PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

THE Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) said it approved the use of a domestically developed organic pesticide against the Coconut Scale Insect, also known as cocolisap.

Chemrez Technologies, Inc., said its CropGuard spray offers an alternative to the trunk injection of systemic insecticides, particularly neonicotinoids.

“While effective in the short term, trunk injection entails significant risks, including long-term tree damage, disruption of beneficial insects, and potential chemical residues in coconut products,” according to Chemrez, a unit of D&L Industries.

It noted that the use of trunk-injected synthetic pesticides may invalidate the organic certification of coconut farms.

“This not only disqualifies farmers from accessing the premium organic market but also jeopardizes livelihoods and disrupts entire rural economies that depend on organic coconut production for income, sustenance, and export revenue.”

The PCA said that as of May 30, 516,962 coconut trees were affected by cocolisap in the Calabarzon, Bicol, Western Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Caraga, and Bangsamoro regions.

In tests conducted in collaboration with the PCA and the University of the Philippines-Los Baños, Chemrez said CropGuard is recommended for two sprays 15 days apart.

“CropGuard also acts as an insect repellent, discouraging feeding and egg deposition,” it said. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza