EDITORIAL

PCA Discovers Two New Nemesis of Brontispa Pest

The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) has discovered new parasitoid insects which could prove to be of great importance in the Philippines’ continuing battle against Brontispa longissima. This is the coconut pest which has previously attacked more than 1.6 million coconut trees nationwide, PCA Administrator Oscar G. Garin reported.

"Our research center in Davao City has identified two indigenous small insects that parasitize Brontispa by laying their eggs in the larva or pupa of the pest" Garin highlighted in the recently concluded Brontispa In-House Evaluation and Action Planning held in Quezon City .

The administrator revealed that the PCA-Davao Reseach Center conducted a Field Release Evaluation where a total of 1,948 parasitoid adults were released in infested barangays in Region XI and parallel laboratory tests.

"The parasitoids collected in the field inflicted about 30-50 percent parasitism on the pest’s larva or pupa", the researcher noted adding that laboratory results showed that around 7 to 47 adult parasitoids emerged from one larva/pupa 18 to 26 days from injection for parasitization.

"With the earwigs, we now have three indigenous species for biological control of this foreign pest" administrator Garin enthused. He underscored the need to adopt a long-term integrated pest management system.

The administrator further stressed that use of chemical insecticides through trunk injection or spraying should only be in severe cases and at first treatment, with the long term and sustainable approach to be comprised of biological control, use of entomophatogen fungi, good farming practices and strict quarantine controls.

"Our research centers are now mass rearing these parasitoids for immediate use in areas that may suffer recurrence of Brontispa infestation" he revealed.

This findings of the PCA on the menace of Brontispa is highly significant to the Aklanons. This positive result may deter coconut tree owners from cutting their coconut trees.

8 Carabao Raisers Associations Induction

Mr. James Earl E. Ogatis reported that excitement and joy filled the faces of officers of eight carabao raisers association as they were inducted. Ms. Juvy S. Gaton, OIC-Chief, Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Information Division (RAFID) 6 administered their oath on March 20, 2009.

The mass induction was conducted by the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Philippine Carabao Center at West Visayas State University (PCC at WVSU) at Passi City Agricultural Training Center. It was part of the Carosa Parada and Carabao Painting activities in celebration with the Pintados de Passi festival.

The eight Carabao Raisers Associations (CARA) are: Mambusao Carabao Raisers’ Assn.; Leon Carabao Raisers’ Assn.; Badiangan Carabao Raisers’ Assn.; Bingawan Carabao Raisers’ Assn.; Lambunao Carabao Raisers’ Assn.; Calinog Carabao Raisers’ Assn.; Passi City Carabao Raisers’ Assn.; Crossbred/Purebred Raisers’ Assn.; and Panay and Guimaras Artificial Inseminators Association.

According to director Arn D. Granada of PCC at WVSU these associations will mobilize the rural-based farmers particularly those raising carabao to access government and private resources for the development of the industry.

"Through their identity and solidarity, these carabao raisers will create a cornerstone and provide suggestion on policy direction and recommendation for the growth of the carabao industry.." Dir. Granada pointed out.

These associations are also tasked to advocate conservation of female carabaos that are on their productive stage. This is stipulated on the constitution and by-laws of all carabao raisers associations.
It muct be noted that we have a total national carabao population of 3.2 million heads. The province of Iloilo has only 100,000 heads as of 2008.

Efforts to increase and upgrade carabao population through artificial insemination and cara-bull dispersal are undertaken by the PCC, DA and NDA. At the average, PCC and LGU AI programs produces 60-heads per year each while bullbreeding reaches 200 heads per year calfdraft.

Ms. Juvy S. Gaton encourages the CARA officers to be self-reliant and show strength in order to push for development of the carabao industry. Mr. Leopoldo C. Aguilario, Passi City Agriculturist stressed that carabao raising is more profitable than swine raising because of low production inputs. The CARA officers and members are spearheaded by Mr. Manuel Porque, PGAIRAI president and Mr. Joel Gonzalez, PCICARA president. /MP