The red palm insect presents a great threat to palm trees on the Côte d’Azur, in particular to the Phoenix Canariensis ( the Canary Islands palm).
This pest that originates in the Pacific has been detected in many gardens on Cap d'Antibes and in the area between Antibes-les-Pins and Golfe Juan since September 2009.
|
How to identify the pest
Unfortunately, the first signs do not manifest until well after infestation has begun. There are various ways to detect the presence of the red palm insect:
- broken palm fronds or notches in the palms
- cocoons at the edge of the leaves
- trails at the base of the palms
- flattening in the centre of young palms where the heart is, being the easiest way to detect the presence of the insect.
Note that only rapid treatment can save the palm tree from certain death. |
 |
Reports compulsory
Measures now in place require that presence of the palm insect be reported to the Regional Alimentation Department (1), (formerly the Plant Protection Department) in order to set in train the first stage of an estimate of the spread of the pest.
The second phase of the treatment is presently the subject of a treaty being drawn up between State services and the National Institute of Agronomic Research. The results of this collaboration will be sent to the towns concerned at the beginning of January when appropriate measures will be implemented to combat the spread of the pest. Infoville will also feature results and they will be on the town website.
Please note that the pest is now inactive and that contamination is not possible until March. The red weevil palm insect hibernates in the leaves until spring.
(1) Regional Alimentation Department: 04 93 72 75 22 Reports can also be made at :
•The Regional Pest Control Civil Defence Unit 04 94 35 22 84
•Green Spaces Department: 04 97 21 42 70
|