balita.ph; August 11, 2011 11:01 pm

SCIENCE CITY OF MUNOZ, Nueva Ecija, Aug. 11 – Local farmers here have expressed concern over the emergence of eels that threaten rice fields in the province.

Farmers in this town reported that eels have been burrowing in their fields resulting in irrigation water seepage and affecting nutrient and weed management.

Farmer Adriano Comilang Sr. said eels are becoming pests as they bore holes in rice paddy walls, causing irrigation water to flow out.

The rice paddy eel, identified as monopterus albus, burrows as deep as 1.5 meter during the dry season to survive dry conditions. However, it can multiply rapidly under certain conditions.
Farmers said they are having a hard time getting rid of the destructive eels because the pests are buried deep in moist mud. [(PNA) LAP/FFC/zst/MCV/ps]

Source: Eels emerging as pests in Nueva Ecija rice fields