Red palm weevil: causes, symptoms, prevention

The red palm weevil is one of the most dangerous pests that threaten palm trees and affect their productivity. In this article from the “WORLD OF PLANTS” website, we discuss the symptoms of infection and methods of prevention and control of this pest.

 Introduction to the red palm weevil

• Scientific name This insect is Rhynchophorus ferrugineus.
• Type of disease: Insect.
• Disease family: This type of insect belongs to the beetle family Curculionidae.

Red palm weevil is a harmful insect that greatly affects palm trees, and is considered one of the most dangerous agricultural pests that threaten this type of tree.

 Symptoms of red palm weevil

• Wilting and yellowing of palm leaves.
• The presence of small holes on the trunks and stems.
• Juice or brown secretions emerge from the holes.
• Presence of sawdust or palm remains around the base of the palm.
• Weakness of the palm in general and curvature of the top in advanced stages.

 Causes of red palm weevil

• Inefficiency in controlThis insect moves quickly from one palm tree to another, especially in areas where there are dense palm trees.
• Inefficiency in control: Sometimes, the measures taken to control the insect may be ineffective or not implemented properly.

Suitable conditions for the spread of the red palm weevil

• temperatureThe palm weevil prefers high temperatures, which makes tropical and subtropical regions an ideal environment for its reproduction.
• HumidityHigh humidity helps the insect spread, especially in agricultural areas that are excessively irrigated.
• Lack of regular pruningIrregular pruning of palm trees provides the insect with a suitable environment for reproduction and spread.

Development cycle of the red palm weevil

• EggsFemales lay eggs inside cavities or holes in the trunk or base of the stem.
• Larvae: When the eggs hatch, the larvae feed on the palm from within, causing the most deadly damage.
• Virgins: The larvae turn into pupae inside the palm marrow.
• Adult: Adult insects emerge from the palm tree after completing their life cycle and begin to reproduce again.

 Pictures of palm weevil disease (at its beginning and after its spread)

Losses from the spread of the red palm weevil

• Economic lossesThe spread of the palm weevil leads to significant financial losses due to the death of palm trees and the costs of combating the pest.
• Environmental destruction: It leads to a reduction in the number of palm trees in the affected areas, which affects the local environment and ecosystem.

Red palm weevil control strategy

• Periodic monitoringConduct periodic examinations of palm trees to detect the presence of the insect in the early stages.
• Use trapsPlace traps containing sex pheromones to attract the weevil and limit its spread.
• Use of pesticidesSpray recommended insecticides around the bases of the palms and in the affected holes.

Preventive measures to prevent the occurrence of red palm weevil

• Regular pruning: Trimming palm trees regularly to prevent the formation of a suitable environment for the weevil.
• Maintain cleanliness: Removing agricultural waste around palm trees, as they can be a haven for insects.
• Dealing with infected palms: Get rid of the infected palm tree correctly to prevent the spread of the insect.

 Recommendations for organic and chemical control of the red palm weevil

• Organic control of the red palm weevil:
  • Using beneficial nematodes to eliminate weevil larvae.
  • Using insect pathogenic fungi as a biological control method.
• Chemical control of the red palm weevil:
  • Use appropriate chemical insecticides such as fenitrothion and deltamethrin.
  • Spray pesticides directly on the affected areas to ensure the elimination of the insect.

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References:

• Red palm weevil - Wikipedia
  Information about the red palm weevil - istitlaa
• FAO Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa - fao
• Red palm weevil - pdf file
• Red Palm Weevil: Guidelines on management practices – semanticscholar