Brgy. Rugao, City of Ilagan, Isabela — April 28, 2025

Farmers in the province of Isabela took a major step forward in pest management as they participate in the Farmers Field Day at Brgy. Rugao, where they were introduced to new biological control options for tackling the destructive Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda, J.E. Smith). This event is part of a Department of Agriculture–Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR) funded project titled “Scaling Out of the Developed Integrated IPM for Fall Armyworm in Frequently Infested Corn Areas in Region 2”, implemented by the Integrated Laboratory Division – Regional Crop Protection Center (ILD-RCPC).

The initiative showcased how Integrated Pest Management (IPM) method which combines biological control agents and strategic chemical use that significantly outperforms conventional farmer’s practices both in yield and profitability.

“Dakkel a pasalamat mi ta adda iti DA RFO 02 nga mangtultulong, mangisursuro, ken mangmangted iti teknolohiya kadakami nga farmers. Gapu iti daytuy a teknolohiya, mayat iti takder iti mula mi nga mais [We are deeply thankful to DA RFO 02 for continuously helping, teaching, and providing us farmers with technology. Because of this technology, the condition of our corn crops has greatly improved]” said Eric Castillo, representing the barangay captain of Brgy. Rugao.

Under the IPM protocol, the farmers release natural enemies such as earwigs and Trichogramma chilonis, and apply entomopathogenic fungi like Metarhizium spp. and Beauveria spp. during key crop stages. The strategy recommends using Metarhizium spp. when infestation is below 10%, and selective insecticides like chlorantraniliprole or spinetoram when infestation exceeds this threshold.

Furthermore, several key interventions are carried out at different stages of crop development to mitigate pest infestations. Within the first five day after planting (DAP), 10,000 individual earwigs (Euborellia annulata/annulipes) were released per hectare to establish early biological control. Between thw 5^th and 10^th day, Trichogramma chilonis was introduced using 50 cards per hectare, alongside the initial application of Metarhizium spp. Fungal biopesticide if pest infestation is at or below 10% with visible larvae. For infestations exceeding 10% chemical insecticides such as Chlorantraniliprole, Spinetoram, Lufenuron, or Azadirachtin are applied according to label recommendations, with a standard requirement of 250 grams or 50 packs per hectare. A second spraying of Metarhizium spp. is conducted around 13 to 15 days after planting (or 3 to 6 days after symptoms appear), maintaining the same application rate. Finally, between the 22^nd and 30^th day, a third round spraying is performed using wither Metarhizium spp. or Beauveria sp., again at the rate of 250 grams or 50 packs per hectare, ensuring sustained pest management throughout the crop’s early growth stages.

“Napaka supportive ng mga magsasaka na narito ngayon. Sana ay ipagpatuloy natin ang ganitong klaseng suporta sa mga teknolohiya,” said Minda Flor Aquino, Chief of RCPC.

IPM vs. Farmer’s Practice

Dry Season (Initial Results)

• Yield: IPM farmers produced 7,781 kg/ha, more than 3x the yield under traditional practice (2,417 kg/ha).
• Net Income: Under farmer’s practice, farmers incurred a loss (-Php 9,036/ha), while IPM users earned a healthy Php 44,475/ha.
• ROI: The return on investment skyrocketed from -35.14% to 98.82% with IPM.

Wet Season

• Yield: IPM achieved 4,256 kg/ha versus 3,993 kg/ha under farmer’s practice.
• Net Income: Increased from Php 3,063.55/ha to Php 10,857.75/ha under IPM.
• ROI: Jumped from 6.98% to 25.14%.

In both seasons, the use of biocontrol agents like Metarhizium and Beauveria not only reduced dependence on chemical insecticides but also resulted in improved crop health and better long-term sustainability.

“Agriculture in Region 02 is not a dying industry. Why? Look at the farmers here. Even with flooding and other challenges that destroyed their crops, they continue to rise again,” said Hector U. Tabbun, Chief of the Research Division, as he praised the farmers’ resilience and openness to innovation.

The success of this project demonstrates that with the right tools, training, and support, Filipino farmers can shift from reactive, chemical-heavy methods to proactive and sustainable pest management, protecting both their crops and incomes.

Via Jufanuel Apolonio

Photo: Jufanuel Apolonio