SOUTH AMERICAN PALM WEEVIL SEMINAR

Tuesday, February 20^th, 2018

1:30 - 3:30

University of Arizona Yuma Agriculture Center, Conference Room
6425 W. 8^th Street, Yuma, AZ 85364, (928)-782-3836

Applications for 2 hours AZ and CA CEU’s and CCA’s Submitted

South American Palm Weevil - A threat to the Arizona Palm Industry

Presenter: Dr. Mark Hoddle. Director of Center for Invasive Species Research and Extension Specialist, University of California at Riverside.

The South American palm weevil is widely established in southern San Diego County in California where it has killed hundreds of ornamental Canary Islands date palms. This weevil was detected in trapping programs in Yuma Arizona in May 2015. It is unknown if this weevil has established in Arizona. In addition to killing ornamental palms in urban areas, there is significant concern that this pest could invade and establish populations in California’s date production areas in the Coachella Valley. If SAPW behaves in a similar manner to its close relative, the red palm weevil, the impacts on date production in CA and AZ could be significant.

This presentation will provide a comprehensive review of the invasion by SAPW into Tijuana in Baja California, Mexico, its subsequent northward spread and impact in San Diego County in CA, and the latest updates on monitoring and control programs will be covered. Display materials will be available for examination.