Since the devastation of super typhoon Odette in 2021 in Caraga that destroyed coconut trees, the region’s Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA-13) has made the necessary interventions to control the spread of the pervasive Rhinoceros beetles, locally known as “bakukang.”
Rhinoceros beetles breed in decaying debris of fallen coconut trees and were found in different areas of Caraga after the onslaught of the super typhoon.
“Among the interventions done by our agency is the application of Green Muscardine Fungus (GMF) in decaying coconut debris,” PCA-13 Regional Manager Joel Oclarit said in an interview on Tuesday.
He said the application of GMF, an effective biological control agent, infects the larvae of Rhinoceros beetles.
“These pests usually breed in decaying coconut logs. The application of GMF is among the effective means of controlling the reproduction and spread of Rhinoceros beetles,” he said.
As of last month, 2,869 kilograms of GMF had been applied to 95,635 decaying coconut logs in 188 villages in the region, benefiting 6,889 coconut farmers.
“The GMF is produced locally through our PCA Laboratory established in Cabadbaran City in Agusan del Norte,” Oclarit said, adding that the laboratory was put up in the mid-1980s during the infestation of slug caterpillars in coconut trees in the area.
To date, the laboratory can produce 100 to 150 kilograms of GMF monthly, distributed free to coconut farmers in the region. (PNA)
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