Common name: Red palm weevil
Scientific name: Rhynphorus ferrugineus
Order: Coleoptera
Affects: Palm trees
Main season: All year round
The Red palm weevil Rhynchophorus ferrugineus is an invasive exotic species and also a phytosanitary quarantine species which has been present in Spain since 1995, when it was detected in Granada and Malaga. This insect, originally from the tropical regions of Asia and Polynesia, has been expanding continuously to other areas of the planet and colonising different species of palm trees. Currently, it is one of the main pests that affect palm trees in the Middle East and North Africa. From these areas, through traditional palm tree exporters to Europe, the insect has been introduced onto the Iberian Peninsula. The existence of important palm groves in the Iberian East makes it necessary to pay special attention to this insect.
GLOBAL DISTRIBUTION
Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Aruba, Australia, Bangladesh, Bahrain, Bruma, Cambodia, China, Cyprus, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Spain, the Philippines, France, Greece, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Iran, the Salomon Islands, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Laos, Malaysia, Morocco, Myanmar, Oman, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Portugal, Samoa, Singapore, Syria, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, Vietnam and others.
Morphology and biology
Rhynchophorus ferrugineus is a coleopteran belonging to the Curculionidae family.
Adult: It is quite a large beetle, measuring between 2 and 5 cm long. The insects of this family are characterised for having an extended head in the shape of a beak (“face”), where the antennae are positioned in the shape of a reddish mace. This characteristic, together with its eye-catching colour, gives this insect the common name of ‘red snout’.
The pre-thorax shows some very visible black stains that are different sizes and shapes. Along the elytrons the linear markings are emphasised and also black.
The males are differentiated from the females by a “comb” that is thick and has few hairs on the end of the beak.
Male adult
Female adults
Egg: It is oval-shaped. The eggs are laid individually on the soft tissue of the palm tree’s crown. It measures between 1 and 2.5 mm long. On average, the females lay between 300 and 400 eggs.
Larva: It grows inside the living tissues of the palm tree, until reaching between 3 and 5 cm in size. At the beginning it has a creamy white colour that in the last stage acquires a darker tone. It is clearly apodous (with no legs). Its general aspect is pear-shaped, which gives it a chubby look. The head, which is brown, has very powerful jaws that allow it to perforate the vegetable tissues of its host.
Pupa: It is typically found at the base of palm trees, surrounded by a good sized oval cocoon (4 to 6 cm long) made by the larva itself with fibres from the same palm tree. This means that it is not easy to detect the insect unless the area where it has inserted itself is opened.
Their ability to reproduce is very important. In Spain the complete cycle, from egg to adult lasts between three and four months.
The adults do not usually abandon the palm tree where they have grown until it is practically destroyed. Therefore, there may be several generations inside the same palm tree, where all stages of the pest can be found at any given moment. The adults have a strong ability for flying, which gives them the great advantage to disperse and colonise new palm trees. They seem to show a preference for hurt or weak palm trees. Once the first adults arrive at a suitable palm tree, the males generate an aggregation pheromone that attracts many Red palm weevils of both sexes.
The females deposit their eggs in holes made with their face (or beak), in wounds created during harvesting, pruning and desuckering.
SPECIES OF PALM TREE AFFECTED
The insect colonises a large number of species of palm trees. In the countries of origin it is cited on coconut trees (Cocos nucifera) and oil palms (Elaeis guineensis) amongst many others. However, in Spain, it especially stands out because of its attacks on the Canary Island date palm (Phoenix canariensis) and the date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) which is the most representative of our palm trees. It also affects the Washingtonia palm (Washingtonia spp).
The most common symptom that may raise suspicion of an insect attack is the withered appearance of the leaves in the centre of the crown, which may eventually dry up and remain hanging on the ground.
In very severe attacks, the entire crown of the palm tree ends ups drying out and then the palm tree dies. By pulling down the affected external branches, they fall off with ease. At its base, galleries of larvae can be observed and very often the cocoons of the pupae.
Symptom of dry or fallen young leaves
Symptom of chewed leaves on a Canarian palm tree
Final stage of Phoenix canariensis
Dwarf fan palm completely destroyed
Final stage of Phoenix dactylifera
Mass death
On opening the crown of a palm tree with an advanced degree of infection, there are plenty of larvae of various sizes in a mass of fermenting tissue that gives off a distinctive unpleasant smell.
Affected palm trees die in the short term as the meristem or palm heart is completely destroyed, with its interior decaying.
Lifecycle
Control measures
THE RHYNCHONEX® SYSTEM
The system consists of using traps, pheromones and kairomones to detect and monitor the Red palm weevil: Rhynchophorus ferrugineus.
Scientific investigation has demonstrated that Red palm weevils find host palm trees by using a combination of sensory signals. THE RHYNCHONEX® SYSTEM takes advantage of these sensory signals by using sophisticated components and advanced trap design features.
RHYNCHONEX® ATTRACTION STRATEGIES
Detection and monitoring
1 to 3 RHYNCHONEX® traps per hectare must be used (at least 1 per plot), preferably buried in the ground. In case of not being able to use the buried trap, or to use it in the natural environment, we recommend using the CROSSTRAP® MINI WITH DRY COLLECTION CUP.
The traps should be placed 50 to 100 metres apart all year long. Especially in Spring, Summer and Autumn, as this pests’ activity increases with the temperature. The placement of more traps per surface area will significantly reduce new infestations.
Exhaustive monitoring
For exhaustive monitoring, the number of traps per area is increased, according to the location and uniformity of the plots: approximately 1 RHYNCHONEX® trap or CROSSTRAP MINI trap every 50 metres must be used. This results in a density of 4 to 6 RHYNCHONEX® traps or CROSSTRAP® MINI traps per hectare.
By using traps with pheromones and kairomones, female and male Rhynchophorus ferrugineus are captured with a ratio of 2/3 females and 1/3 males. By capturing both male and female adults, mating is reduced.
The females that are caught in the traps tend to be impregnated. For this reason, the capture of these females is very effective in reducing the number of eggs laid inside the palm trees. For every insect caught in a trap there is one less insect on the palm tree.
When deciding on the number of traps needed, the population of the pest, neighbouring plantations and the level of control needed must be taken into account, etc.
One important factor is the size of the plantations. Small and irregular plantations require a greater number of traps than larger and more uniform plots.
Another important factor is the distance between plots that have the same pest. In cases like this, the borders of these plots need to be strengthened, so it may be necessary to increase the number of traps per hectare.
They are wet traps that are used together with pheromones and kairomones, for the detection and monitoring of the Red palm weevil Rhynchophorus ferrugineus.
The traps are made of a plastic polymer that does not emit odours when heated by the sun and can withstand ultraviolet rays. These traps have an average shelf life of 6 to 7 years.
They are made up of three easily adjustable parts: a base, a lid and a special hanger to hanger the RHYNCHONEX® ATTRACTANTS KIT 90 DAYS diffuser.
The traps include a rhombus-shaped plastic mesh that is specially designed to simulate the roughness of the trunk of the palm tree, therefore, making it easier for the Red palm weevils to enter into the traps.
RHYNCHONEX® 7.5 Trap
(Code: TA146)
The RHYNCHONEX® 7.5 trap has a volume of 7,5 litres. The base of the trap is a red truncated cone shape and has 4 perpendicular holes measuring 3 x 7 cm, so that the insects can enter into the trap comfortably. The lid is also red and has 2 entrance holes measuring 3 x 7 cm.
It is a wet trap, so it must be filled with water up to 2/3 of its volume.
Rhynchophorus ferrugineus captured in a RHYNCHONEX®
trap.
RHYNCHONEX® ATTRACTANTS KIT 90 DAYS attractants diffuser placed in a RHYNCHONEX® 7.5 trap
Placement and handling
The traps should be placed half-buried up to the entrance holes and preferably in the shade, so that they retain the humidity for longer.
By using the RHYNCHONEX® wet traps, the Red palm weevil dies by drowning in the water.
It is recommended to cover the traps a little bit with palm tree leaves, to increase humidity and to stop the water from evaporating too much.
In case of not being able to use buried RHYNCHONEX® traps (because they are in areas where they can be handled by unauthorised persons, or should be out of the reach of children in public parks and gardens), it is recommended to use the CROSSTRAP® MINI traps.
In the natural environment, it is recommended to only use the CROSSTRAP® MINItrap, due to its high specificity.
The combination of food and pheromones increases the efficiency of the system: dates, sugar cane, apples and bananas are foods that can be used in the RHYNCHONEX® traps.
Adding plant products that have high sugar levels to the water (apples, bananas or dates) increases the number of captures.
RHYNCHONEX® DECOY
This is a plastic Red palm weevil that is used as a decoy, together with the RHYNCHONEX® traps. Its size (5 cm), is larger than the actual size of the insect, which increases its power of attraction.
The congeners -especially the females- are attracted by this stimulus, which in turn is complemented by the signal emitted from the attractants placed inside the trap.
RHYNCHONEX® DECOY
(Code: TA108)
RHYNCHONEX® DECOY
placed on a RHYNCHONEX® trap.
CROSSTRAP® MINI Traps
For trapping in the natural environment or if it is not possible to use buried RHYNCHONEX® traps, it is recommended to use the CROSSTRAP® MINI WITH DRY COLLECTION CUP traps (Code: TA204).
The CROSSTRAP® MINI WITH DRY COLLECTION CUP is a suspended trap that captures insects in flight and is very effective from Spring to Autumn. The design and slippery coatings of the trap stop the captured insects from escaping. The trap does not require any type of liquid and does not need a food attractant. The insects die inside the collection cup due to dehydration, which makes it easier to handle them. The traps can be hung from natural or artificial supports, but always at a distance that is sufficiently far away from the palm trees.
The trap consists of a polypropylene lid that is 33 cm in diameter and with a central carabiner attached to a steel spring. Two reinforced PVC sheets are held in place by four steel springs in the lid’s upper section, acting as shock absorbers against strong winds exerted on the trap. This prevents the trap from breaking or being damaged in the field. They are held in place in the lower section to a 30 cm diameter polypropylene funnel. In the lower section of the funnel is the collection cup that is attached to it with metal screws.
The PVC sheets, funnel and collection cup are treated with a slippery film to significantly increase captures and to prevent the pests from escaping.
The unfolded trap measures 33 cm in diameter by 100 cm high.Once folded the trap measures 33 cm in diameter by 40 cm high.
The trap can last for up to 7 years due to its structure and highly resistant components.
CROSSTRAP® MINI WITH DRY COLLECTION CUP
(Code: TA204)
CROSSTRAP® COLLECTION CUP
(Code: TA157)
CROSSTRAP® COLLECTION CUP
View from below
The traps should be suspended vertically with a rope either between two trees or from a branch, always taking care that the vertical trap does not come into contact with the tree trunk supporting it.
This way, the trap does not knock against the tree and break, therefore ensuring that the insects are able to distinguish the trap from the tree trunk and go to the trap. Keep them at least 5 metres away from the palm trees. It is best to install them in areas without palm trees.
The trap is activated by hanging the attractants diffuser RHYNCHONEX® ATTRACTANTS KIT 90 DAYS on one of the holes of the PVC sheets with the clip provided.
The height of the installed trap is not relevant, as long as the collection cup does not touch the ground or any other object. We also have the metal support ECONEX CROSSTRAP® SUPPORT (Code: TA147) available, that has been designed specifically to install the trap on it.
The trap is used with the CROSSTRAP® DRY COLLECTION CUP (Code: TA157) for dry use or live captures. The dry collection cup has a 2 litre capacity approximately, it measures 12,5 cm diameter x 19 cm height and is supplied with a stainless-steel mesh that drains away rainwater 100% and provides excellent air circulation.
Attractants diffuser RHYNCHONEX® ATTRACTANTS KIT 90 DAYS placed on a CROSSTRAP® MINI WITH DRY COLLECTION CUP trap
Rhynchophorus ferrugineus captured in a
trap CROSSTRAP® MINI
Attractants diffuser RHYNCHONEX® ATTRACTANTS KIT 90 DAYS (Code: VA263)
Kit consisting of a RHYNCHONEX® PHEROMONE 90 DAYS diffuser and a RHYNCHONEX® KAIROMONE 90 DAYS, diffuser, in the same blister pack, for Rhynchophorus ferrugineus. It has a duration of 90 days and an identification label to place on the traps with the date of placement and replacement of the kit. It is sold in boxes of 6 units.
Boxes of 6 units of RHYNCHONEX® ATTRACTANTS KIT 90 DAYS.
Each box includes an information leaflet about
the biocontrol of this pest.
RHYNCHONEX® PHEROMONE 90 DAYS: Is a Rhynchophorus ferrugineus pheromone diffuser with a mixture of 4-methyl-5-nonanol and 4-methyl-nonanone. It has a duration of 90 days in normal field conditions.
RHYNCHONEX® KAIROMONE 90 DAYS: Is a Rhynchophorus ferrugineus kairomone diffuser made of ethyl acetate. It has a duration of 90 days in normal field conditions.
Scientific research has shown that the synergistic action of the pheromone and kairomone working together significantly increases the number of captures, by increasing them from 2,5 to 5 times more.
RHYNCHONEX® ATTRACTANTS KIT 90 DAYS. Packaging, kit and identification label.
(Code: VA263)
Product storage
The kit should be stored in its original packaging and it is also recommended to keep it in the fridge at 4 °C, in which case it will last for up to 2 years.
Advice on placing the traps
RHYNCHONEX® ATTRACTANTS KIT 90 DAYS
Corrugated cardboard box of 120 units (20 packs of 6 units).
Measurements of the box: 0.60 x 0.40 x 0.35 m (length x width x height).
Weight of the box: 9.40 kg.
Number of boxes per pallet: 20
Measurements of the pallet: 1.20 x 0.80 x 1.95 m (length x width x height).
Weight of the pallet: 195 kg.
Box of 6 units
Box of 120 units.
(20 packs x 6 units)
CROSSTRAP® MINI WITH DRY COLLECTION CUP (with slider)
Corrugated cardboard box of 8 units.
Measurements of the box: 0.80 x 0.60 x 0.48 m (length x width x height).
Weight of the box: 11.30 kg.
Number of boxes per pallet: 8
Measurements of the pallet: 1.20 x 0.80 x 2.05 m (length x width x height).
Weight of the pallet: 100 kg.
Box of 8 units.
RHYNCHONEX® 7.5
Corrugated cardboard box of 30 units.
Measurements of the box: 0.80 x 0.60 x 0.48 m (length x width x height).
Weight of the box: 10.70 kg.
Number of boxes per pallet: 8
Measurements of the pallet: 1.20 x 0.80 x 2.05 m (length x width x height).
Weight of the pallet: 96 kg.
Box of 30 units.
ECONEX CATALOGUE OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES FOR FOREST PESTS
Catalogue in PDF format with 94 pages. An essential reference book about the biological behaviours of the main forest insect populations. It also includes solutions from ECONEX to solve the problems caused by these insects through the use of traps and specific attractants.
Download the catalogue by clicking on the image.
RHYNCHONEX® SYSTEM LEAFLET
The leaflet can be downloaded in PDF format by clicking on the image.
ECONEX WEB RESOURCES
Section of the ECONEX corporate website that allows you access to online information about ECONEX solutions for the biocontrol of other relevant agricultural and forest pests.
To access ECONEX WEB RESOURCES click on the image.
SANIDAD AGRÍCOLA ECONEX, S.L. only guarantees the composition, formulation and content of the products, taking responsibility for the direct, immediate and exclusive damages caused in the composition, formulation and content of the products sold. SANIDAD AGRÍCOLA ECONEX, S.L. will not be held responsible for damages produced by factors beyond the company’s control that have either totally or partially contributed. For instance, the weather conditions, usage or mixing with other products, amongst others. In addition, SANIDAD AGRÍCOLA ECONEX, S.L. will provide recommendations and information supported by extensive and meticulous research and tests; which must be taken into account by the customer when using the products. The customer will be responsible for any damage caused, in whole or in part, for the total or partial non-observance of the instructions provided. Furthermore, the customer will be responsible for all that is referred to as the performance of the products; which comes from total or partial non-observance of the instructions and information provided by the company.