The Philippine information agency has revealed that mealybugs have infected around 195ha of banana and coocnut plantations in Valencia, threatening a 'huge decline' in production.
Municipal agriculturist Rescil Vincoy said that the situation in two towns, Lunga and Apolong, was severe, with 100 per cent of coconut trees infested by the pest. Five further towns – Sagbang, Bongbong, Jawa, West Balabaga and Mampas – also had widespread infestation in both banana and coconut trees.
The new pest, identified as the buff coconut mealybug, has already damaged thousands of plants and trees in five provinces of Calabarzon and towns in the Bicol Region, according to entomologist Ireneo Lit.
Certain provinces of Mindanao and Visayas had also been infested with the bug, he noted.
The Philippines' Agriculture Office and national Coconut Authority have encouraged farmers to control infection through regular leaf cleaning and monitoring, with the pest also considered a threat to guava, avocado and star apple production amongst other crops.
