Empowering Resilient Agriculture: SLSU Researchers Develop Solar-Powered Light Trap to Combat Rick Black Bug Infestations

Southern Leyte State University reaffirms its commitment to climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, and technological innovation through its latest research initiative, "Development and Evaluation of a High-Efficacy Solar-Powered Light Trap for Rice Black Bug (Scotinophara coarctata) Management."

Driven by ingenuity and purpose, researchers Rogen A. Cagorol and Angel T. Sabusap has unveiled a smart, sustainable solution to one of agriculture’s most persistent threats. Their automated, solar-powered light trap not only protects crops but also empowers farmers with an off-grid, low-maintenance alternative to chemical pesticides. Tested over three months in Barangay Panian, St. Bernard, a community historically plagued by RBB infestations, the device proved highly effective. The 50-watt warm white LED variant captured the highest pest volume (948 grams), outperforming other bulb configurations. Equipped with an auto-triggered open-close basin and a built-in electrocution system, the trap eliminates manual labor and operates autonomously.

Built for resilience, the innovation curbs post-disaster crop losses, deploys quickly in high-risk agricultural zones, functions during power outages, and supports local recovery efforts, making it a vital tool in disaster response and risk reduction planning.

This research exemplifies how homegrown innovation can intensify climate resilience in rural communities and contribute meaningfully to global sustainability efforts, especially in relation to SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Read the full study: Development and Evaluation of a High-Efficacy Solar-Powered Light Trap for Rice Black Bug (Scotinophara Coartata) Management
Published in Recoletos Multidisciplinary Research Journal, Vol. 12, No. 1 (2024)