Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) Palawan reports that Brontispa longissima is no longer threatening the coconut industry.
PCA Acting Division Chief Raul Aguilar said in an interview that although the coconut leaf beetle is still present throughout Palawan, they have already managed to keep the infestation from escalating.
“Kahit saan naman mayroon talagang Brontispa, pero konti na lang. Nakokontrol naman eh. Slight lang naman ‘yung infestation,” stated Aguilar.
He also stated that they are using biocontrol as a method of controlling the infestation. They also advised farmers to spray insecticide directly on the Brontispa.
Meanwhile, the PCA has started their Coconut Seedlings Dispersal Project to hand out free seedlings to interested farmers and have already distributed about 5,050 seedlings to 22 farmers around Puerto Princesa.
“Ngayon lang ‘yan. ‘Pag naubos na po ‘yung 10,000 seedlings namin, hanggang doon na lang po kami,” said Aguilar.
Farmers interested in receiving the free coconut seedlings can go to their Puerto Princesa office or approach the designated agriculturists in their respective municipalities.
