Biocontrol boosts mandarin production
To increase yield and control the pest, the Nueva Vizcaya State University used entomopathogenic fungi, a natural enemy of the CRB, as biocontrol agent
To help improve the production of Satsuma mandarin in Nueva Vizcaya, a non- chemical and non- hazardous method of controlling the citrus rind borer (CRB) has been developed through the funding of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology ( DoST- PCAARRD).
CRB is an insect pest that burrows into the fruit’s rind and flesh which causes internal rot resulting in an inedible fruit.
According to the agency, the method reduced yield loss of Satsuma mandarin due to CRB, from 75 percent to 87 percent to just five percent.
To increase yield and control the pest, the Nueva Vizcaya State University ( NVSU) used entomopathogenic fungi (EPF), a natural enemy of the CRB, as biocontrol agent.
The use of biocontrol agents reduces use of synthetic insecticides, which are harmful to human health and the environment.
At least two patents on solid and liquid formulations of the bioinsecticide EPF against CRB were already filed.
EPF to control CRB
According to the DoST-PCAARRD, the EPF significantly reduced the development of lumps in Satsuma mandarin.
It said lumps are signs of CRB burrowing into the fruit rind.
Infestation of CRB in EPF-treated trees only ranged from 14 percent to 18 percent, meaning that up to 86 percent of fruits without lumps were achieved.
The EPF-treated trees produced 11.8 tons per hectare (t/ha) to 11.95 t/ha.
The highest potential yield recorded of a six-year-old Satsuma mandarin cultivar is 12.9 t/ha, which was achieved through the application of biopesticide.
Controlling CRB
Aside from controlling CRB in Satsuma mandarin, EPF may also be used to control CRB in calamansi in the MIMAROPA region and Red Chandler Pummelo in Davao City.
To study the ef ficacy of EPF in controlling CRB in calamansi, the NVSU will collaborate with the Mindoro State College of Agriculture and Technology.
Meanwhile, to determine how EPF can decrease lumps on pummelo rind, the NVSU will likewise collaborate with the Southern Mindanao Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium, where pummelo is one of Davao City’s top fruit produce.
The NVSU implemented the project, in cooperation with the Region-2 office of the Department of Agriculture m(DA-2), Cagayan Valley Agriculture, Aquatic and Resources Research and Development, the DA- Nueva Vizcaya Experiment Station, and the provincial and municipal local governments in Nueva Vizcaya.