Field Monitoring and Validation of Onion Armyworm Infestation in Region IV-B | March 18, 2024 - March 22, 2024

Published by Crop Pest Management Division  2024-03-22

The Bureau of Plant Industry-Crop Pest Management Division (BPI-CPMD), along with the Regional Crop Protection Center IVB (RCPC IVB), Integrated Laboratory Division (ILD), and LGU-Municipal Agriculture’s Office (MAO), conducted field monitoring and validation of onion armyworm infestation in Region IV-B from March 18-22, 2024.Most Municipal Agriculturists state that the three (3) main issues onion farmers have been facing are the following: (a) El Niño, an insufficient source of water, which causes drought for most of the farmers and affects the growth of onion bulbs; (b) onion armyworms (OAW), which severely attack some of the onion fields; and (c) the farm gate price of onions.

These three key issues, which have been identified, are currently being addressed through initiatives and combined efforts of BPI-CPMD staff along with RCPC, ILD, and LGU-MAO. Mr. Romel B. Galingasan, Municipal Agriculturist in the Municipalityof San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, states that prompt action was taken to address the issue. Specifically, early warning systems and the installation of pheromone lure traps were recommended due to their ability to capture large numbers of male adults (OAW) to monitor the presence of pests in the area. Additionally, Mr. Galingasan, who grows onions himself, provides farmers with lectures and educates them regarding value formation through radio broadcasts. According to him,the most essential thing is to produce more and ensure sufficient production, rather than aiming to become millionaires.

In addition, technical assistance was provided through technical briefings on the use of pheromone traps, as well as the distribution of bio-pesticides and synthetic pesticides to farmers with standing onion plantations.Farmers can also utilize the surplus pheromone traps for the upcoming cropping season.

Lastly, the BPI-CPMD will ensure the availability of its service in combating insect pests and diseases in order to attain sustainable production.

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