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Pseudophilus testaceus
Signs of Infestation
Larvae bore into the bases of palm fronds, and as infestation progresses, they create tunnels in the trunk of the affected palm. Infestation is indicated by the presence of a brown liquid secreted by the palm as the larvae enter and bore tunnels.
Exit holes appear on the trunk of the palm, resembling bullet holes.
Severely infested trunks may break when exposed to strong winds.
Brown gummy exudate is discharged, accompanied by chewed wood fibers that block tunnel openings.
Sources of Spread and Transmission
Direct transmission through the flight of adult insects from one location to another.
Transmission through infested seedlings.
Transmission through offshoots when infested offshoots are transferred.
Prevention and Control Mechanism
Regular inspection of palm trees and monitoring for the initial signs of infestation to ensure timely and effective control.
Proper pruning and frond-base removal, and elimination of residues.
Removing weak and dead palms, since the pest usually attacks weakened palms, thereby preventing reproduction and protecting healthy trees.
Ensuring proper service practices, including balanced fertilization, adequate irrigation, effective hoeing, and weed removal.
Applying behavioral control methods by placing light traps and sticky traps to monitor the emergence of adult insects and eliminate them.
In cases of limited infestation on some palm trunks, larvae may be manually removed using a (“screw”).
Injecting one of the approved injection insecticides after pruning and frond-base removal.