Management of the red palm weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Olivier 1790 (Coleoptera curculionidae), in Italy a an introduction to its control in Iraq
The Red palm weevil (RPW), Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Olivier (1790), is a lethal pest of palms worldwide. In Italy, RPW severely damages Phoenix canariensis. Infested palms can recover if treated at an early stage of infestation. Therefore the aim of this study was to describe an IPM programme for RPW control by endotherapy as a safe measure in urban and periurban area. A new apparatus was developed to inject insecticides (Imidacloprid, Dimethoate and Fenthion) into the threes. The residue analysis was carried out to detect the presence of a.i. on the palm canopy. The palm water content was also a useful tool to determine the precise amount of insecticide needed. Imidacloprid and Dimethoate residues were detected in all replicates but Fenthion gave no residue at sampling time. The lethal dose for RPW is discussed.
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The IPM programme suggested to control RPW combines preventive and curative injections with pheromone traps to detect wide areas of RPW infestation.
