Abstract
The red palm weevil (RPW) Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is a palm borer native to South Asia, which has spread mainly due to the movement of cryptically infested planting material to the Middle East, Africa and the Mediterranean during the last two decades. Globally, the pest has a wide geographical distribution in diverse agro-climates and an extensive host range in Oceania, Asia, Africa and Europe. The RPW is reported to attack over 40 palm species belonging to 23 different genera worldwide. Although it was first reported as a pest of coconut (Cocos nucifera) in South Asia, it has become the major pest of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera), and the Canary Island date palm (CIDP) (P. canariensis) in the Middle East and Mediterranean basin, respectively. Recent invasions suggest that it is a potential threat to P. dactylifera plantations in the Maghreb region of North Africa and a variety of palm species in the Caribbean, continental USA and southern China. Strict pre- and post-entry quarantine regulations have been put in place by some countries to prevent further spread of this highly destructive pest. Early detection of RPW-infested palms is crucial to avoid death of palms and is the key to the success of any Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy adopted to combat this pest. Because signs and symptoms of RPW infestation are only clearly visible during the later stages of attack, efforts to develop early-detection devices are being undertaken. Once infested by RPW, palms are difficult to manage and often die because of the cryptic habits of this pest. However, in the early stages of attack palms can recover after treatment with insecticides. IPM strategies, including field sanitation, agronomic practices, chemical and biological controls and the use of semiochemicals both for adult monitoring and mass trapping, have been developed and implemented in several countries. This chapter summarizes the research developed during the last century on different aspects of the RPW, including latest findings on its biology, taxonomy, geographic distribution, economic impact and management, and prevention options.