Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Review: Date palm arthropod pests and their management in Israel

  • Entomology
  • Published:
Phytoparasitica Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

This review summarizes the current knowledge on the distribution, natural history, economic importance and management of 16 major species of date palm pests in Israel. Another 15, rarely occurring, pest species are also identified. Research on the date palm pests in Israel was initiated against a background of severe outbreaks of scale insects in the late 1950s. These outbreaks were caused mainly by unrestrained use of organophosphates. This situation led to the gradual development of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program, which was implemented first against scale insects and later against fruit pests. The IMP approach resulted in successful control of the scale insects, up to the present, whereas agrotechnical and crop management procedures, including covering the fruit bunches with plastic nets and early harvesting of several date cultivars, were successfully applied to achieve efficient control of the fruit moths. In addition, the use of chemical compounds in date plantations was drastically reduced and restricted to heavy foci of pest infestation. In time, microbial control, mainly application ofBacillus thuringiensis products against the lesser date moth, and the use of pheromone traps for monitoring and controlling red palm weevil, enabled further reductions in the use of synthetic insecticides. The overall change in pest management also significantly improved the preservation of natural enemies of the pests in the plantations. Whereas in the 1950s the major problems were caused by the parlatoria date scale and the green scale, in the early 2000s the key pests in date plantations in Israel are the lesser date moth and sap beetles in most of the date-growing areas, and spider mites which are restricted to the Arava Valley. Future management of the first two of these pests should rely on an improved monitoring system and integration of pheromone application for reduction of the population and damage. Efforst should be made to prevent the red palm weevil, which currently is a potential pest, from becoming an actual key pest in date plantations.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Al-Azawi, A.F. (1986) A survey of insect pests of date palms in Qatar.Date Palm J. 4:247–266.

    Google Scholar 

  2. Al-Jboory, I.J., Al-Sammariae, A.I., Whaib, J.F. and Ahmed, W.A. (2001) [Evaluation of thiamethoxam in different application techniques to control Dubas bugs (Ommatissus binotatus lybicus DeBerg.).]Arab J. Plant Prot. 19:107–112 (in Arabic)

    Google Scholar 

  3. Ambourn, A.K., Juzwik, J. and Moon, R.D. (2005) Seasonal dîspersal of the oak wilt fungus byColopterus truncates andCarpophilus sayi inMinnesota.Plant Dis. 89:1067–1076.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Argaman, Q. (1991-1992)Parasierola swirskiana n. sp. (Hymenoptera: Bethylidae), from the lesser date moth,Batrachedra amydraula Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Batrachedridae).Isr: J. Entomol. 25–26:195–198.

    Google Scholar 

  5. Asche, M. and Wilson, M.R. (1989) The palm-feeding planthopper genusOmmatissus (Homoptera: Fulgoroidea: Tropiduchidae).Syst. Entomol. 14:127–147.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. Ascher, K.R.S., Nemny, N.E., Blumberg, D. and Goldenberg, S. (1986) Egg-sterilizing effect of benzoylphenylureasvia the adult stage of the nitidulid beetleCarpophilus hemipterus.Phytoparasitica 14:187–192.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  7. Attiah, H.H. (1967) The genusEutetrancychus in the U.A.R., with descriptions of three new species (Acarina: Tetranychidae).Bull. Soc. Entomol. Egypte 51:11–16.

    Google Scholar 

  8. Avidov, Z. and Harpaz, I. (1969) Plant Pests of Israel, Israel Universities Press, Jerusalem, Israel.

    Google Scholar 

  9. Baker, T.C., Francke, W., Millar, J.C., Löfstedt, C., Hansson, B., Du, W.et al. (1991) Identification and bioassay of sex pheromone components of carob moth,Ectomyelois ceratoniae (Zeller).J. Chem. Ecol. 17:1973–1988.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  10. Bar-Shalom, O. (2002) Decisive Factors in the Population Dynamic of the Stone Palm BeetleCoccotrypes dactyliperda (Scolitidae). Ph.D. thesis, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel (Hebrew, with English abstract).

    Google Scholar 

  11. Bartelt, R.J. (1997) Aggregation pheromones ofCarpophilus spp. (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae): revíew of chemistry and biology.Recent Res. Dev. Entomol. 1:115–129.

    Google Scholar 

  12. Bartelt, R.J., Dowd, P.F., Vetter, R.S., Shorey, H.H. and Baker, T.C. (1992) Responses ofCarpophilus hemipterus (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) and other sap beetles to the pheromone ofC. hemipterus and hostrelated coattractants in California field tests.Environ. Entomol. 21:1143–1153.

    Google Scholar 

  13. Bartelt, R.J., Vetter, R.S., Carlson, D.G. and Baker, T.C. (1994) Influence of pheromone dose, trap height, and septum age on, effectiveness of pheromones forCarpophilus mutilatus andC. hemipterus (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) in a California date garden.J. Econ. Entomol. 87:667–675.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  14. Bartlett, B.R. (1978) Homoptera: Pseudococcidae.in: Clausen, C.P., [Ed.] Introduced Parasites and Predators of Arthropod Pests and Weeds: A World Review.USDA Handbk, 480:137–170.

    Google Scholar 

  15. Bedford, G.O. (1980) Biology, ecology and control of palm rhinoceros beetles.Amut. Rev. Entomol. 25:309–339.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. Bedford, G.O. (1986) Biological control of the rhinoceros beetle (Oryctes rhinoceros) in the South Pacific by baculovirus.Agric. Ecosyst. Environ. 15:141–147.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. Ben-Dov, Y. (1985) Further observations on scale insects (Homoptera: Coccoidea) of the Middle East.Phytoparasitica 13:185–192.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. Ben-Dov, Y. (1994) A Systematic Catalogue of the Mealybugs of the World (Insecta: Homoptera: Coccoidea: Pseudococcidae and Putoidea) with Data on Geographical Distribution, Host Plants, Biology and Economic Importance. Inter cept Limited, Andover, UK.

    Google Scholar 

  19. Ben-Dov, Y. (2006) A Systematic Catalogue of Eight Scale Insect Families (Hemiptera: Coccoidea) of the World: Aclerdidae, Asterolecaniidae. Beesoniidae. Carayonemidae, Conchaspididae, Dactylopiidae, Kerriidae and Lecanodiaspididae. Elsevier, Amsterdam, the netherlands.

    Google Scholar 

  20. Ben-Dov, Y. and Miller, D.R. (2007) ScaleNet, a systematic database of the scale insects of the world. http://www.sel.barc.usda.gov/scalenet/scalenet.htm

  21. Ben-Dov, Y., Miller, D.R. and Gibson, G.A.P. (2000) ScaleNet, a systematic database of the scale insects of the world. http://www.sel.barc.usda.gov/scalenet/scalenet.ht http://www.sel.barc.usda.gov/scalenet/scalenet.htm

  22. Benerjee, A. and Dangar, T.K. (1995)Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a facultative pathogen of red palm weevil,Rhynchophorus ferrugineus.World J. Microbiol. Biotechnol. 11:618–620.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  23. Bernstein, Z. (2004) [Ed.] [The Date Palm.] The Plant Production and Marketing Board. Tel Áviv, Israel (in Hebrew).

  24. Bitton, S., Nakash, Y., Soroker, V. and Blumberg, D. (2007) Control trials of sap beetles in date plantations.Alon Hanotea 62:974–977.

    Google Scholar 

  25. Blumberg, D. (1971) Survival capacity ofCybocephalus (Coleoptera: Cybocephalidae) under temperature and humidity extremes.Entomol. Exp. Appl. 14:434–440.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  26. Blumberg, D. (1973) Survey and distribution of Cybocephalidae (Coleoptera) in Israel.Entomophaga 18:125–131.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  27. Blumberg, D. (1973) Field studies ofCybocephalus nigriceps nigriceps (J. Sahlberg) (Coleoptera: Cybocephalidae) in Israel.J. Nat. Hist. 7:567–571.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  28. Blumberg, D. (1975) Preliminary notes on the phenology and biology ofBatrachedra amydraula Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Cosmopterigidae), a new pest of date palms in Israel.Phytoparasitica 3:55–57.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  29. Blumberg, D. (1976) Adult diapause ofCybocephalus nigriceps nigriceps (Col.: Cybocephalidae).Entomophaga 21:131–139.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  30. Blumberg, D. (2004) [Date palm pests and their control management.]in: Bernstein, Z. [Ed.] [Date Growing in Israel.] The Plant Production and Marketing Board, Tel Aviv, Israel (in Hebrew). pp. 398–433.

    Google Scholar 

  31. Blumberg, D., Demeter, M., Kehat, M. and Williams, R.N. (1984) Biological studies ofZeteticontus utilis (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), a parasite ofCarpophilus spp. (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae).Ann. Entomol. Soc. Am. 77:130–133.

    Google Scholar 

  32. Blumberg, D., Doron, S. and Bitton, S. (1985) Effect of triflumuron on two species of nitidulid beetles,Carpophilus hemipterus andUrophorus humeralis.Phytoparasitica 13:9–19.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  33. Blumberg, D., Eitam, A., Ziv, G., Anshelevich, L., Kehat, M., Dunkelblum, E.et al. (1991) [Fruit moths in dates: Control trials and monitoring with sex pheromone traps.]Hassadeh 72:1131–1133 (in Hebrew).

    Google Scholar 

  34. Blumberg, D. and Kehat, M. (1982) Biological studies of the date stone beetle,Coccotrypes dactyliperda.Phytoparasitica 10:73–78.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  35. Blumberg, D. and Kehat, M. (1984) [Date palm pests of Israel.]Alon Hanotea 39:43–49 (in Hebrew).

    Google Scholar 

  36. Blumberg, D., Kehat, M., Goldenberg, S., Bartelt, R.J. and Williams, R.N. (1993) Responses to synthetic aggregation pheromones, host-related volatiles, and their combinations byCarpophilus spp. (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) in laboratory and field tests.Environ. Entomol. 22:837–842.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  37. Blumberg, D., Kehat, M., Greenberg, S., Gantz, S., Biton, S. and Adato, I. (1987) [Effectiveness of azinphosmethyl for controlling sap beetles (Carpophilus spp.) (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) in date palms: Further tests.]Alon Hanotea 41:1152–1157 (Hebrew, with English abstract).

    Google Scholar 

  38. Blumberg, D. and Mendel, Z. (1998) [Red palm weevil — a serious pest of palms, threatening the date palm branch and ornamental palms in Israel.]Alon Hanotea 52:372–375 (in Hebrew).

    Google Scholar 

  39. Blumberg, D., Mendel, Z., Navon, A., Eliahu, M., Yablovich, Z., Nakash, J.et al. (2005 [Study of the frequent occurrence of sap beetles (Coleoptera: Nitiduliae) in dates and other fruit orchards in Israel using traps baited with fruits and aggregation pheromones.]Alon Hanotea 59:31–39 (Hebrew, with English abstract).

    Google Scholar 

  40. Blumberg, D., Navon, A., Kehat, M., Eliahu, M., Levski, S. and Nakash, J. (2001) [Date palm pests in Israel at the beginning of the third millennium.]Alon Hanotea 55:42–48 (Hebrew, with English abstract).

    Google Scholar 

  41. Blumberg, D. and Swirski, E. (1974) Prey consumption and preying ability ofCybocephalus (Coleoptera: Cybocephalidae).Phytoparasitica 2:3–11.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  42. Blumberg, D. and Swirski, E. (1974) The development and reproduction of cybocephalid beetles on various foods.Entomophaga 19:437–443.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  43. Blumberg, D. and Swirski, E. (1982) Comparative biological studies on two species of predatory beetles of the genusCybocephalus (Col.: Cybocephalidae).Entomophaga 27:67–76.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  44. Blumberg, D., Swirski, E. and Greenberg, S. (1977) Field studies for the control of the lesser date moth.Int. Pest Control 19:18–20.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  45. Calcat, A. (1959) Diseases and pests of date palm in the Sahara and North Africa.Bull. Entomol. Res. 11:287–303.

    Google Scholar 

  46. Carpenter, J.B. and Elmer, H.S. (1978) Pests and diseases of the date palm.U.S. Dep. Agric. Agric. Handbk. 527:1–42.

    Google Scholar 

  47. Chikatunov, V., Pavlicek, T. and Nevo, E. (2004) Coleoptera of “Evolution Canyon”, Lower Nahal Oren, Mt. Carmel, Israel. Part II,Pensoft Ser: Fam. 35.

  48. Comelli, A. (1960) Les cultures fruitières pour subtropicales en Israel. IV. Le Palmier Dattier en Israel.Fruits 15:223–231.

    Google Scholar 

  49. Donahaye, E. and Calderon, M. (1964) Survey of insects infesting dates in storage in Israel.Israel J. Agric. Res. 14:97–100.

    Google Scholar 

  50. Dowd, P.F. (1991) Nitidulids as vector of mycotoxin-producing fungi.in: Shotwell, D.L. and Hurburgh Jr., C.R. [Eds.] Aflotoxin in Com; New Perspectives. North Central Regional Publication 329 of Nc-151 band NC-129.Res. Bull. 599, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA.

    Google Scholar 

  51. Eitam, A. (2001) Oviposition behavior and development of immature stages ofParasierola swirskiana, a parasitoid of the lesser date mothBatrachedra amydraula.Phytoparasitica 29:405–412.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  52. Eitam A. and Ucko, O. (1993)Oryctes agamenmon (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae): a pest of date palms and lawns in the Arava Valley.Hassadeh 73:550–552 (Hebrew, with English abstract).

    Google Scholar 

  53. El-Ezaby, F.A. (1997) Injection as a method to control the red Indian date palm weevil,Rhynchophorus ferrugineus.Arab J. Plant Prot. 15:31–38.

    Google Scholar 

  54. El-Haidari, H.S., Mohammed, I.I. and Daoud, A.A.K. (1968) Evaluation of DDVP against the Dubas bug,Ommatissus binotatus libycus Berg., on date palms in Iraq (Hemiptera: Homoptera: Tropiduchidae).Bull. Entomol. Soc. Egypt Econ. Ser., 2:91–94.

    Google Scholar 

  55. El-Sebay, Y. (2007) Studies on the infestation of Red Palm WeevilRhynchophorus ferrugineus Olv. in Egypt.1 st International Conf of Date Palm PPRI, Egypt, 85:131–162.

    Google Scholar 

  56. Elwan, A.S.A. and Al-Tamiemi, S.S. (1999) Life cycle of Dŭbas bug,Ommatissus binotatus lybicus De Berg. (Homoptera: Tropiduchidae) in Sultanate of Oman.Egypt. J. Agric. Res. 77:1547–1553.

    Google Scholar 

  57. Eurepgap Document (2008) EUREPGAP Protocol for Fresh Fruit and Vegetables. English Version, September 2001.http://www.agribusinessonline/eurepprotocol.pdf.

  58. Ferrière, C. (1970) A new aphelinid (Hym. Chalcidoidea) from Saudi Arabia.Mitt. Schveiz Entomol. Ges. 43:45–46.

    Google Scholar 

  59. Gazit, S., Galon, I. and Podoler, H. (1982) The role of nitidulid beetles in natural pollination ofAnnona in Israel.J. Am. Soc. Hortic. Sci. 107:840–852.

    Google Scholar 

  60. Gentry, J.W. (1965) Crop insects of Northeast Africa-South-West Asia.U.S. Dep. Agric. Agric. Res. Serv. Agric. Handb. 273.

  61. Gerson, U. and Smiley, R.L. (1990) Acarine, Biocontrol Agents — an Illustrated Key and Manual. Chapman and Hall, London, UK.

    Google Scholar 

  62. Gerson, O., Venezian, A. and Blumberg, D. (1983) Phytophagous mites on date palms in Israel.Fruits 38:133–135.

    Google Scholar 

  63. Giblin-Davis, R.M. (2001) Borers of palms.in: Howard, F.W., Moore D., Giblin-Davis, R.M. and Abad, R.G. [Eds.] Insects on Palms. CABI Publishing, Wallingford, UK, pp. 267–305.

    Google Scholar 

  64. Glazer, I., Eliyau, M., Salame, L., Nakash, Y. and Blumberg, D. (2007) Evaluation of the efficacy of the entomopathogenic nematodesHeterorhabditis sp. against sap beetles (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae).Biocontrol 52:259–270.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  65. Glazer, I., Salame, L., Goldenberg, S. and Blumberg, D. (1999) Susceptibility of sap beetles (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) to entomopathogenic nematodes.Biocontrol Sci. Technol. 9: 259–266.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  66. Glazner, B. (2007) [The date crop situation.]Alon Hanotea 62:960–961 (in Hebrew).

    Google Scholar 

  67. Gomez, S.V. (2002) Criamasiva deRhyzobius lophanthae Blaisdell (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) depredador de la cochinilla roja de las palmeras (Phoenicococcus marlatti Cockerell).Bol. San. Veg. Plagas 28:167–176.

    Google Scholar 

  68. Gopinadham, P.B., Mohandan, N. and Nair, K.P.V. (1990) Cytoplasmic polyhedrosis virus infecting red palm weevil of coconut.Curr. Sci. 59:577–580.

    Google Scholar 

  69. Gothilf, S. (1984) Biology ofSpectrobates ceratoniae on almonds in Israel.Phytoparasitica 12:77–87.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  70. Hall, R.W., Smilanick, J.M. and Ehler, L.E. (1978) Laboratory rearing and field observations onCarpophilus nutilatus.Entomol. Soc. Am. 71:408–410.

    Google Scholar 

  71. Hassan, B., Chemseddine, M., Abbassi, M. and Brun, J (2001) [The date moth in the area of Tafilalet in the southeast of Morocco.] http://webspirs.ziur.co.il/webspirs/doLS.ws?ss=Fruits-Paris+in+SO 56:189–196 (in French).

  72. Howard, F.W., Moore, D., Giblin-Davis, R.M. and Abad, R.G. (2001) Insects on Palms. CAB International, Wallingford, UK.

    Google Scholar 

  73. Hussain, A.A. (1974) Date Palms and Dates with Their Pests in Iraq. Min. Higher Education and Scientific Research, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq.

    Google Scholar 

  74. ISCA Technologies (2008) ISCA Lure-Ceratoniae new pheromone manages the carob moth. URL: http://www.iscatech.com/exec/Doclib/ISCA_Product_Brochure_-_carob moth.pdf

  75. Izhar, Y., Wysoki, M., Blumberg, D. and Swirski, E. (1997) The flower chafferPotosia angustata, Germar (Coleoptera: Scarabeiidae), a pest on lychee, pear, avocado and date palm in Israel.Alon Hanotea 51: 60–62 (Hebrew, with English abstract).

    Google Scholar 

  76. Johnson, J.A., Valero, K.A., Hannel, M.M. and Gill, R.F. (2000) Seasonal occurrence of postharvest dried fruit insects and their parasitoids in a culled fig warehouse.,J. Econ. Entomol. 93:1380–1390.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  77. Kaya, H.K. and Gaugler, R. (1993) Entomopathogenic nematodes.Annu. Rev. Entomol 38:181–206.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  78. Kehat, M. (1967) Some notes on the life cycle of the date palm scale,Parlatoria blanchardi Targ. in Israel.Israel J. Agric. Res. 17:175–179.

    Google Scholar 

  79. Kehat, M. (1967) Survey and distribution of common lady beetles (Col. Coccinellidae) on date palm trees in Israel.Entomophaga 12:119–125.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  80. Kehat, M. (1968) The phenology ofPharoscynmus spp. andChilocorus bipustulatus L. (Coccinellidae) in date palm plantations in Israel.Ann. Épiphyt. 19:605–614.

    Google Scholar 

  81. Kehat, M. (1968) The feeding behaviour ofPharoscynmus numidicus (Coccinellidae), predator of the date palm scaleParlatoria blanchardi.Entomol. Exp. Appl. 11:30–42.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  82. Kehat, M. (1970) Temperature conditions prevailing in the natural habitats of date palm pests in Israel.Israel J. Agric. Res. 20:139–144.

    Google Scholar 

  83. Kehat, M. (1977) [Date palm pests in Israel.]in: Stoller S. [Ed.] [Date Growing in Israel.] Hakibbutz Hameuchad Publishing House Ltd., Tel Aviv, Israel. pp. 190–212 (in Hebrew).

    Google Scholar 

  84. Kehat, M. (1999) Threat to date palms in Israel, Jordan and the Palestinian Authority by the red palm weevil,Rhynchophorus ferrugineus.Phytoparasitica 27:241–242.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  85. Kehat, M. and Amitai, S. (1967) The morphology and phenology of the scaleAsterolecanium phoenicis Rao on date palms in the Bet Shean Valley.Israel J. Agric. Res. 17:85–93.

    Google Scholar 

  86. Kehat, M., Blumberg, D., Dunkelblum, E. and Anshelevich, L. (1995) [Experiments with synthetic sex pheromones for the control of the raisin moth, and for monitoring the carob moth in date plantations]Alon Hanotea 49:284–290 (in Hebrew).

    Google Scholar 

  87. Kehat, M., Blumberg, D. and Greenberg, S. (1969) Experiments on the control of the raisin moth,Cadra figulilella Gregs. (Phycitidae, Pyralidae), on dates in Israel.Israel J. Agric. Res. 19:121–128.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  88. Kehat, M., Blumberg, D. and Greenberg, S. (1976) Fruit drop and damage in dates: the role ofCoccotrypes dactyliperda F. and nitidulid beetles, and prevention by mechanical measures.Phytoparasitica 4:93–99.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  89. Kehat, M., Blumberg, D., Greenberg, S. and Gordon, D. (1985) Laboratory and field evaluation of insecticides for the control of sap-beetles (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) in dates.Alon Hanotea 39:797–801 (Hebrew, with English abstract).

    Google Scholar 

  90. Kehat, M., Blumberg, D. and Williams R.N. (1983) Seasonal abundance of sap beetles (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) in date plantations in Israel.Phytoparasitica 11:109–112.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  91. Kehat, M., Eitam, A., Blumberg, D., Dunkelblum, E., Anshelevich, L., and Gordon, D. (1992) Sex pheromone traps for detection and monitoring of the raisin moth,Cadra figulilella, in date palm plantations.Phytoparasitica 20:99–106.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  92. Kehat, M. and Greenberg, S. (1969) The biology and phenology ofArenipses sabella Hmps. andCadra figulilella (Gregson) (Lepidoptera, Pyralidae) on dates in Israel.Bull. Entomol. Res. 58:411–419.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  93. Kehat, M., Greenberg, S., Biton, S., Gantz, S. and Adato, I. (1985) Field evaluation of insecticides for the control of sap beetles (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) in dates.Alon Hanotea 40:787–790 (Hebrew, with English summary).

    Google Scholar 

  94. Kehat, M., Stoller, S., Meisner, J. and Greenberg, S. (1966) Development of population and control ofCarpophilus dimidiatus F.,C. hemipterus L. andCoccotrypes dactyliperda F. in dates.Israel J. Agric. Res. 16:173–176.

    Google Scholar 

  95. Kehat, M. and Swirski, E. (1964) Chemical control of the date palm scale,Parlatoria blanchardi, and the effect of some insecticides on the lady beetlePharoscymnus aff,minidicus Pic.Israel J Agric. Res. 14:101–110.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  96. Kehat, M., Swirski E. and Bankier, E. (1964) Trials in the control of the scale.Asterolecanium phoenicis Ram. on date palms.Israel J. Agric. Res. 14:19–26.

    Google Scholar 

  97. Kehat, M., Swirski, E., Blumberg, D. and Greenberg, S. (1974) Integrated control of date palm pests in Israel.Phytoparasitica 2:141–149.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  98. Khoualdia O., Rhouma, A., Marro, J.P. and Brun, J., (1997) First observations on the date palm pestOryctes agamenmon in Tunisia.Fruit-Paris 52:111–115.

    Google Scholar 

  99. Kislev, M. and Simchoni, O. (2007) Hygiene and insect damage of crops and foods at Masada. The Yigael Yadin Excavations 1963–1965. Final report. Israel Exploration Society, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.

    Google Scholar 

  100. Klein, M. and Venezian, A. (1985) The dubas date Tropiduchid,Ommatissus binotatus lybicus, a threat to date palms in Israel.Phytoparasitica 13:96–101.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  101. Kurian, C. and Mathen, K. (1971) Red palm weevil — hidden enemy of coconut palm.Indian Farming 21:229–231.

    Google Scholar 

  102. Lepesme, P. (1947) Les Insectes des Palmiers, Editions P. Lechevalier, Paris, France.

    Google Scholar 

  103. Lindgren, D.L. and Vincent, L.E. (1953) Nitidulid beetles infesting California dates.Hilgardia 22: 97–118.

    Google Scholar 

  104. Mathen, K. and Kurian, C. (1971) Sevin controls red palm weevil at low cost.Coconut Bull. 1: 5, 7–8.

    Google Scholar 

  105. Mau, R.F.L. and Kessing, J.L.M. (2007)Dysmicoccus brevipes (Cockerell). http//www.extento.hawaii.edu/kbase/crop/Type/d_brevip/htm

  106. Michael, I.F. (1970) Economic importance and control ofBatrachedra aurydraula Meyr. (the lesser date moth) in the U.A.R.Rep. Date Grower’s Inst. 47:9–10.

    Google Scholar 

  107. Moore, D. (2001) Insects of palm flowers and fruits.in: Howard, F.W., Moore, D., Giblin-Davis, R.M. and Abad, R.G. [Eds.] Insects on Palms. CABI Publishing, Wallingford, UK. pp. 233–266.

    Google Scholar 

  108. Murphy, S.T. and Briscoe, B.R. (1999) The red palm weevil as an alien invasive: biology and prospects for biological control as a component of IPM.Biocontrol News Inf. 20:35–45.

    Google Scholar 

  109. Nakash, J. and Klein, M. (1991) Interference of the date bug,Asarcopus palmarum Horv. with the normal growth of date palms in Israel.Hassadeh 71;1522–1524 (Hebrew, with English abstract).

    Google Scholar 

  110. Nakash, J., Osem, Y. and Kehat, M. (2000) A suggestion to use dogs for detecting red palm weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus) infestation in date palms in Israel.Phytoparasitica 28:153–155.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  111. Navarro, S., Donahaye, E. and Calderon, M. (1986) Development of the carob moth,Spectrobates ceratoniae, on stored almonds.Phytoparasitica 13:177–186.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  112. Navon, A. (2000)Bacillus thuringiensis application in agriculture,in: Charles, J.F., Delécluse, A. and Nielsen-LeRoux, C. [Eds.] Entomopathogenic Bacteria: From Laboratory to Field Application. Kluwer Academic Publishers. Dordrecht, the Netherlands. pp. 355–369.

    Google Scholar 

  113. Navon, A., Nakash, J., Blumberg, D., Levski, S., Gan-Mor, S., Bechar, A.et al. (1999) The effectiveness ofBacillus thuringiensis in granular feeding baits for use against the lesser date moth,Batrachedra amydraula in date palms, in comparison with chemical and biological control agents (1995–1999).Alon Hanotea 53: 484–489 (Hebrew, with English abstract).

    Google Scholar 

  114. Noyes, J.S. (2007) Universal Chalcidoidea Database. URL: http://www.nhm.ac.uk/researchcuration/projects/chalcidoids

  115. Oehlschlager, A.C. (1998) Trapping of the Date Palm Weevil.Proc. FAO Conference Workshop on Date Palm Weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus) and Its Control (Cairo, Egypt).

  116. Palevsky, E., Borochov-Neori, H. and Gerson, U. (2005) Population dynamics ofOlygonychus afrasiaticus in the southern Arava Valley of Israel in relation to date fruit characteristics and climatic conditions.Agric. For. Entomol. 7:283–290.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  117. Palevsky, E., Chyzik, R., Ucko, O., Peles, S. and Gerson, U. (2001) Biology and control of spider mites in date palms in the Southern Arava Valley.Phytoparasitica 29:89 (abstr.).

    Google Scholar 

  118. Palevsky, E., Ucko, O., Peles, S., Yablonski, S. and Gerson, U. (2003) Species ofOlygonychus infesting date palm cultivars in the Southern Arava Valley of Israel.Phytoparasitica 31:144–153.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  119. Palevsky, E., Ucko, O., Peles, S., Yablonski, S. and Gerson, U. (2003) Identification and phenology of the spider mites on date fruit in the southern Arava Valley of Israel.Alon Hanotea 57:224–228 (Hebrew, with English abstract).

    Google Scholar 

  120. Palevsky, E., Ucko, O., Peles, S., Yablonski, S. and Gerson, U. (2004) Evaluation of control measures forOlygonychus afrasiaticus infesting date palm cultivars in the southern Arava Valley of Israel.Crop Prot. 23:387–392.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  121. Pena, J.E., Nadel, H., Barbosa-Pereira, M. and Smith, D. (2002) Pollinators and pests ofAmona species.in: Pena, J.E., Sharp, J.L. and Wysoki, M. [Eds.] Tropical Fruit Pests and Pollinators. CABI Publishing, New York, NY. pp. 197–221.

    Google Scholar 

  122. Perez, A.L., Hallett, R.H., Gries, G., Oehlschlager, A.C. and Borden, J.H. (1996) Pheromone chirality of Asian palm weevil,Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Oliv.) andR. vulneratus (Pantz.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae).J. Chem. Ecol. 22:357–368.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  123. Pest Product. Com (2008) Pheromone traps for insects. URL: http://www.pestproduct.com/pheromone.htm

  124. Peter, C. (1989) A note on the mites associated with the red palm weevil,Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Oliv. in Tamil Nadu.J. Insect Sci. 2:160–161.

    Google Scholar 

  125. Pinhas, J., Levsky, S., Rene, S., Soroker, V., Hetzroni, A. and Mizrach, A. (2007) [Red palm weevil: developing methods for monitoring and control on offshoots in quarantine.]Alon Hanotea 61:735–741 (in Hebrew).

    Google Scholar 

  126. Rao, P.V.S., Subramaniam, T.R. and Abraham, E.V. (1973) Control of the red palm weevil on coconut.J. Plant. Crops 1:26–27.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  127. Reginald, C. (1973) Principal insect pests.in: Coconuts. Tropical Agriculture Series, Longmans, London, UK.

    Google Scholar 

  128. Sayed, A.A., Temerak, S.A., and Vergoulas, P. (2001) Comparative performance ofBacillus thuringiensis subsp.kurstaki, and the natural product, Spinosad for the control of the lesser date mothBatrachedra amydraula Meyer infesting date palm trees in New Valley, Egypt. http://webspirs.ziur.co.il/webspirs/doLS.ws?ss=Assiut-Journal-of-Agricultural-Sciences+in+SO 32:183–189.

  129. Smilanick, J.M., Ehler, L.E. and Birch, M.C. (1978) Attraction ofCarpophilus spp. (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) to volatile compounds present in figs.J. Chem. Ecol. 4:701–707.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  130. Smirnoff, W. (1957) Le cochenille du palmier dattier (Parlatoria blanchardi Targ.) en Afrique du Nord; comportement, importance economique, predatures et lutte biologique.Entomophaga 2:1–98.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  131. Soenardi, S.A. and Hariadi, B. (1978) Control of stem and top borers of coconut palms.Pemberitaan Lembaga Penelitian Tanarnan Industri, Bogor, Indonesia 28:45–50.

    Google Scholar 

  132. Soroker, V., Blumberg, D., Haberman, A., Hamburger-Rishard, M., Rene, S., Tabelaev, S.et al. (2005) Current status of red palm weevil infestation in date palm plantations in Israel.Phytoparasitica 33:97–106.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  133. Soroker, V., Gindin, G., Glazer, I., Pinhas, J., Levski, S., Eliahu, M.et al. (2006) The red palm weevil infestation in Israel.Proc. I Jornada Internacional sobre el Picudo Rojo de la Palmeras Agroalimed, Generalitat Valenciana (Valencia, Spain), pp. 59–79.

  134. Soroker, V., Nakache, Y., Landau, U., Mizrach, A., Hetzroni, A. and Gerling, D. (2004) Utilization of sounding methodology to detect infestation byRhynchophorus ferrugineus on palm offshoots.Phytoparasitica 32:6–8.

    Google Scholar 

  135. Stickney, F.A., Barnes, D.F. and Simmons, P. (1950) Date palm insects in the United States.U.S. Dep. Agric. Circ. 846.

  136. Swirski, E., Kehat, M. and Bankir, E. (1960) [Distribution ofAsterolecanium phoenicis in Israel.]Prelim. Rep. Agric. Res. Stn. Rehovot 290 (in Hebrew).

  137. Swirski, E., Wysoki, M. and Izhar, Y. (2002) Subtropical Fruit Pests in Israel. Fruit Board of Israel, Tel-Aviv, Israel (Hebrew, with English preface).

    Google Scholar 

  138. Talhouk, A.S. (1991) On the management of the date palm and its arthropod enemies in the Arabian Peninsula.J. Appl. Entomol. 111:514–520.

    Google Scholar 

  139. Ucko, O. and Bitton, S. (2000) [Recommendations for the control of pests and diseases of the date palm.] Israel Ministry of Agriculture, Extension Service and Diklaim Organization (in Hebrew).

  140. Ucko, O. and Ziv, G. (1994) [Control of the pests of dry dates in the Arava.]Hassadeh 74:863–865 (in Hebrew).

    Google Scholar 

  141. Vega, F.E., Dowd, P.F. and Bartelt, R.J. (1995) Dissemination of microbial agents using an autoinoculating device and several insect species as vectors.Biol. Control 5:545–552.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  142. Venezian, A. and Blumberg, D. (1982) Phenology, damage and control of the lesser date moth,Batrachedra amydraula Meyrick in date palms in Israel.Alon Hanotea 36:785–788 (Hebrew, with English abstract).

    Google Scholar 

  143. Watson, G.W. (2007) Arthropods of Economic Importance. http://nlbif.eti.uva.nl/bis/diaspididae.php?menuentry=soorten&id=154

  144. Williams, R.N., Fickle, D.S., Kehat, M., Blumberg, D. and Klein, M.G. (1983) Bibliography of the genusCarpophilus Stephen (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae).Res. Circ. Ohio State Univ. Agric. R&D Center, Wooster. no. 278.

  145. Wilson, S.W. (2005) Keys to the families of Fulgoromorpha with emphasis on planthoppers of potential economic importance in the south-eastern United States (Hemiptera: Auchneorrhyncha).Fla. Entomol. 88:464–481.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  146. Young, E.C. (1986) The rhinoceros beetle project: history and review of the research programs.Agric. Ecosyst. Environ. 15:149–166.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  147. Zelazny, B. and Alfiler, A. (1990)Oryctes rhinoceros (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) larvae abundance and mortality factors in Philippines.Environ. Entomol. 15:84–87.

    Google Scholar 

  148. Zilkowski, B.W. and Bartelt, R.J. (1999) Cross-attraction ofCarpophilus humeralis to pheromone components of otherCarpophilus species.J. Chem. Ecol. 25:1759–1770.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dept. of Entomology, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, 50250, Bet Dagan, Israel

    Daniel Blumberg

Authors
  1. Daniel Blumberg
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Daniel Blumberg.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Blumberg, D. Review: Date palm arthropod pests and their management in Israel. Phytoparasitica 36, 411–448 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03020290

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03020290

Key words

Search

Navigation