CROP THREAT. Officials from the Department of Agriculture in Region 11 warn farmers in Davao Region on the possible infestation of the destructive fall armyworm during a press conference in Davao City on Monday (Oct. 14, 2019). DA says the pest can destroy as much as 70 to 100 percent of infected crops. (PNA photo by Che Palicte)
DAVAO CITY -- The Department of Agriculture in Region 11 (DA-11) is warning farmers to be vigilant against possible infestation of the fall armyworm (FAW), a "transboundary" insect pest that can feed on more than 80 crop species.
Marilou Infante, DA-11 Regional Crops Protection Center (RCPC) officer, said that if not managed properly, FAW may cause significant yield reduction on major cultivated cereals such as maize, rice, sorghum, legumes, vegetable crops and cotton.
Speaking during a press briefing here on Wednesday, Infante said FAW has been sighted in Cadalian in Baguio District here and in Malalag, Davao del Sur.
However, Infante assured that the potential infestation was immediately addressed by DA-11 and has been controlled.
"This is really a big problem especially for our hog and poultry industries who rely on corn for feeds," she pointed out.
Mayflor Parcon, Science Research Specialist of DA-11, said FAW can destroy as much as 70 to 100 percent of infected plants.
"This means that there is a possibility that your crop will be wiped out," Parcon said.
She advised infected parts of the plants must be removed if signs or symptoms of the pest manifest on crops.
To prevent possible infestation, DA-11 has already directed farmers to practice blanket spraying (knapsack and power spraying).
"We are active especially on the info dissemination and DA will help them in terms of biological control agents," Parcon added.
According to DA-11, FAW infestation is seen as a challenge to food security because 80 percent of the region's farmlands are cultivated by small-scale farmers. (PNA)
