Florence Lasalita-Zapico, Catherine Hazel Aguilar, Rea May Bojadores and Abegail Fortich

Science Department, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Mindanao State University-General Santos City
ABSTRACT On-site insect pest surveys and interviews with banana farmers were undertaken to determine the incidence and monthly populations of insect pests as affected by selected climatic factors. In Polomolok, insect pests such as banana black aphid (Pentalonia nigronervosa), banana stem weevil (Odoiporus longicollis), aphid (Toxoptera citricida), banana lace bug (Stephanitis typical), banana stalk fly (Telostylinus lineolatus), mealy bug (Nipaecoccus nipae), spiraling whitefly (Aleurodicus disperses) and four species of beetles (Phyllophaga sp.) were found to cause considerable damage in banana plantations. On the other hand, prevalent insect pests in the Tupi banana plantation were banana aphid, banana corm weevil (Cosmopolites sordidus), banana lace bug, mealy bug and a wide assortment of beetles. Correlation analysis revealed significant positive correlation between Chinese rose beetle (Adoretus sinicus), mealy bug and banana lace bug populations and rainfall distribution. Atmospheric temperature was also found to be significantly correlated with monthly black aphid and beetle populations in both study sites. While results are inconclusive owing its short duration and the limited number of climatic parameters used, the study nonetheless provides baseline information about pest incidence in representative South Cotabato banana plantations where no such documented reports are available.

Banana is an important fruit crop in local and international markets

METHODOLOGY

In 2009, 83,602 hectares planted to banana yielded 3,749,766.10 metric tons (BAR, 2010) Pest infestation considered as an important constraint to banana production in the Philippines Various reports about effects of climate change on banana pests and diseases ( CGIAR; CIAT 2009) Site Identification /Characterization

Monthly Insect Survey

Pitfall traps Interception traps Time-cruising method Visual inspection

Taxonomic Identification Data Analysis and Interpretation

Tupi Polomolok, South Cotabato

RESULTS

Fig. 1-2 Pest Population (6 months)

Table 1- Pearsons Correlation Values (A. Tupi, B. Polomolok)

Polunoling, Tupi
Twohectare organicallymaintained Bungolan farm with regular shipments to Japanese markets With profuse growth of ferns, weeds and associated vegetation Widespread bunchy top infestation observed Major insect pests: banana aphid, banana corm weevil, banana lace bug, mealy bug and many species of beetles.

Pagalungan, Polomolok
Located in the foothills of Mt. Matutum and surrounded by Dole Plantations Well-maintained 2 hectareLakatan farm planted with vegetables Several cases of bunchy top and mosaic viruses noted Major insect pests: banana black aphid, banana stem weevil, aphid, banana lace bug, banana stalk fly, mealy bug, spiraling whitefly and four species of beetles

Correlation of Pest Population with Selected Climatic Factors

Significant positive correlations noted between rainfall and monthly populations of Chinese rose beetle (Adoretus sinicus), mealy bug and banana lace bug Atmospheric temperature found to be significantly correlated with monthly black aphid and beetle populations No significant correlations observed for banana corm weevil and rainfall and temperature

CONCLUSION
This study is the first of its kind to be conducted in this area of the Philippines. Results revealed that banana pest populations are affected by monthly variations in climatic conditions. These results are however inconclusive owing to the shortness of the study duration and the limited number of climatic parameters used. Further studies involving more banana plantations and climatic parameters are warranted to obtain a more definitive correlation between climate change and pest populations.

Blomme, G., Gold, C., Karamura, E., 2005. Farmer-participatory testing of ntegrated pest management options for sustainable banana production in Eastern Africa. Proceedings of the workshop on Farmer-participatory testing of IPM options for sustainable banana production in Eastern Africa, held in Seeta, Uganda, 8-9 December 2003. The International Network for the Improvement of Banana and Plantain, Montpellier, France. Integrated Pest Management and Crop Health bringing together sustainable agroecosystems and peoples health. White Paper. SP-IPM Secretariat, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Nigeria. 17 pp.