PALM - Red Beetle - WARNING and TREATMENT

To those residents who have Palm Trees in your Gardens please note it is time to get them TREATED to protect them from the Red Palm weevil.  The main type of Palm that this beetle attacks is the Canary Date Palm, Phoenix Canariensis which is a common tree throughout the Costa del Sol. This palm plague has been spreading along the coast from east to west over the past few years and is now to be seen in the area from San Pedro de Alcantara to Manilva BUT is affecting trees throughout the Costa del Sol 

Once the tree is infected there is only a 70% hope of it surviving even if it is treated quickly. The tree is often beyond help before the infestation is discovered.  It necessary to have infected trees removed professionally to prevent the beetles flying off and infecting other trees.

Responsible property owners in the area should have their Date Palm Trees TREATED every 2 months to help prevent the spread of this plague which is already having a detrimental effect on the appearance of the Costa del Sol.

The latest and most effective treatment is ComBio ORUGAS which is a mixture of a “live” product which penetrates the tree and eats the Red Palm Beetle. Not all Spanish Gardeners understand how to apply this treatment and for their and your own guidance the instructions for applying the product is given below.   These instructions have been supplied by ComBio Jardin

The product is available in many Garden Centres throughout the Costa del Sol at a recommended price of  78 euro for 5 Palms and 106 euro for 10 Palms.

 INSTRUCTIONS ON USE OF PRODUCT supplied by ComBio Jardin

Produced in a “pack” of two components, one which contains the nematodes entomopathogenic (NEP) live biological control organisms of the species “Steinernema carcocapsae”, the other contains the application liquid.

ComBiojardin ORUGAS    NEP in the larval state “infective juvenile” (IJ)

ComBiojardin ORUGAS    “poly-D glucasomin” (Chitosan) an organic,

Application Liquid             biodegradable, non toxic and non-contaminating product

The use of ComBiojardin ORUGAS does not pose a risk to birds, fish and wildlife in general.

 Effects:

Especially recommended for the control of caterpillars of Lepidopteras (butterflies) and Coleopters (beetles), like the “Picudo Rojo” (red weevil of palm trees).

Method of use:

Open the container of the nematodes (Steinernema carcocapsae) and place the contents in a container of clean water. Next, pour the contents of the ComBiojardin ORUGAS Application Liquid into the same container and ensure that it is well mixed, and then dilute to the correct doseage (see above table and below). Keep the solution agitated during the application process.

To treat the “Picudo Rojo” (red weevil of palm trees), use a dose of 5 million nematodes per palm.                     Apply to the palm using enough water to wet the crown, trunk and the soil around the base.                             (Approximately 15 litres of water for a palm of 2 metres height and pro rata dependent on size)

For the first infection, we recommend applying ComBiojardin Orugas monthly for the first 2 months,                     and then every 2 months to ensure protection against re-infection.

Important Notes:

• If you choose to use spraying equipment, we recommended the removal of all filters from the system, and to avoid pressures above 12bar.

• It is recommended to apply the product out of direct sunlight, evenings or overcast days are best.

• It is important to keep the container of the nematodes in a dark place, in a horizontal position and keep them between 4 and 6 degrees centigrade whilst they are not being used. In a normal domestic refrigerator is ideal.

• Also, be aware of the use by date on the cap of the container.

• Once opened, use all the contents at once.

• If any other products have been used on the Palms, then please contact us on 658842705 or e-mail to almacen@combio.es to ensure that these products have no adverse effects on the nematodes.