Manila, Sept. 8 -- The Iloilo provincial government is relying on biological control measures to address an infestation of the red-striped soft scale insect, or RSSI, that has spread to sugarcane plantations in 27 of the province's 43 local government units.

Acting Iloilo provincial agriculturist Geron Magbanua said Tuesday that biological control uses insects and fungi to suppress the RSSI and is being supported by the Department of Agriculture and the Sugar Regulatory Administration.

Among the fungi being used are Metarhizium and Beauveria, which have been found effective against the pest. However, production remains a challenge because the fungi take 45 to 60 days to grow.

Other natural enemies, including trichogramma, earwigs and l...