Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte. The major problems of corn farmers are the insect pest and diseases infestation causing yield losses. One of the identified pests is the Fall armyworm, this can be one of the most difficult insect pests to control not only in corn but also in rice fields. With this, to ensure long-term management to prevent FAW infestation, The Department of Agriculture through the Agricultural Training Institute – (ATI-RTC) 13 conducted a three-day training on Fall Armyworm (FAW) Management on August 17-19, 2021 at Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture- Regional Crop Protection Center (DA-RCPC) and Municipal Agriculture Office of Las Nieves Agusan del Norte.
The training aimed to equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and understanding of corn pest management and field diagnosis.

Hon. Larry Bautista, Municipal Vice Mayor of Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte, encouraged the participants to listen attentively and make use of the resources (starter kits) given to them. He also conveyed the participants to apply and practice the knowledge shared during the training.

A total of 19 corn farmers (8 males and 11 females) graduated from the said training. the participants learned different topics of Fall Armyworm from its status, history, life cycle, management protocols, different approaches, controls, monitoring, field surveillance and a proper way of preparing Pheromone Lure traps for FAW.

The resource persons comprehensively discussed the topics. They are technical staff of ATI-RTC-XIII namely, Neptalli V. Madarimot- Corn Point Person and Mr. Caerian B. Muga, Alternate Point Person Likewise, experts from DA-RCPC- Ms. Maricel J. Didal- SRS II, Mr. Reynold D. Udarbe, ACC III, Mr. Abraham E. Ligan and Ms. Arlyn T. Cabalinan also tapped as resource speaker during the training.

During the field practicum, pheromone traps were prepared and installed. The RCPC personnel demonstrates the proper way of preparing the Pheromone Lure traps for FAW, together with the MAO staff then will continue with the monitoring of the fields to identify the infestation. This will help gather more data and calculate the damage percentage, egg mass, and larva incidence. Different strategies and recommendations will be given to avoid outbreaks. (Content from CBMuga)