MPOB, Soppoa strengthen ties through webinar on bagworm management for oil palm sustainability
25/10/2024 (The Borneo Post), Kuching - The Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) and Sarawak Oil Palm Plantation Owners Association (Soppoa) further strengthened their collaboration this year through a webinar focused on bagworm management.
The webinar attracted a diverse audience of oil palm operators, agronomists and industry professionals, offering an in-depth look at the identification, control and prevention of bagworm infestations using integrated pest management (IPM) techniques, Soppoa chairman Eric Kiu Kwong Seng said via a statement yesterday.
Held last Tuesday, the webinar also showcased the latest innovations in pest control technology, ensuring participants were equipped with the most up-to-date information.
Bagworm infestation is manageable but a persistent threat, Kiu said.
“Bagworms (Lepidoptera: Psychidae) remain a significant pest for the oil palm industry. These pests create protective cases and attach themselves to palm fronds, feeding on the leaves and causing severe defoliation if left unchecked.
“While the level of bagworm infestation in Sarawak is currently considered low and manageable, the potential for outbreaks requires vigilance and proactive measures from oil palm operators,” he cautioned.
Early identification, continuous monitoring and the use of IPM strategies, including biological controls and selective chemical treatments, are essential to keeping bagworm populations under control, he said.
Kiu also said they (MPOB and Soppoa) remain committed to promoting sustainable practices and addressing the challenges facing the oil palm industry in Sarawak and beyond.
The two groups have a long-standing tradition of meeting annually to discuss, update and explore collaborative efforts in research and development for the palm oil industry.
These meetings typically involve MPOB senior officials and Soppoa council members, fostering strategic discussions on the future of the sector.
Last year, a small-scale seminar allowed broader participation from Soppoa members, as education and knowledge sharing are keys to sustainable management, Kiu said.
“Soppoa believes that ongoing education and outreach efforts are essential to strengthening the capacity of its members.”
The webinar emphasised the importance of equipping plantation managers with sufficient knowledge to prevent unnecessary outbreaks, which could otherwise lead to significant economic losses due to reduced yields or even tree mortality.