Manila, July 14 -- The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) is conducting further studies for the mass production of entomo-pathogenic fungi to counter the red-striped soft scale insect (RSSI) infestation.

This was among the actions presented by the SRA during the training-workshop on RSSI management and open data kit application at the Capitol Social Hall here on Monday.

"We have a breakthrough. SRA found a certain fungus in Capiz. A few months ago, we brought it to La Granja Station. We produced more of it and had it observed. So far, the fungus aggressively attacks the adult RSSI. It's a big breakthrough. It's natural, not chemical," SRA Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona said in an interview.

He said two beneficial fungi with scienti...