Situation of Rhynchophorus ferrugineus in Spain
In Spain, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae – EPPO A2 List) was first detected in 1994 on the coastal region of Granada, Andalucía, on Phoenix canariensis (see EPPO RS 96/096). The pest was then found in Comunidad Valenciana. In September 2005, R. ferrugineus was detected at Elche and in August 2006, it was found in two new areas located in the historical part of the Elche palm grove which was listed as a world heritage site by UNESCO in 2000. In December 2005, the presence of R. ferrugineus was officially confirmed in Islas Canarias (Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria) where natural palm forests still occur. In 2005, R. ferrugineus was also reported from the region of Murcia. Finally, in October 2006, the pest was discovered on the island of Mallorca (Baleares) on P. canariensis. In all infested regions, measures are being taken to prevent further spread of the pest. Nevertheless, it is stressed that control measures against this pest, both at national and international level, should be strengthened.
The situation of Rhynchophorus ferrugineus in Spain can be described as follows: Present, found in Andalucía, Comunidad Valenciana, Murcia, Islas Baleares (Mallorca), Islas Canarias (Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria), under official control.
Sources
Ferry M, Gómez (2007) El picudo rojo de la palmera datilera: gravedad de la plaga en España y necesidad de un cambio radical y urgente de estrategia en la lucha. Phytoma España no. 185, 42-46.
INTERNET (last retrieved on 2007-02-30)
Insectos de Argentina y el Mundo. Preocupación por plaga de picudo rojo en Canarias. http://axxon.com.ar/mus/info06/060008.htm
Govern de les Illes Balears. Sanitad vegetal. Avisos fitosanitarios. Detección del escarabajo picudo rojo de las palmeras en Mallorca. http://sanitatvegetal.caib.es/becut.es.htm