Work has begun to fell and destroy the palms affected by the red palm weevil.
The number of affected palms throughout the island has been found to be in the region of 80. Lázaro Cabrera is confident that the problem can be eradicated by following an eradication plan that has already worked in Elche and Valencia. .
Intensive work by a team consisting of Cabildo and Canarian Government workers, in cooperation with a specialist contractor, have begun intensive work in the Caleta De Fuste area. 80 to 90 percent of the infected palms are to be found in this area, the others being in Costa Calma. In principle the work should take around two weeks. The removal of the palms will also allow those involved, having attended a course on the management of phytosanitary products, to develop their practical skills.
The Cabildo has acquired enough chemicals to treat several thousand trees, and the affected areas, as well as those adjacent to them, will be treated. They have also obtained a device that will enable the pest to be located using ultrasound.
As a result of the scientific forum held last week the Cabildo have managed to negotiate a possible agreement between the Departamento de Entomología and “The Volcanic Center” of Israel to work together on the eradication of picudo rojo on Fuerteventur. This agreement would allow the Cabildo to take advantage of the experience gained in dealing with this particular pest in Israel.
The Cabildo has prohibited the pruning and felling of palms without express permission. The Canarian Government has also prohibited the transport of palm trees between the islands, and the National Government recently banned the import of palms into Spain. Lázaro Cabrera stated that it was important that businesses and individuals respected these protective restrictions. He also said that the Cabildo were expecting that the National Government would supply funds for the eradication program in the way that the had done for Elche and Valencia.
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