- farmroottech2019
- Mar 5
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 29
Why is the pest infestation increasing in coconut trees? What is the solution?
The infestation of the Red Palm Weevil (RPW) is becoming severe, and farmers are finding it increasingly difficult to cultivate coconut trees. If this continues, farmers may even stop planting saplings altogether—and it wouldn’t be surprising. If this pest is not brought under control, farmers might eventually abandon coconut cultivation entirely.
Why is the Red Palm Weevil increasing?
The Red Palm Weevil is the most destructive pest affecting coconut trees, more damaging than any other disease or insect. It has become a major problem for farmers in all coconut-growing regions of the state. Some farmers report that their coconut trees or saplings are dying without any clear reason. Even with extreme caution, the pest attacks stealthily, and once detected, it is often too late to save the tree or sapling.
If you see even one weevil flying around your home or farm, it means some tree has already been infested. This pest does not only attack coconut palms but also areca nut, oil palm, date palm, and other palm species, causing the most damage to coconut and oil palm trees. Typically, this weevil cannot fly very high, so it mainly affects small saplings and trees up to 20-25 feet tall.
Reasons for the Increasing Population of the Pest:
Favorable Breeding Conditions – If a pest population is increasing rapidly, it means conditions are ideal for its reproduction.
Human-Induced Factors – Either we have unknowingly created a favorable environment for their breeding, or they are getting an abundant food supply.
Traditional Wisdom Ignored – Elders used to say, "Never cut the fresh parts of a coconut tree."
Reason: When any fresh part of the tree is cut, it oozes sap, which attracts the Red Palm Weevil.
Historical Practice: For generations, people avoided cutting coconut trees unnecessarily.
Solution & Management:
Avoid Cutting Fresh Parts – Minimize unnecessary pruning to prevent sap secretion.
Pheromone Traps – Use traps to attract and capture adult weevils.
Biological Control – Introduce natural predators like Beauveria bassiana (a fungus that kills the larvae).
Chemical Control – If infestation is severe, use approved insecticides (but as a last resort).
Regular Inspection – Check trees for early signs (holes, oozing sap, wilting leaves) and remove infested parts immediately.
If not controlled, this pest could lead to a drastic decline in coconut farming, forcing farmers to abandon cultivation. Immediate action is needed!
