Cocolisap infestation now 'manageable' due to an unlikely ally

An official of the Philippine Coconut Authority on Monday disclosed that the widespread infestation of coconut trees by killer cocolisap has been reduced to "manageable" levels in the aftermath of Typhoon Glenda. 

 

"The cocolisap problem is now... manageable..."  PCA administrator Romula Arancon Jr. revealed during the Senate budget hearing.

 

Arancon explained that the infestation of coconut scale insects – popularly known as cocolisap – has been "significantly reduced" due to Typhoon Glenda.

 

"Nature actually helped us. The strong winds and strong rains reduced the pest population," the PCA chief said. 

 

Typhoon Glenda battered Luzon, particularly Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon) last August.

 

Calabarzon and the province of Basilan were heavily infested by cocolisap.

 

 

"The palms are now greening because of the lesser population of the pests," he added.

 

 

Arancon said the agency is conducting a "rapid ground assessment" to have a "scientific basis" that the pest have been subdued. 

 

"Right now, it is just visual. The farmers are saying na wala na because the leaves are very green," he said.

 

Cocolisap is a pest that kills coconut trees by injecting a chemical that neutralizes the chlorophyll in leaves, thus, rendering the leaves incapable of properly absorbing and converting sunlight into energy.

 

Hundreds of thousands of coconut trees have been infested by cocolisap, prompting President Benigno Aquino III to call for authorities to address the situation. 

 

Subsequently, Secretary Francis Pangilinan, presidential assistance for food, security and agricultural modernization, revealed a P750-million emergency action plan against the coconut pest. – VS, GMA News