First report of Rhynchophorus ferrugineus in Uruguay
Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae - EPPO A2 List), the red palm weevil is reported for the first time from Uruguay (and from South America). R. ferrugineus was first reported in 2022 on Phoenix canariensis in the department of Canelones. Official measures have been taken. However, as of May 2024, the pest was found to be established and widely distributed in the Southern part of the country, in six departments: Montevideo, Canelones, Maldonado, Florida, San José and part of Colonia. Although its main host is P. canariensis, it has been found attacking other palm species, including Butia odorata and Syagrus romanzoffiana. There are concerns about its possible impact on the native palm species Butia odorata. A new contingency plan has been approved.
The situation of Rhynchophorus ferrugineus in Uruguay can be described as: Present, not widely distributed and under official control.
Sources
Ministerio de Ganaderia, Agricultura y Pesca (2024-05-17) Información actualizada sobre el picudo rojo de las palmeras. https://www.gub.uy/ministerio-ganaderia-agricultura-pesca/comunicacion/noticias/informacion-actualizada-sobre-picudo-rojo-palmeras
Resolución N° 1.283/024 Apruébase el nuevo “Plan de contingencia para Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (picudo rojo de las palmeras)” https://www.gub.uy/ministerio-ganaderia-agricultura-pesca/institucional/normativa/resolucion-n-1283024-apruebase-nuevo-plan-contingencia-para-rhynchophorus