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Draft:National Crop Protection Center

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  • Comment: Most of the "Functions" section features copypasted text from sources with copyright. NeoGaze (talk) 19:26, 8 December 2025 (UTC)
National Crop Protection Center
Agency overview
Formed1976
JurisdictionRepublic of the Philippines
Employees70
Annual budgetPhP 3M per year
Agency executive
  • Barbara L. Caoili, Director
Websitehttps://ncpc.cafs.uplb.edu.ph/

The National Crop Protection Center (NCPC) is a Philippine research and extension institution focused on crop protection and pest management.[1][2][3] It is one of the research centers of the University of the Philippines Los Baños.[1][2][4]

NCPC was established on May 19, 1976, through Presidential Decree No. 936 issued by President Ferdinand E. Marcos.[1] It was mandated to conduct research, develop pest management systems, train manpower, and provide scientific advice to the government to reduce agricultural losses and help ensure a stable food supply.[1][2] The center’s founding director was entomologist Dr. Fernando F. Sanchez, Sr.[5]

The creation of NCPC expanded the mandate of the earlier Rodent Research Center, which had been established in 1968, into a broader institution addressing different aspects of crop protection.[6][7]

During its establishment, the NCPC received funding and training assistance from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Ministry of Agriculture. This support helped establish Regional Crop Protection Centers and implement integrated pest management into the NCPC's programs.[8][9]

NCPC collaborates with the Department of Agriculture on pest management and food security programs in the Philippines.[10][11] It has also been involved in field assessments and management planning for major pest outbreaks such as armyworms, in coordination with local agricultural authorities.[12][13]

Research Studies

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NCPC research covers insect pests, plant diseases, weed species, vertebrate pests, pesticide residues, pest surveillance, and molecular diagnostics.

Fall Armyworm Infestation

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NCPC investigated the identification, biology, distribution, and biological control of the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) in the Philippines.[12][13] In 2019, the pest was first detected in several provinces through larval morphological traits and its spread across major corn-growing areas was documented.[14] Researchers described its complete life cycle on corn, noting high fecundity and the presence of natural enemies such as parasitoids and predators that help regulate populations.[15] NCPC also evaluated commercial sex pheromone lures and homemade traps in Laguna, which were used for monitoring male fall armyworm populations.[16]

Coconut Scale Insect or "Cocolisap" Outbreak

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In the mid-2010s, NCPC entomologists studied outbreaks of the coconut scale insect (Aspidiotus rigidus) in Laguna and Quezon. Infestation severity was compared across different topographies and cropping systems. Neonicotinoid insecticides applied via trunk injection were most effective, while a naturally occurring black encyrtid parasitoid achieved up to 80% parasitization, suggesting potential for biological control.[17] Studies also found that the parasitoid Comperiella calauanica played an important role in controlling outbreaks in Southern Tagalog and Zamboanga Peninsula, with high parasitization rates which coincided with population reductions observed within one to two years[18]

Various Crop Diseases

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NCPC plant pathologists have investigated various crop diseases in the Philippines. In 2024, they collaborated on the cassava witches’ broom disease, identifying potential pathogens and contributing to understanding its causes.[19] Subsequent studies isolated Rhizoctonia theobromae as a causal agent, which may help guide management strategies.[20] NCPC researchers also screened local tomato varieties for resistance against root-knot nematodes using molecular markers and biochemical assays, providing data that may help in breeding resistant cultivars.[21] Studies on mango postharvest diseases demonstrated that calcium salts reduced fungal infections caused by Lasiodiplodia theobromae.[22]

Biological Control

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In the early 1980s, studies reported that Trichogramma parasitoids were effective in controlling various pests of corn, tomato, and sugarcane, and techniques for their mass production and field release were developed.[6] The fungus Paecilomyces lilacinus was also investigated for its potential to control potato cyst nematodes.[6]

NCPC researchers also evaluated entomopathogenic fungi such as Metarhizium rileyi, Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae against major lepidopteran pests.[23] For the onion armyworm (Spodoptera exigua), M. rileyi induced 73–100% larval mortality under laboratory conditions.[24] For fall armyworm, B. bassiana showed higher virulence than M. anisopliae.[25]

Pesticide Residues and Toxicology

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NCPC chemists have studied pesticide toxicology, including impacts on non-target organisms.[26][27] Moreover, using the Rapid Bioassay for Pesticide Residues (RBPR), they detected organophosphate and carbamate residues in both conventional and organic-labeled produce in Southern Luzon.[28] NCPC also developed a rapid colorimetric detection kit, which revealed pesticide contamination in organic-labeled vegetables from several regions, suggesting non-compliance with organic farming.[29][30]

Surveillance of Emerging Pests

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NCPC entomologists in the late 2010s documented nationwide surveillance and rapid response efforts against new and emerging crop pests, including fall armyworm and coconut scale insect.[31][32][33] This monitoring program may contribute to early warning systems and strengthen pest outbreak response of the country.

Molecular Studies in Crop Protection

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Researchers applied DNA barcoding and morphological analyses to differentiate species and subspecies of Locusta migratoria manilensis. They also identified Spodoptera pecten as a new armyworm record for Luzon.[34]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d "PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 936, May 19, 1976". Supreme Court E-Library.
  2. ^ a b c "P.D. No. 936". lawphil.net. Retrieved 2025-10-31.
  3. ^ Cuaterno, Wilmar (2001). "PLANT PEST MANAGEMENT CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT IN THE PHILIPPINES". FAO.
  4. ^ "UPLB - Research Centers". UPLB. Archived from the original on 2025-08-03. Retrieved 2025-10-31.
  5. ^ Gapud; Benigno (2001). "Fernando Flores Sanchez: Accomplished Entomologist". Philippine Entomologist. 15 (1).
  6. ^ a b c Bernardo, Fernando (2007). Centennial Panorama: Pictiorial History of UPLB. University of the Philippines Los Banos, Alumni Association. ISBN 9789715472524.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)
  7. ^ Sanchez, Fernando F., "Rodent biology and control : with special reference to the Philippines ed." (1985). Books. 8. https://www.ukdr.uplb.edu.ph/books/8
  8. ^ "NCPC at a Glance". NCPC.
  9. ^ Davide, R. G. 1990. The Role of National Crop Protection Center in the Development and Institutionalization of Integrated Pest Management Programme. Pp 207–214. In: Proceedings National Conference and Workshop on Integrated Pest Management in Rice, Corn and Selected Major Crops held on 01–03 March 1990 at the National Crop Protection Center, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna.
  10. ^ "DA, NCPC unite towards improved crop production". Department of Agriculture. 2023.
  11. ^ "Agri chief backs research on transboundary crop pests and diseases". DA Press Office. 2021.
  12. ^ a b Guadalquiver, Nanette (2024). "NCPC to conduct studies on management of armyworms in sugarcane". Philippine News Agency.
  13. ^ a b GMA Integrated News (2023-01-12). Pag-atake ng fall army worm sa mga maisan, may kinalaman sa climate change ayon sa... | 24 Oras. Retrieved 2025-12-21 – via YouTube.
  14. ^ Navasero, Mario V.; Navasero, Marcela M.; Burgonio, Gideon Aries S.; Ardez, Karen P.; Ebuenga, Melvin D.; Beltran, Marie Joy B.; Bato, Maeden B.; Gonzales, Pablito G.; Magsino, Gil L.; Caoili, Barbara L.; Barrion-Dupo, Aimee Lynn A.; Aquino, Minda Flor G.M. (2019). "DETECTION OF THE FALL ARMYWORM, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (LEPIDOPTERA: NOCTUIDAE) USING LARVAL MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERS, AND OBSERVATIONS ON ITS CURRENT LOCAL DISTRIBUTION IN THE PHILIPPINES". The Philippine Entomologist - Volume 33 Issue 2. 33 (2). doi:10.59852/tpe-a688v33i2.
  15. ^ Navasero, Mario; Navasero, Marcela (2020). "Life cycle, morphometry and natural enemies of fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (JE Smith)(Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on Zea mays L. in the Philippines". Journal of the International Society for Southeast Asian Agricultural Sciences.
  16. ^ Antonio, Enoch Joshua; Burgonio, Gideon Aries; Candano, Randolph; Manuben, John Julius (February 2025). "Field Evaluation of Commercial Sex Pheromone Lures and Home-made Traps for Monitoring of Male Fall Armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (JE Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Los Baños, Laguna, the Philippines". Philippine Journal of Science. 154 (1). doi:10.56899/154.01.15. ISSN 0031-7683.
  17. ^ "Situation analysis and development of methods for damage assessment and insecticide bioefficacy for the cococnut scale insect". The Philippine Entomologist. 2014.
  18. ^ "Biological Control: A Major Component of the Pest Management Program for the Invasive Coconut Scale Insect, Aspidiotus rigidus Reyne, in the Philippines". Insects. 2020.
  19. ^ Landicho, Darwin Magsino; Montañez, Ray Jerome Mojica; Camagna, Maurizio; Neang, Sokty; Bulasag, Abriel Salaria; Magdaraog, Peter Magan; Sato, Ikuo; Takemoto, Daigo; Maejima, Kensaku; Pinili, Marita Sanfuego; Chiba, Sotaro (2024-07-15). "Status of Cassava Witches' Broom Disease in the Philippines and Identification of Potential Pathogens by Metagenomic Analysis". Biology. 13 (7): 522. doi:10.3390/biology13070522. ISSN 2079-7737. PMC 11273669. PMID 39056715.
  20. ^ Landicho, Darwin M.; Montañez, Ray Jerome M.; Manayon, Vicky S.; Sendaydiego, Ma Kristina Yzabelle C.; Gaylo, Jestoni O.; Dimayacyac, Amor C.; Sato, Ikuo; Takemoto, Daigo; Pinili, Marita S.; Chiba, Sotaro (November 2025). "Detection, isolation, and identification of Rhizoctonia theobromae associated with cassava witches' broom disease in the Philippines". Physiological and Molecular Plant Pathology. 140 102872. Bibcode:2025PMPP..14002872L. doi:10.1016/j.pmpp.2025.102872. ISSN 0885-5765.
  21. ^ Lizardo, Roden Carlo M.; Pinili, Marita S.; Diaz, Maria Genaleen Q.; Cumagun, Christian Joseph R. (2022-05-19). "Screening for Resistance in Selected Tomato Varieties against the Root-Knot Nematode Meloidogyne incognita in the Philippines Using a Molecular Marker and Biochemical Analysis". Plants. 11 (10): 1354. Bibcode:2022Plnts..11.1354L. doi:10.3390/plants11101354. ISSN 2223-7747. PMC 9147681. PMID 35631779.
  22. ^ Montecalvo, Melissa; Mendoza, Mary Joy; Dalisay, Teresita (2023-09-01). "Disease-reducing Effect of Calcium Salts Against Postharvest Diseases of Mango (Mangifera indica L. cv. Carabao) Fruits". The Philippine Agricultural Scientist. 106 (3): 253–262. doi:10.62550/gh076022. ISSN 0031-7454.
  23. ^ Montecalvo, Melissa; Navasero, Marcela (2020-11-09). "Metarhizium (=Nomuraea) rileyi (Farlow) Samson from Spodoptera exigua (Hübner) Cross Infects Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Larvae". Philippine Journal of Science. 150 (1). doi:10.56899/150.01.16. ISSN 0031-7683.
  24. ^ "Effect of Entomopathogenic Fungus Metarhizium (Nomuraea) rileyi (Farl.) Samson on the Third Instar Larvae of the Onion Armyworm, Spodoptera exigua Hübner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) under Laboratory Conditions". Philippine Agricultural Scientist.
  25. ^ Montecalvo, Melissa; Navasero, Marcela (June 2021). "Comparative virulence of Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill. and Metarhizium anisopliae (Metchnikoff) Sorokin to Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)". Journal of ISSAAS. 27 (1).
  26. ^ Tejada, A. W.; Varca, L. M.; Ocampo, P.; Bajet, C. M.; Magallona, E. D. (January 1993). "Fate and residues of pesticides in rice production". International Journal of Pest Management. 39 (3): 281–287. doi:10.1080/09670879309371806. ISSN 0967-0874.
  27. ^ Calumpang, S. M. F.; Medina, M. J. B.; Tejada, A. W.; Medina, J. R. (1997-06-01). "Toxicity of Chlorpyrifos, Fenubucarb, Monocrotophos, and Methyl Parathion to Fish and Frogs After a Simulated Overflow of Paddy Water". Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 58 (6): 909–914. Bibcode:1997BuECT..58..909C. doi:10.1007/s001289900420. ISSN 0007-4861. PMID 9136653.
  28. ^ Manuben, John Julius; Sarmiento, Jasper; Bajet, Cristina (2022-03-09). "Rapid Screening of Pesticide Residues in Organic-labeled and Conventional Vegetables in Southern Luzon, Philippines and Its Implication on Food Safety". Philippine Journal of Science. 151 (3). doi:10.56899/151.03.05. ISSN 0031-7683.
  29. ^ "Philippine National Biotechnology Week goes to UPLB". GMA News Online. 2024-11-22. Retrieved 2025-11-01.
  30. ^ Sarmiento, Jasper (2017). "MONITORING OF ORGANIC VEGETABLES IN SELECTED MARKETS IN LAGUNA, QUEZON, BENGUET, AND METRO MANILA USING THE RAPID TEST KIT (RTK) FOR PESTICIDE RESIDUES". Academia.
  31. ^ Cayabyab, Bonifacio; Magsino; Ebuenga; Navasero. "Quick response, surveillance, monitoring and management of new and emerging pests of major crops in the Philippines". Philippine Entomologist. 33 (2).
  32. ^ Navasero, Mario V.; Navasero, Marcela M.; Burgonio, Gideon Aries S.; Ardez, Karen P.; Ebuenga, Melvin D.; Beltran, Marie Joy B.; Bato, Maeden B.; Gonzales, Pablito G.; Magsino, Gil L.; Caoili, Barbara L.; Barrion-Dupo, Aimee Lynn A.; Aquino, Minda Flor G.M. (2019). "DETECTION OF THE FALL ARMYWORM, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (LEPIDOPTERA: NOCTUIDAE) USING LARVAL MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERS, AND OBSERVATIONS ON ITS CURRENT LOCAL DISTRIBUTION IN THE PHILIPPINES". The Philippine Entomologist. 33 (2). doi:10.59852/tpe-a688v33i2.
  33. ^ Cayabyab. "Monitoring of rice pests in Western Pangasinan". Philippine Entomologist. 30 (2).
  34. ^ Guerrero, Michelle S.; Cayabyab, Bonifacio F. (2024-03-22). "DNA Barcoding of Locusta migratoria manilensis (Orthoptera: Acrididae) Reveals Insights into the Species and Subspecies Differentiation". Journal of Entomological Science. 59 (2). doi:10.18474/jes23-36. ISSN 0749-8004.
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