The Sout American Palm Weevil, Vector of the Red Ring Nematode.
The South American Palm Weevil (Rhynchophorus palmarum) is a species of weevil insect native to tropical regions of South and Central America. These insects are known to cause significant damage to various species of palm trees, including coconut palms and date palms, by burrowing into the trunks and feeding on the soft tissue within.
Adult South American Palm Weevils are large, dark-colored insects that can grow up to 6 cm in length. They have a long, curved snout that they use to bore into palm trees, and strong mandibles that they use to chew through the palm’s soft tissue. Female weevils lay their eggs in the burrows they create, and the larvae feed on the palm tissue as they grow and develop.
Infestations of South American Palm Weevils can be difficult to detect early on, as the insects burrow deep into the palm’s trunk, and can cause significant damage to the tree if left untreated. Control measures typically involve cutting down and removing infected trees, as well as the use of insecticides and pheromone traps to prevent further spread of the weevil population.
The poster gives an overview on what the SAPW is and briefly outlines how to detect their presence and how to manage them.
Improved Funnel Trap design for the South American Palm Weevil
The funnel trap design was made to be an inexpensive way of reducing the number of SAPW on a coconut plantation. It uses basic items in its construction such as old water bottles, netting, wire, and a piece of sugar cane. It also includes the use of Synergist Rynchomagnet combined with Ryncholure Pheromone to attract more weevils in comparison to traditional methods. See below to view or download the brochure that outlines the trap’s construction and other details:
Research Results for the SAPW Traps in Trinidad and Tobago
The research on the traps’ effectiveness against the South American Palm Weevil was conducted within Trinidad and Tobago, and therefore, the results shown are only reflective on a single country’s context. View and Download the document below:
