MANILA, Philippines – Several coconut trees in the Caraga region were attacked by pests, according to the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA).
The pests, identified as coconut leaf beetles (brontispa longgisima), attacked various coconut trees in the region.
The beetle, said PCA, can kill a tree’s body.
The pest attack started in January of this year in Luzon and is now spreading through the region.
Lordito Sabanpan, PCA – Caraga Regional Technical Staff, said that when a tree’s leaves are damaged, the production of the coconut fruit will be affected.
“Ang dahon na ito ay may mahalagang papel sa pagmanufacture ng pagkain dahil dito makikita ang photosynthetic activity. Kung mawala ang dahon ibig sabihin wala na ring produksyong mangyayari,” he said.
Other plants, such as palmera, were also affected by the attack.
The PCA, however, said the situation is still under control.
A biological control is currently being done to manage the population of the beetles.
An organism named Parasitoid is being spread and is expected to eat the pests’ eggs. – report from May Diez, ABS-CBN News Caraga