First report of Rhynchophorus ferrugineus in Argentina
The red palm weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae - EPPO A2 List), is a damaging pest of palm that recently established in South America, in southern Uruguay (EPPO RS 2024/191).
R. ferrugineus was first reported in Argentina in January 2026. Adult and juvenile R. ferrugineus were reported to cause damage on a Canary Island date palm (Phoenix canariensis) on Martín García Island, Buenos Aires Province, Pampas region. The identity of the pest was confirmed by morphological tests. Official phytosanitary measures have been implemented according to the national contingency plan for red palm weevil, they include the declaration of a Phytosanitary Emergency that will remain in place until June 2027, and implementation of prevention, surveillance and control measures including application of plant protection products.
The situation of Rhynchophorus ferrugineus in Argentina can be described as: Present, not widely distributed and under official control.
Sources
Legislación y Avisos Oficiales (2026) SERVICIO NACIONAL DE SANIDAD Y CALIDAD AGROALIMENTARIA. Resolución 133/2026. RESOL-2026-133-APN-PRES. SENASA https://www.boletinoficial.gob.ar/detalleAviso/primera/338188/20260205
INTERNET
- Argentina.gob.ar website. Se detectó la presencia de picudo rojo de las palmeras en la Isla Martín García (2026-01-30). https://www.argentina.gob.ar/noticias/se-detecto-la-presencia-de-picudo-rojo-de-las-palmeras-en-la-isla-martin-garcia