Invasive mealy bug: the culprit in the decline on the Atis industry

Buff coconut mealybug (BCM), Nipaecoccus (Maskell), is a recently introduced pest in the Philippines and has become very destructive among important agricultural crops in the last five years. This invasive pest was first observed in early 2001, after five years , it has already been recorded in almost 60 plant species belonging to 14 genera. It is the aim of this paper to present the unfortunate situation brought about by this mealybug to the 'atis' industry of Lobo, Batangas, Through this paper, the authors wish to call the attention of concerned agencies to look at this very important pest and its continuing threat to more agricultural crops in the country. One of the most susceptible crops that did not escape from BCM attack is the famous 'atis' or sugar apple of Lobo, Batangas. Lobo 'atis' is not only very special among the Batangenos but also around the country because of its delicious, sweet taste, and relatively bigger size allowing ease of eating. This crop is planted along the rolling hills of Lobo situated along the coast of Batangas. This fruit is actually is one of the major sources of income of the municipality with an estimated average annual production of over the past 40 years. The BCN were first observed in early 2000 on the hilltops of the upper barangay (villages) of Lobo particularly in Banalo and San Miguel. The infestation progressed in the lower barangay. The farmers started to complain about this pest in 2003. They observed the decrease in yield and the secondary damage by the consequent sooty molds in the 'atis' trees and surrounding vegetation. The damage had been aggravated by long spells and big plunge came in 2005 when there was almost no income generated. The recent super typhoons might have put down the mealybug population significantly. However, as early as January 2007, signs of resurging mealybug populations have already been imminent and there have been a steady increase. So far, no effective natural enemies whether parasitoids or predators have been found. The steep slope of most 'atis' farms also make chemical control or other non-biological means not only costly but also impractical. The search for effective control measures, however continuous to be stalled by lack of financial resources of R and D and lack of government support to this pest epidemics.