Global spread of red palm weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Olivier: historical perspectives and control measures

Red Palm Weevil (RPW), Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Olivier, is a serious threat to all varieties of palms including date palm, Phoenix dactylifera L. Infestations with RPW on diverse palm species have been reported from Southeast Asia, Africa, Middle East, Europe, Oceania, Caribbean Islands, and very recently Laguna Beach California, USA. Rapid geographical spread of this highly invasive palms’ pest is puzzling and need efficient measures for its control to save nutritious fruit dates produced by date palms and consumed in several parts of the World, besides ornamental palms which beautify beaches and resorts. RPW issue has become more serious due to its transcontinental passage and expansion in its host range, like insect attack on Arecanut, Areca catechu, in India. Studies on RPW management suggest that its effective control may not be achieved through sole dependence on any single control tactic. Case studies from different RPW affected countries including Saudi Arabia, have revealed that integrated pest management strategies including survey, monitoring, cultural practices, mass trapping, chemical control, phytosanitation, and quarantine as major components, are some of the solutions for RPW effective and efficient management. For combating the threat of invasive palm weevil, our laboratory is working on integrated approaches like the development of high throughput technologies for early detection of RPW infestation, so appropriate control measures can be implemented. Overall, we strongly believe that interdisciplinary molecular entomological studies will be helpful in the eradication of RPW. In the present lecture, data based on overall worldwide status of RPW management/control will be presented.