The Department of Agriculture RFO 8 through its Regional Crop Protection Center (RCPC) conducted the second batch of Prime Project Retooling Activity, held at the Abuyog Experiment Station (AES). This two-day activity was participated in by 24 Data Controllers accross the six Provinces of Eastern Visayas.

Ms Brenda Almeroda, Senior Science Research Specialist (SSRS), gave her welcome remarks and shared her expertise and knowledge in the field of research together with the latest updates of pests that are recently affecting crop production. On the other hand, Engr. Ariel C. Quizol, Senior Science Research Specialist (SSRS) of RCPC, presented the overview of the said activity.

Topics discussed iincluded the identification and management of major pests of corn, natural enemies of corn pests, identification and management of the major diseases of corn, rodent and weed management. Also, sampling procedure and the data collection process was discussed by Ms. Ria M. Pilos, Laboratory Technician II.

Participants had a hands-on activity on the second day. They were tasked to collect specimen in the assigned corn area for analysis and identification, followed by a group presentation of the data gathered. Then, a recapitulation of all the topics discussed together with the issues and concerns regarding data collection and validation was tackled.

Pre-test and post-test were conducted to assess the participants capability to identify the major pests and diseases contributing to crop losses in corn.