Report bagworm problem immediately

WE refer to the letter “Treat bagworms early, MPOB” ( The Star, May 30) by George Thomas.

Bagworm infestation is devastating to oil palm trees, and we agree with the writer that immediate response is needed to combat the infestation. As such, smallholders are frequently told to inform the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) immediately if their holdings are seriously infested with bagworms so that proper treatment can be deployed as soon as possible.

This point has been emphasised in many platforms including seminars, workshops, dialogue and interactions that are frequently held by MPOB with the smallholders.

In Banting, the MPOB extension officers (Tunas) stationed at the MPOB head office in Bangi, Selangor together with research officers from the Applied Entomology and Microbiology (AEM) Unit, Biology Division have carried out a series of awareness programmes to educate the smallholders there. These included a joint programme with the Department of Agriculture held at Ladang Seri Cheeding, Banting on Sept 14, 2015; an Extension Programme with Smallholders at Kampung Pulau, also in Banting on April 27, 2016; and a visit to a bag- worm-infested area at Ladang Koperasi Sg. Buaya, Banting on May 8 this year.

As there is a huge number of independent smallholders throughout the country, amounting to more than 600,000, the onus would be on them to react fast and inform the nearby MPOB offices of their predicament. Officers from MPOB’s AEM Unit would then visit the infested smallholdings to assess the situation and suggest the best treatment.

MPOB has developed new technologies and promotes the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) system for bagworm control, which includes the application of Bacillus thuringiensis spray (ground and aerial spraying), planting of beneficial plants to attract beneficial insects and the installation of natural bagworm pheromone traps.

The solution to overcome the bagworm infestation is available and has been proven effective. However, MPOB requires support and cooperation from the oil palm industry, including smallholders. They have to quickly alert our nearby offices so that proper action can be taken!