Palay-destroying black bugs contained
LINGAYEN—A new palay insect that started to destroy rice harvests in the eastern part of Pangasinan was immediately checked, leaving just minimal damage.
Provincial Agriculturist Dalisay Moya said the black bugs were carried by the wind from neighboring Nueva Ecija, also a major rice-producing province.
The bugs were initially discovered in some rice fields in Asingan and San Manuel towns.
Moya said biological control measures were undertaken to contain the proliferation of the insects and the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPag) continues to monitor its presence, particularly in San Manuel where farmers had a late planting schedule and harvesting later than other towns.
He added that given the current general direction of the wind, the possibility remains that the black bugs could emerge again.
The black bugs feed at the bottom of the palay plant.
Once the grains are harvested, the insects die from the absence of food source.
Moya advised farmers to continue close coordination with their respective municipal agriculturists offices and the OPag because the treatment to eliminate these insects are not readily available in the commercial market.—Eva Visperas
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