Researchers from the Nueva Vizcaya State University (NVSU) will explore the use of biological control agents (BCAs) to sustainably manage the pests and diseases of satsuma, ponkan, calamansi, and pummelo.
BCAs are naturally occurring organisms that can suppress pests and help reduce reliance on chemical pesticides.
Over the last five years, a high demand for citrus fruits has been observed in the domestic market. However, the citrus industry faces significant threats that affect fruit yield and quality such as pests like citrus rind borers (CRB) and fruit flies and diseases like brown rot, melanose, and scab.
To address these challenges, a new project funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) titled “Evaluating the Efficacy of Biological Control Agents for Pest and Disease Management in Citrus Orchards” was recently launched through an inception meeting held at NVSU in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya. This project is monitored by the Philippines Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) of DOST.
The project will harness the predatory efficacy of green lacewings and the biological control potential of black ladybird beetles to combat citrus aphids and mites. In addition, entomopathogenic fungi, such as Beauveria bassiana and Isaria fumosorosea, will be further validated for their effectiveness against citrus diseases, including greasy spot, melanose, canker, and scab.
Project Leader Jonar I. Yago emphasized the importance of the initiative since conventional methods, such as chemical pesticides, pose risks not only to the environment but also to farmers and consumers alike. He also highlighted the need for sustainable pest management strategies in Nueva Vizcaya, which is known for its high quality satsuma varieties.
The inception meeting outlined the roles and responsibilities among partner agencies and covered the DOST-Grants-In-Aid (GIA) guidelines and the monitoring and evaluation (M&E) processes for a smooth implementation of the project.
Present in the meeting were key representatives from NVSU, headed by University President Wilfredo A. Dumale Jr., and DOST’s Special Projects Division (SPD). The meeting was led by Crops Research Division (CRD) Program Monitoring and Evaluation Section Head Kristine Joy P. de Guzman and Industry Strategic S&T Program (ISP) Manager for Citrus Joel Norman R. Panganiban, with support from the Office of the Executive Director for Research and Development (OED-RD) and CRD staff.
The CRD team also visited the NVSU laboratories, which will play a pivotal role in supporting the project's activities.