The Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) and International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) conducted a pilot survey on existing BCAs labs in Region 3 | July 2 – 5, 2024.
Published by Crop Pest Management Division
The collaborative project “Development of Innovation System for Climate Smart Pest Management in Rice (CSPM)” of the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) and International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) held a survey last July 2-5, 2024 in Region III. This was conducted particularly at the Regional Crop Protection Center, Palayan City Nueva Ecija, Samal Bataan and RM Cares- Central Luzon State University. The objective of the survey is to evaluate existing biocon laboratories and to assess the need to establish new BCA village laboratories in specified locations in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
In Palayan City, their laboratory starts to operationalize in 2019 producing Earwig. Around 50 percent of the farmers requesting Earwig from their laboratory had access to the supply. Ms. Larena and Ms. Esmenia were hopeful about reconstructing their laboratory and establishing new village laboratories in the barangays of Palayan, which needs more BCA especially during onion production season. In Samal Bataan, they started to produce Earwig last six months ago. Their laboratory was operated by a couple that is starting an agricultural learning site in their place. They also aim to produce microbial pathogens to harness their vegetable production and promote organic farming practices. Lastly, in CLSU RM-Cares, their laboratory started with a study on the utilization of Trichoderma spp. It successfully developed TrichoPlus which was patronized by farmers due to its wide scope in farming practices from controlling against diseases, decompositions and growth promotion. The researchers sustain their production through the income they generate from selling their product and aid from CLSU. Currently, the laboratory is modifying their packaging and exploring raw materials that can improve the storage and shelf life of their product.
Overall, the Municipal Agriculture of Palayan City and Samal Bataan wants to attain a deeper understanding in the production and utilization of Biological Control Agents. This will help their farmers to handle issues and constraints related to pest infestations and other farming activities.
