Palmetto Weevil
The Palmetto Weevil (Rhynchophorus cruentatus) is native to Florida and is the largest known weevil in North America. Adults can be up to 1 ¼” in length. Distressed palm trees are most vulnerable to this damaging insect which makes transplanted and environmentally stressed palms more susceptible to attack. Any stress factors such as drought, excessive moisture, cold damage, lightning strikes, fire and nutrient deficiencies can cause palms to be at risk.
After the mating process the female deposits her eggs at the base of the palm. The larvae (grub worms) then feed into the trunk causing severe vascular damage over time that eventually results in death of the infested palm. The grubs will then pupate into adult weevils and repeat the cycle. The life cycle from egg to adult is approximately 84 days which results in long feeding periods.
Common Symptoms
Many types of palm trees are susceptible to Palmetto Weevil including: Canary Island Date, Bismarkia, Sabal, Coconut, Washingtonia, Latan, Royal, Phoenix dactylifera, Fan and Florida Thatch.
Treatments
Trunk injection of IMA-jet® (Imidacloprid) or TREE-äge (emamectin benzoate) will give both preventative and curative control providing there has not been extensive feeding damage to the palm. It is also recommended to apply PHOSPHO-jet™ to help control any secondary disease pathogens and PALM-jet Mg™ to provide needed nutrients for overall plant health and vigor.
Preferred Treatments
Bio MP™ (5-3-2)
CytoGro®
SeaXtra® Nutritional Supplement (1-0-3)
Hydretain® Granular OC
