Red striped softscale infestation hits 2,249.48 hectares of Philippine sugarcane as of June 5

The red striped softscale insect (RSSI) outbreak in the Philippines had spread to 2,249.48 hectares of sugarcane fields as of June 5, up 460.55 hectares, or 25.74%, from a week earlier. The number of affected farmers rose by 239, or 27.5%, and 23 more barangay (villages) were reported infested, an increase of 13.4%. Negros Occidental accounted for about 91% of affected areas, while authorities carried out drone spraying of a dual-action insecticide mix in La Castellana, according to the Sugar Regulatory Administration. The pest’s spread has raised concerns over sugarcane supply and sugar output.