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  • Dynamis borassi (Coleoptera...
    Gaviria, Jackeline; Montoya-Lerma, James; Armbrecht, Inge; Löhr, Bernhard; Vásquez-Ordóñez, Aymer Andrés

    The Florida entomologist, 06/2021, Volume: 104, Issue: 2
    Journal Article

    Emergent and potentially invasive weevils are a permanent threat to the survival of palm plantations. Hence, understanding the role of emergent pests may be key for preventing future phytosanitary emergencies. In the present study, the role of Rhynchophorus palmarum L. and Dynamis borassi F. (both Coleoptera: Curculionidae) as main causative agents of the peach palm (Bactris gasipaes Kunth; Arecaceae) crown toppling problem were investigated, and the damage was described in 36 farms in the principal production areas of Colombia. A management strategy with the use of 2 pheromones (Rhynchophorol and Ferrolure) in 2 production areas also was evaluated. In total, 4,098 palms were examined from Nov 2017 to Feb 2019. Visible damage oscillated between 0 to 70% of palms affected and was highest on the Pacific coast. Larvae of D. borassi were found exclusively in the inflorescences suggesting that it initiates the damage. Meanwhile, adults of D. borassi and all stages of R. palmarum were recovered from stem damages. Also, new reports of damage were confirmed at the southern Pacific coast, the Andes, and the Amazon region. A total of 8,239 D. borassi and 2,886 R. palmarum were captured in pheromone traps for 14 mo on the Pacific coast. The traps baited with Ferrolure + Rhynchophorol captured a greater number of D. borassi specimens. The data strongly confirm the central role of D. borassi in peach palm damage. Therefore, it is recommended strongly that pheromones be used to prevent further spread of this pest in other countries of this region and to protect palm industries.