Story perspectives

Fungi Investigated to Combat Sugarcane Pest Crisis

7/15/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) is investigating fungi to address the Red-Striped Soft Scale Insect (RSSI) threatening sugarcane in the Philippines.
Promising fungi, Metarhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana, may effectively eliminate RSSI.
RSSI infestations affect 30,000 hectares and 1,612 farmers, causing a 50% reduction in sugar content.
The SRA has allocated funds for pesticides and calls for a state of emergency.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson endorses SRA's sustainable solutions for the sugar industry.

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Story summary

The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) is investigating fungi to address the Red-Striped Soft Scale Insect (RSSI) threatening sugarcane in the Philippines.
Promising fungi, Metarhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana, may effectively eliminate RSSI.
RSSI infestations affect 30,000 hectares and 1,612 farmers, causing a 50% reduction in sugar content.
The SRA has allocated funds for pesticides and calls for a state of emergency.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson endorses SRA's sustainable solutions for the sugar industry.