Comprehensive Analysis of Management Strategies for Red Palm Weevil in Date Palm Settings, Emphasizing Sensor-Based Infestation Detection

Zvi Mendel (), Hillary Voet, Ilan Nazarian, Svetlana Dobrinin and Dana Ment
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Zvi Mendel: Institute of Plant Protection, ARO, Volcani Institute, Rishon LeZion 7505101, Israel
Hillary Voet: Environmental Economics and Management, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
Ilan Nazarian: Department for the Improvement of the City, Tel Aviv Municipality, Tel Aviv 5800001, Israel
Svetlana Dobrinin: Ministry of Agriculture, Extension Service, Bet Dagan 5025001, Israel
Dana Ment: Institute of Plant Protection, ARO, Volcani Institute, Rishon LeZion 7505101, Israel

Agriculture, 2024, vol. 14, issue 2, 1-16

Abstract: The red palm weevil ( Rhynchophorus ferrugineus ) inflicts widespread damage in date palm plantations and urban settings, leading to stand loss and safety concerns, intensified by the economic and ecological burdens of synthetic preventive treatments. A novel approach emphasizes detecting weevil-infested palms through sensors and targeting control efforts at colonized trees. This study analyzes two datasets: field manager-reported results from settings with preventive pest control versus seismic sensor-monitored units. Sensor data translate into damage index values, exploring curative treatments, attack likelihood based on infestation history, and the impact of sensor-based management on infestation incidence decline. Findings reveal lower weevil infestation in urban areas and preventive-treated palm settings. A strong correlation exists between sensor indications and grower decisions in date plantations. Palms previously infested are more prone to damage. Long-term sensor-based management reduces weevil-affected palm numbers significantly. The high infestation in sensor-equipped date palm settings stems from a gap between sensor-identified and preventively treated palms. Controlling weevils based on sensor indications aligns practically with grower curative treatments, preventing significant damage. Weevils target previously infested palms, optimizing pest control through a continuous strategy integrating sensor monitoring with prompt response treatments. This proves highly effective, offering a cost-efficient alternative to preventive treatment reliance.

Keywords: Rhynchophorus ferrugineus; plantations; urban palm setting; seismic sensors; attack event; infection incidence; damage (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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