Prevalence of Insect Pests, Beneficial Organisms and Diseases of Abaca (Musa textilis Nee) in Two Municipalities of Aklan, Philippines

Abstract

The study aims to assess and evaluate the occurrence, diversity and distribution of beneficial organisms, insect pests, and the prevalence of diseases in the 34 identified abaca-producing barangays of Madalag and Libacao, Aklan, Philippines. The descriptive and inferential research methods were employed in the study that generated both qualitative and quantitative data. A research-made questionnaire was distributed to 408 randomly selected farmers and a stratified sampling method was used as the study methodology. In the 34 identified abaca-producing barangays, three sampling plots were employed to gather data with regard the diversity and distribution of beneficial organisms, insect pests, and prevalence of diseases. All the species of beneficial organisms and insect pests were classified according to their order and the species diversity was computed using the Shannon-Wienner Index calculations. Results showed that the common beneficial organisms observed by the farmers are frogs which have two species (tree frog and cane frog) and the major insect pest infestation observed was banana skipper (larva). Based on Shannon-Wienner Index calculations, results indicate that the prevalence of beneficial organisms in both municipalities is more diverse than the insect pests which provide effective management of destructive insect pests through biological control. Data also reveal that the most prevalent diseases observed in the two municipalities are leaf blotch and cordana leaf spots. These diseases are found most active during the southwest monsoon which affects the Philippines from June to September.