The Red Palm Weevil is has been described as one of the
world’s major invasive pest species and is the single most destructive pest of
palm trees, reports NaijaAgroNet.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), over
the last three decades the beetle has spread rapidly through the Middle East
and North Africa, affecting almost all countries in the region.
“It has also reached some European countries, including the
United Kingdom, and parts of Central America and the Caribbean,” FAO lamented.
The weevil , NaijaAgroNet reports, threatens date- and
coconut-producing palms, as well as ornamental palms. Millions of dollars are
lost annually, which has caused significant socio-economic impacts on the date
palm production sector and the livelihoods of farmers in affected areas.
NaijaAgroNet gathered that containing the pest’s spread is
the focus of a Scientific Consultation and High-Level Meeting to be held on
29-31 March at FAO’s Rome headquarters.
The event is hosted by FAO in collaboration with the
International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies (CIHEAM).
Isaac Oyimah
... Linking agrobiz, sustainable environs, people & technology