About SAPW

Canary Island date palms in decline

The South American Palm Weevil (Rhynchophorus palmarum), is an invasive beetle that has been detected infesting palm trees in San Diego County. The beetle inflicts serious physical damage to the fronds, crown, and hearts of palm trees, as well as weakening palms’ immune system to leave them susceptible to other fungal and wilt diseases. An untreated palm infested by palm weevils will ultimately die, while serving as a nesting site to spread the beetle to other palms in the area.

Palm species most at risk of damage by the SAPW include the Canary Island date palm and edible date palms, both of which are central crops in the $140 million date and ornamental palm industry in southern California. Fast detection and removal of SAPW infestations is key, because even moderately infested palms act as nurseries for weevil larvae and help spread damage.

Adult South American palm weevils can transmit a pathogen called red ring nematode (RRN), (Bursaphelenchus cocophilus). Palms affected by this pathogen include Canary Island date palm, date palm, and Cuban royal palm, but is most common in coconut and oil palms. The red ring nematode has been reported in many parts of Central and South America including Mexico. RRN has not yet been reported in the United States (as of 2000).

Source:
South American Palm Weevil Factsheet 1 of 5 (University of California Cooperative Extension, 2019)

Featured Creatures: Red Ring Nematode (University of Florida, 2015)