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Abstract
Red palm weevil (RPW), Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier), is a major threat to Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) all over the world. It was first discovered in Egypt in 1992. Control of RPW is very difficult due to its cryptic habit as it is a concealed tissue borer. The aim of this study is to illustrate seasonal variations of RPW abundance in Damietta, also this study offers desirable alternatives to use synthetic chemicals in controlling RPW.
Field study was conducted in Ezbet Al Gabaila, Kafr Al Battikh at Damietta governorate, Egypt. A total of six traps (A, B, C, D, E & F) were installed foe a trapping period from March (2013) till Feb. (2014). Results showed that the total number of captured RPWs was (2,184) weevil, (613) of them were males & (1571) were females, with a sex ratio 1 male: 2.6 females. Extremely significant differences in the population fluctuation of captured RPWs were found from month to another. Two population peaks were found, first peak was in March (2013). A second smaller population peak was increased gradually from September (2013) and reached its maximum in October (2013). Both temperature and humidity affect the activity of adult red palm weevil. In the laboratory experiments, (Bio-weevil) had a significant lethal effect on adults of RPWs with Lc50 value equals (4.809 %) after 12 hours of treatment. Scanning electron microscopy revealed several erosion effects of (Bio-weevil( on the cuticle covering different body parts. The information in this study would be an effective part of the integrated pest management of RPW.