First report of Rhynchophorus ferrugineus in Israel
The NPPO of Israel has informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first finding of Rhynchophorus ferrugineus in Israel. As the red palm weevil has been introduced into the Mediterranean region during the last few years (see EPPO RS 96/096), the Plant Protection and Inspection Services of Israel placed specific pheromone traps along borders, especially at entry points for commercial consignments and travellers, and also near date palm plantations. In June 1999, few adult weevils were caught in a date palm plantation near Jericho and very close to the Jordan River (border with Jordan). Following preliminary investigations with the Palestinian Authority and Jordan, it appeared that the pest was present in Jericho and in the Jordanian palm plantation across the River. At present, the three parties concerned are putting into place coordinated phytosanitary measures against R. ferrugineus, including: 1) frequent pest surveys; 2) increase of trap density at detection sites; 3) quarantine of the affected areas and prevention of pest spread (e.g. by regulating movement of host material); 4) establishment of an active pest control strategy in consultation with experienced professionals.
Sources
NPPO of Israel, 1999-07.