SRA and HPCo Partner on Sustainable Organic Control of Pest Threatening Negros Sugarcane

The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) has strengthened its cooperation with the Hawaiian-Philippine Company (HPCo) to tackle the threat posed by the Red Striped Soft Scale Insect (RSSI), a major pest endangering sugarcane crops in Negros Occidental. This initiative employs an organic, eco-conscious biological control method designed to reduce pest populations while preserving beneficial insect species critical to the ecosystem of sugarcane plantations.

During a site visit conducted on September 6, SRA Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona expressed strong endorsement of HPCo's approach. He emphasized the partnership's broader goal, stating, "Through this partnership, we're not just solving today's pest problem – we're laying the groundwork for sustainable farming practices that will benefit generations of sugarcane farmers in Negros and beyond."

Since June, HPCo's technical team has been developing an organic treatment plan tailored to address varying levels of RSSI infestation, aligning closely with SRA's sustainability initiatives. The project received a significant boost after Israeli agricultural experts Yael Skutelsky and Nina Lehmann visited from August 10 to 16, sharing advanced biological pest control strategies. This knowledge transfer enabled HPCo to refine their procedures and implement a structured protocol involving systematic assessment, targeted application, and continuous monitoring.

Rodeo Suating, HPCo Co-Gen Head and Regulatory Compliance Officer, explained, "Our protocol focuses on disrupting pest development and reproduction without harming beneficial insects. The goal is to reduce the RSSI population to a level where natural predators can effectively manage the pest."

The organic solution operates via a three-phase cycle: initial infestation assessment and targeted spraying; a follow-up evaluation with possible additional treatment; and final monitoring to ensure the recovery of beneficial insect populations. Early trials took place on HPCo-managed fields before expanding to adjacent plantations.

Unlike conventional pesticides that can harm beneficial insects along with pests, the HPCo's biological approach provides a sustainable, cost-efficient alternative. Suating highlighted the environmental benefits, noting, "This effort is about protecting both our crops and our environment. We want every farmer in our district to access this solution and participate in combating RSSI."

HPCo Chairman Paul Andrew Curran affirmed the company's dedication to implementing the program throughout its mill district. The initiative includes collaboration with local government units and planters' organizations. The initial distribution of the organic treatment will be provided at no cost to farms in Silay City and E.B. Magalona.

Farmers will play a crucial role by managing field assessments, spraying activities, and de-trashing necessary to execute the protocol effectively. RSSI infestations typically appear on field edges near roadsides, causing symptoms such as leaf yellowing, stunted cane growth, and shortened internodes. These symptoms manifest as early as 2 to 3 months post-planting, with infestation peaks occurring between the fourth and tenth month of cane development.

This joint effort between SRA and HPCo signals a shared commitment to promoting sustainable agricultural practices and enhancing long-term productivity for Negros sugarcane farmers. By prioritizing biological pest control, the program not only addresses the immediate threat posed by RSSI but also contributes to building a resilient and environmentally responsible sugarcane industry.

Administrator Azcona reiterated the vision behind the collaboration, underscoring its legacy impact for future generations of cultivators in the region.