The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), the Regional Crop
Protection Center (RCPC), Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA), and the
Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office III (DA-RFO III) are
intensifying pests field control this wet season through the Oplan Iwas Peste: Ang madiskarteng
magsasaka, mataas ang ani at kita recently launched in Nueva Ecija.
Leonardo Marquez, crop protection expert at PhilRice, said the campaign
aims to educate farmers on preventing pest infestations through simplified
steps. The recommended practices include synchronous planting, use of resistant
rice varieties, conserving beneficial insects, judicious use of insecticides, and
proper application of fertilizers.
The senior science research specialist said that managing pests and
diseases starts with synchronous planting, which according to Mr. Marquez,
breaks the pests’ life cycle as it inhibits their continuous food supply. The
practice entails the farming community to plant rice within a month of their
planting calendar.
“While the community practices synchronous planting, we also advise farmers
to use resistant rice varieties. Resistance is the first defense of plants against
pests,” he said.
Identifying brown plant hoppers, stemborers, rice black bugs, and rice bugs
or dangaw as major rice pests, Mr. Marquez
said that harmful organisms can be managed by conserving beneficial insects
because they regulate pest population.
“Beneficial insects in the rice field include spiders, coccinelid beetles,
parasitoid wasps, and mirid bugs. Farmers are encouraged to conserve beneficial
insects by planting flowering plants and vegetables in their fields and by
avoiding the use of insecticides,” he said.
Mr. Marquez said that spraying commercial pesticides should be considered
as farmers’ last option to ensure abundant population of beneficial organisms
while applying fertilizers should be done at the right time and amount.
“Excessive fertilizers make rice plants greener and more succulent; thus,
making them more attractive and vulnerable to pests. Crops also do not easily
lodge when applied with less fertilizer, especially nitrogen,” he added.
Meanwhile, Evelyn Valdez of PhilRice Crop Protection Division, advised
farmers to regularly monitor their field to detect pest infestation at early
stage and to immediately consult agricultural agencies in case of pest
outbreaks and infestations in their area.
Presented in an Agrikapihan with about 40 farmers, the campaign is also
implemented by the Municipal Agriculture Offices, local government units, and
barangay officials. The PhilRice Text Center (0917-111-7423) also provides
information on pest management.
Oplan Iwas Peste was launched in an informal discussion called Agrikapihan
wherein about 40 farmers per area shared their experiences and practices on how
they manage pests and diseases. The discussion also became a venue for farmers
to validate their practices with technical experts, and to raise other concerns
in the field such as fertilizer application and irrigation problems. (Donna
Cris Corpuz)
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