PCA-ARC officer-in-charge Mateo Zipadan has asked Negros Oriental officials to put up a laboratory for the reproduction of parasitoids that will fight against brontispa, a pest that attacks coconut trees.

Zipadan, who recently inspected the brontispa infestation in Negros Oriental, also said the Philippine Coconut Authority-Albay Research Center said brontispa affects the production of coconuts and can even cause the death of the tree.

He said the province should have a laboratory for the reproduction of the parasitoids because it has the highest coconut tree population in Region 7.

He added that coconut farmers in nearby areas and provinces can request and immediately be provided with parasitoids in case of an infestation in their areas.

Zipadan said a laboratory costs about P400,000, including equipment. The Albay Research Center can also assist the province in putting it.

He challenged local government units and coconut farmers’ cooperative to coordinate and unite in the establishment of the laboratory so they will not be dependent on the research centers in Albay and in Davao.

Records of the PCA Negros Oriental show that 26,139 coconut trees have been infected by brontispa and only 23,667 tree were treated through pesticides and parasitoids.*MA

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