Field Monitoring and Validation of Onion Armyworm Infestation in Region 3 | March 4-8, 2024
Field Monitoring and Validation of Onion Armyworm Infestation in Region 3 | March 4-8, 2024
Published by Crop Pest Management Division 2024-03-08
The Bureau of Plant Industry - Crop Pest Management Division (CPMD), together with DA-Regional Crop Protection Center (RCPC) III and Local Government Units, conducted a field monitoring and validation of onion armyworm infestation in the Municipalitiesof Gabaldon, Pantabangan, and Cuyapo in Nueva Ecija last March 4-8, 2024.According to the agricultural technicians and HVCDP Coordinators, there is an increase infestation of armyworm this cropping season than last year, which unfortunately forced the local farmers to harvest their goods as early as 70 days.
In Pantabangan, 313.01 hectares was partially damage with onion armyworm with a total of 64% damage incidence. It was also reported that 123.25 hectares was affected to drought with 34% damage incidence affecting 371 farmers. On the other hand, the Municipality of Cuyapo reported a total of 13.37 hectares affected with onion armyworm with almost 80% yield loss. As of February 26, 2024, farm gate buying price for red onion range from P27.00 to P35.00, while for white onion is P20.00 to P25.00.
Moreover, the BPI-CPMD provided technical and material assistance, such as provision of organic and inorganic pesticides, IEC materials on onion armyworm management, and short technical briefings on the use and installation of pheromone lure traps.The BPI-CPMD team also encouraged the affected farmers to continuously report to the LGUs and technicians as soon they observe infestation of the aforementioned pest, as well as other onion pest and diseases.
