Coconut scale insect infestation: a threat to coconut industry in Batangas and other Southern Luzon Provinces?

Issue Date

10-2012

Abstract

The current infestation of coconut scale insect, Aspidiotus destructor Signoret (Diaspididae: Hemiptera), in some areas in Batangas especially in Tanauan City, Malvar, Talisay and Sto. Tomas created alarming concern to coconut stakeholders, among others. It was noted last November, 2011 but PCA staff observed the initial infestation as early as March 2010. At present, the level of infestation is increasing. About 100,000 coconut trees have been damaged by this sap-feeding insect causing a characteristic "yellow" color on coconut leaves. If not managed effectively without delay, this will greatly affect the coconut production in the province. The great demand for coconut products like virgin coconut oil, coconut milk (gata) and juice of young coconut (buko) for local and export amrket lead us to believe yhat there is a need to increase our coconut production. Success towards increased production will be greatly hampered by the damage caused by this insect. The immediate course of action was to control the severe infestation through the concerted efforts of concerned agencies like the Department of Agriculture through the Philippine Coconut Authority with full support from the Local Government Units and other institutions like Crop Protection Cluster-NCPC, College of Agriculture, UP Los Baños. Urgently needed management approaches like pruning and burning of infested leaves, then spraying coconut trees with available organic and inorganic inputs require money and manpower through community undertakings. In as much as there is a need for long lasting solutions to the problem, alternative approaches for sustainable pest management should be explored and developed.

Source or Periodical Title

Philippine Entomologist

ISSN

0048-3753

Volume

26

Issue

2

Page

194-195

Document Type

Article

Frequency

semi-annually

Language

English

En – AGROVOC descriptors

ASPIDIOTUS; COCOS NUCIFERA; PEST INSECTS; PESTS OF PLANTS; INFESTATIONS; PHILIPPINES

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