PCA in the Bicol region, said cases of brontispa (Brontispa longissima) attacks were reported in different towns in the island province of Masbate.
He said PCA monitoring and assessment reports showed that at least 100 hectares of coconut trees in Masbate had been infected with brontispa.
Brontispa, also known as the coconut leaf beetle, is an invasive pest that damages both young and mature coconuts and ornamental palms. The beetle dries the shoots leading to the death of a tree.
Trees infected by brontispa appear burnt from a distance.
But Bailon said the infestation had not reached an alarming level.
“Actually, the infestation is not that [severe]. We noticed it and we need to [act] in order to combat the possible spread of pests or disease,” he said.
He said the insects were active in Masbate because of the high temperature and delayed rains.
Bailon said the best way to stop the spread of the disease was to cut and burn the infected parts of trees.
He said PCA was also adopting biological control techniques where “mummies” (insects that eat eggs of brontispa) were used instead of pesticides.
Another measure is injecting trunks of infected trees with insecticide to kill the pests.
Bailon said experts got leaf samples for lab tests and also conducted information campaigns in communities to make them aware of brontispa.
Aside from brontispa, the presence of rhinoceros beetles in coconut trees in the province was reported, PCA said.
The Asiatic rhinoceros beetle or coconut rhinoceros beetle (Oryctes rhinoceros) is a species of pest found in tropical countries. Adults can cause extensive damage to wild and plantation palms, like coconuts, the agency said.
In Camarines Norte, cocolisap (Aspidiotus rigidus) attacks were reported in coconut farms in Mercedes and Sta. Elena towns.
Coconut trees infested by cocolisap, or the coconut scale insect, have yellow and dry leaves, indicating photosynthesis has stopped.
Once a coconut tree is infected, its nuts develop less meat and the coconut water turns sour. The tree dies in six months or less after a cocolisap attack.
Bailon, however, said the infestation in Camarines Norte had been put under control. Michael B. Jaucian, Inquirer Southern Luzon
