Evaluation of the efficacy of Steinernema carpocapsae against the Red Palm Weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus in Phoenix canariensis

Abstract

The red palm weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier) (Coleoptera, Curculionidae), is an important pest of palms. It has recently colonized the Mediterranean Basin, where it is a serious problem on ornamental Phoenix canariensis (Chabaud) palms. The efficacy of Steinernema carpocapsae (Weiser) (Nematoda: Steinernematidae) in a chitosan formulation (Biorend R®) against this weevil in a semi-field trial including both preventative and curative assays has been studied. Our results prove the potential of this nematode to control R. ferrugineus. Efficacies around 80% were obtained in the curative assay, and up to 98% in the preventative treatment. Applications repeated every 2–3 weeks during the critical flight periods could prove effective to protect palms from this weevil in the Mediterranean Basin