Philippines: RSSI infestation continues to impact sugarcane plantations - Monday, 8 September 2025 Bacolod City: The red-striped soft scale insect (RSSI) continues to impact sugarcane plantations in the Visayas, with Negros Occidental suffering the worst damage among affected provinces, reported philstar Global.
According to the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA), a total of 4,324 hectares of sugarcane farms have been destroyed by the pest as of September 2. Negros Occidental reported the largest affected area, covering 4,113 hectares. Iloilo followed with 83.69 hectares, Leyte with 73.18 hectares, Capiz with 29.50 hectares, and Negros Oriental with 24.80 hectares. The infestation has affected 1,415 farmers across 102 barangays in Negros, Iloilo, Leyte, and Capiz. Data as of August 19 showed that only 291.98 hectares of sugarcane fields had recovered from the damage. To contain the spread, authorities have banned the transport of sugarcane plants and planting materials from areas under quarantine.
Movement of these products is only allowed with a special permit from the SRA. Sugar Order No. 6 also requires preventive measures such as washing and spraying with approved chemicals before any transport is permitted. The SRA said it is working closely with the Bureau of Plant Industry to implement the restrictions.
The agency warned that RSSI attacks sugarcane leaves and can reduce sugar content by as much as 50 percent. “If not controlled, the infestation could wipe out the sugar industry not just in Negros and Panay but across the entire country,” the SRA said in a statement.
