Evaluation of Red Palm Weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus) Management Approaches in Date Palm Trees

Alarnaouty, Nessma T.; Teleb, Mai; Mohamed, Yasmin I.; Elhusseiny, Somaia H.; Said, Eglal M.

doi:10.21608/jsrs.2025.393274.1197

Evaluation of Red Palm Weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus) Management Approaches in Date Palm Trees

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Biotechnology, MSA University

² Biotechnology department at faculty of Agriculture Cairo,

³ Biotechnology department at faculty of Agriculture Cairo

⁴ Breeding Research Department of Fruit Trees, Ornamental and Woody Plants, Horticulture Research Institute, ARC, Giza, Egypt

10.21608/jsrs.2025.393274.1197

Abstract

Red Palm Weevil (RPW), Rhynchophorus ferrugineus, is a highly destructive pest that affects various species of palm trees, particularly date palms. This infestation results in considerable annual economic losses for date palm cultivators, impacting both the global market and the Middle Eastern region. It is also reported to be a global condition, affecting over 35 countries. Researchers and cultivators have implemented many strategies to manage this detrimental pest, primarily relying on chemical insecticides, until the development of the male aggregation pheromone in 1993. This review article evaluates the existing research on various control approaches to assess the efficacy of different control alternatives and suggests a comprehensive strategy for managing RPW in date palms. Control strategies for R. ferrugineus encompass early identification, biochemical assessments, soil analysis, physical control, chemical insecticides and bio-insecticides, and also pesticide applications. Moreover, biological control agents include the utilization of natural enemies like viruses and bacteria in addition to gene silencing technology.

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