BANNER STORY /’Imported’ pest infests local coconut trees
By DANNY O. SAGUN
PIA Dagupan Infocenter
SOME 4,000 coconut trees in Labrador are being treated of brontispa infection, the Philippine Coconut Authority said.
PCA provincial chief Eleazar Parohinog said that Labrador accounts for the biggest number of infected trees in the province by the flat slender beetle brontispa which feeds on the soft tissues of coconut fronds, enough to kill the tree.
The other affected areas are Urdaneta City and Sual.The beetle, which is not common in the country, was first detected in April 2005 in Roxas Boulevard which is near the airport. Apparently, the pests were introduced here thru importation of ornamental palms.
Parohinog asked the public to report any infected coconut trees which can be easily identified - their young leaves appear brownish while the outer older fronds are still green.
Brontispa’s enemy is another beetle called earwig, which is dubbed the brontispa killer or terminator because it eats the brontispa and its larvae.
The PCA unleashes the terminator to the infected tree aside from treating it with chemicals.
Pangasinan is one of several provinces affected by the rapidly spreading infestation which should be immediately addressed to protect the growing coconut industry.
Young coconut or buko has become a hit along with virgin coconut oil because of their health value. Stalls along the roadside selling young coconuts have sprouted in San Fabian, Binmaley, Calasiao, Mangaldan and many other towns.
PCA hopes to conquer the brontispa pest before the end of the year.
