Chemrez’s cocolisap pesticide gets PCA nod

Chemicals giant D&L Industries’ agri-solutions unit Chemrez Technologies Inc. has secured the approval of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) for its locally developed organic pesticide against the devastating coconut scale insect (Cocolisap).

In a news release on Wednesday, Chemrez announced the PCA gave the thumbs up for CropGuard, which was integrated into the agency’s official Integrated Pest Management (IPM) framework.

The company said that CropGuard is a non-invasive, residue-free alternative that facilitates farmers’ compliance with organic standards while safeguarding both their crops and communities.

Before using organic spray oils like CropGuard, farmers used to inject systemic insecticides, especially neonicotinoids, to deal with serious pest problems.

While effective in the short term, Chemrez said trunk injection entails significant risks, including long-term tree damage, disruption of beneficial insects, and potential chemical residues in coconut products.

The company said over 3.5 million Filipinos rely on coconut farming as their primary source of livelihood.

With the PCA’s approval of CropGuard as a primary treatment option for early-stage infestations, Chemrez said it “can effectively prevent the spread of cocolisap prior to the necessity of severe interventions.”  —VBL, GMA Integrated News