Maco, Compostela Valley Province- To monitor the gravity of infestation caused by white grubs and weevil in banana plantations in Davao Region, the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) led by Executive Director Wilfredo Roldan conducted an on-site inspection on September 20, 2019.

This is in response to the request of Davao-based researchers and banana industry for technical assistance in its control since there is no registered pesticide specific to such pest. It was reported that more or less a thousand hectares are affected.

The report added that the infestation, if not prevented, would be an added concern along with Fusarium Wilt, also known as Panama Disease that is already causing huge reduction of export bananas due to decreased in banana production.

Director Roldan said that the FPA will coordinate with industry stakeholders and other government agencies to address the concern, and for the conduct of information campaign,whenever necessary. (with reports from FPA FU XI)