The Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) disclosed that Fall Armyworms or “Harabas” are currently ravaging in some parts of the country.
“Yung isang puno ng mais,’pag mayroon po tayong isang Fall Armyworm, doon na nasa third age, ay tiyak na mauubos ‘yung kaniyang usbong sa loob lamang ng 24 hours (A corn plant that has Fall Army Worms and at third age will definitely lose its bud within 24 hours),” Chief Pest Forecasting Section Senior Agriculturist Remigio Tabil explained.
The Harabas were reported to have come from Africa and are now spreading in Asian countries like the Philippines. The BPI expressed alarm over the fast dispersal of the said armyworms as they can fly a distance of up to 500 meters and transfer from one farm to another.
Armyworms usually target corn fields. Out of almost half a million standing crops in the country, more than 4,000 hectares have been hit in almost 200 municipalities. Some of the hotspots include Cagayan Valley, Northern Mindanao, and Soccsksargen.
Signs of armyworm infestation include holes in leaves and destruction of crops. Swarms of the said pest are also visible in the field.
The BPI urged farmers to report the incident to its office and through its hotline (02) 8523 1155.
The Department of Agriculture has allotted Php 150 million to provide free treatment and for close monitoring of farmers to guard against armyworms. – Report from Cleizl Pardilla
