Longhorn Stem Borer and Frond Borer of Date Palm

Abstract

Date palm trees are attacked by the longhorn date palm stem borer, Jebusaea hammerschmidtii, and the frond borer, Phonapate frontalis in several countries. The frond borer is not a major economic pest of date palm trees, however, the larvae of J. hammerschmidtii cause severe damage by boring and feeding on plant tissues, which leads to infection by pathogens and also breaking of fronds and trunks. Both the larvae and adults of P. frontalis cause damage by feeding on green fronds and the infestation by this pest results in either the breaking or the gradual drying of the frond. Management of J. hammerschmidtii relies mainly on the use of light traps, which attract the male and female adults at night, and can be used successfully for monitoring and mass trapping. Moreover, balanced and adequate irrigation as well as proper fertilization of date palm trees appear to be important factors in reducing the infestation levels. Similarly, light traps were found to be highly efficient in attracting the adults of P. frontalis. Other methods such as biological and chemical control are also effective against J. hammerschmidtii and P. frontalis.