Field Exploration of the Efficacy of Some Friendly Products in Combination with Some Pesticides against the Red Palm Weevil <i>Rhynchophorus ferrugineus</i> (Olivier) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and Its Effect on Total Carbohydrates and Micronutrients in the Resulting Date Fruits

Abstract

Experiments were carried out against the red palm weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Oliv.) (RPW in a private palm orchard containing varieties of Samani (domestic) and Ikhlas (imported) infested with the red palm weevil Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Oliv.) (RPW) in El-Marg area, Cairo Governorate, Egypt, using Petroleum oil, Jojoba oil, and Inorganic salts, singly and mixed with each of insecticides (Acetamiprid, Profenofos, Dimethoate) by injection and spraying of infested palm trunks, as well as pouring these substances into pits around the roots of the affected palm trees. The data showed that Acetamiprid was the most effective against RPW. The effective mixtures against R. ferrugineus were Jujuba oil with Acetamiprid, also used car oil with inorganic salts, which resulted in 100% recovery of treated palm. Continuing treatment of infested palms for 6 consecutive months by injecting used car oil mixed with inorganic saline solution resulted in 100% recovery for both date palm cultivars. Spraying these substances on the affected trunks had no effect on RPW. Pouring the tested solutions around the roots of the affected palm had the least effect against RPW. Injection of the tested pesticides into the infested trunks increased the concentrations of carbohydrates and total micronutrients (Fe+, Mn+, Zn+, and Cu+) in the produced fruits more than those obtained by palms treated with mineral oils and inorganic salt, compared to the control group. There is a significant difference between the treatments.