Biliran Province State University - Biliran Campus researchers have presented significant progress in developing a sustainable biological control method against the aphid that transmits the devastating Abaca Bunchy Top Virus (ABTV).

The project, titled "Survey and Assessment of Entomopathogens Against the Aphid Vector, Pentalonia nigronervosa of Abaca Bunchy Top Virus in Eastern Visayas," was recently reviewed by the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD).

The BiPSU team showcased their work on the collection and laboratory evaluation of Entomopathogenic Fungi (EPF)—fungi that kill insects—gathered from Biliran, Leyte, and Southern Leyte.

The initial results are highly promising, indicating that these collected fungi have strong potential as biological control agents against the Pentalonia nigronervosa aphid. This tiny pest is the primary vector responsible for spreading the crippling ABTV disease throughout abaca farms.

Evaluators from the DOST-PCAARRD Crop Research Division (CRD) praised the research team's substantial progress, emphasizing that the findings could offer a crucial, environmentally-friendly solution for managing destructive aphid infestations in the regional abaca industry.

Following the successful program review, which included S&T Consultant Dr. Virginia C. Cuevas from the University of the Philippines Los Baños, the BiPSU team is moving forward with the next phase.

The identified promising EPF isolates will undergo testing under screenhouse conditions before proceeding to comprehensive field trials. These rigorous steps are necessary to confirm the fungi's effectiveness and safety, paving the way for eventual deployment to abaca farmers in Biliran Province and the wider region.

The review meeting was attended by project teams from both BiPSU and Visayas State University (VSU), alongside DOST-PCAARRD representatives led by CRD Director Leilani D. Pelegrina and Industry Strategic S&T Program Manager for Abaca Kristine Joy P. de Guzman.

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