Manila: The Department of Agriculture - Negros Island Region's Regional Crop Protection Center (DA-NIR RCPC) is preparing for the large-scale production of lacewing larvae, aiming to employ them as a biological control agent against the red-striped soft scale insect (RSSI) that is plaguing sugarcane farms.

According to Philippines News Agency, Negros Island, responsible for over 60 percent of the nation's sugar production, is severely affected by the RSSI outbreaks, which threaten to reduce sugar content in infected canes by up to 50 percent. The RCPC's latest AgriWatch update highlighted an ongoing laboratory study observing lacewing larvae preying on RSSI.

This laboratory activity focuses on documenting the predatory behavior of the larvae and their feeding activity on RSSI, assessing their potential as a biological control measure for managing the pest. The agency is exploring biological approaches to pest management, particularly the use of natural predators to help reduce RSSI populations.

Currently, the laboratory is making preparations for the mass production of lacewing larvae, with plans to begin distribution to affected areas by the fourth quarter of 2026. Back in June, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. mandated the mass production of biological control agents to combat the RSSI outbreak impacting the sugar industry.

The Secretary instructed the Sugar Regulatory Administration to expedite the production of a naturally occurring fungus capable of limiting the rapid spread of the sap-sucking pest before it causes more severe damage. To hasten the production of biocontrol agents, he offered the use of facilities from the Bureau of Plant Industry and other DA resources.