Palm trees affected by red palm weevil and how to prevent it

For palm trees, the red palm weevil represents a threat in the form of a coleopteran, i.e. a beetle or weevil with hardened wings. What palm trees are attacked by this animal originating from tropical Asia? Why is endotherapy the best and most efficient treatment for eliminating them?

Palm trees and red palm weevil: affected species

These are the main types of palm trees affected by the red palm weevil.

Phoenix canariensis

Characteristics:

• Has a robust trunk and leafy crown.
• Its palm leaves grow straight in the centre and fall to the sides.
• It reaches heights of between 12 and 18 metres.

Phoenix dactylifera

Characteristics:

• This is another palm tree commonly affected by red palm weevil.
• It produces dates.
• It has a long trunk that can grow to over 30 metres tall and between 20 and 50 centimetres in diameter.
• Its leaves are spiny.

Washingtonia robusta and filifera

Characteristics:

• These are the two types of Washingtonia palm tree, which originate in Central America.
• These palm trees are frequently found with red palm weevil, and treatment is necessary in order to eradicate it. 
• It exhibits very rapid growth and can reach over a metre per year.

Cocos nucifera

Characteristics:

• The origin of the coconut tree is not entirely clear, although we know it comes from tropical coasts, either on the American or Asian continent.
• It is characterised by its production of coconuts and its peculiar shape, often arched.
• This is another palm tree affected by red palm weevils that grows a lot, around 30 metres.

As a result, preventive measures such as endotherapy are required in order to avoid infestations by this beetle.

Chamaerops excelsa

Characteristics:

• Another name by which this tree is known is the dwarf palm or European fan palm.
• It originates in southern Europe.
• It grows little but quickly, with a distinctive “hairy” trunk.

Chamaerops humilis

Characteristics:

• This is another of the Chamaerops species of palm trees.
• It reaches up to three or four metres in height.
• It is often used for decorative purposes.
• This palm is very resistant in tough conditions.

Butia capitata

Characteristics:

• Also known as jelly palm.
• This is usually used in gardens, due to its limited height.
• It originally hails from South America, specifically Brazil.

Elaeis guineensis

Characteristics:

• Known as the African oil palm, this comes from eastern and central Africa.
• It can grow up to 40 metres tall, although it usually stays at around 12 metres when cultivated.
• It produces a fruit called the palm nut.

Red palm weevil treatment: endotherapy.

When it comes to eliminating red palm weevil infestations, endotherapy is the most suitable treatment. It also works as a preventive strategy. It consists of intravascular injections of chemical products into the trunk of the palm trees. The insecticide enters the sap flow and definitively eradicates the beetles and their larvae.

All of these species are susceptible to red palm weevil infestations. So, how do we stop them from appearing? At SOSPALM, we have the best treatment for palm trees with red palm weevil: endotherapy.