Rhynchophorus ferrugineus found in Basra governorate, Iraq
In a recent issue of the Arab and Near East Plant Protection Newsletter, it is noted that although Gentry in 1965 mentioned that Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) occurred in Iraq, this record was never confirmed by further research or field observations. In October 2015, R. ferrugineus was detected in a date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) orchard located in the area of Safwan (Basra governorate), near the border with Kuwait. Phytosanitary measures were rapidly implemented by the official authorities to contain the infestation, including destruction (burning) of infested trees, implementation of monitoring surveys with traps (food attractants), and application of insecticide treatments. It is therefore considered that this finding is the first confirmed record of R. ferrugineus in Iraq.
The situation of Rhynchophorus ferrugineus in Iraq can be described as follows: Present, confirmed for the first time in 2015 in the governorate of Basra.
Sources
Anonymous (2015) New record of red palm weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus in Basra province, Iraq. Arab and Near East Plant Protection Newsletter 66, p 26.
Gentry JW (1965) Crop Insects of Northeast Africa-Southwest Asia. United States Department of Agriculture. Agriculture Research Service. Agriculture Handbook no. 273, 214 pp.