Nano-technology for Real-Time Control of the Red Palm Weevil Under Climate Change

Abstract

The Red Palm Weevil (RPW) is a devastating insect on the date palm in the Arabic countries. It causes considerable damage to date palm plantations. All the stages of insect are hidden inside the palm tree and larvae feed on the interior tissue of trunk. For this reason, the detection of infection in the early stages is very difficult or impossible and when the action of the pest is discovered, normally it is too late for recovering the tree. The current measures used to control the insect are not effective enough to succeed in eliminating the insect because of the great difficulty in early detection of infection and reaching all life stages inside the trunk. The objective of this study is to detect the presence of living stages of RPW, which are hidden in the palm tree. Sensors and nanoparticles have useful applications in detection and treatment of the date palm. The study revealed that using Nano-techniques such as an acoustic sensor, thermal sensors as fingerprints, the infection of RPW can be discovered in early stages. The results of the audio analysis would be reported wirelessly to a control station for subsequent processing to send warning messages to be accessible via the Internet. Nano-thermal sensors are efficient to detect the existence of the RPW through its thermal properties. Also, using Nano-minerals as a treatment for the already Red Date Palm Weevil is important. The nanoparticle minerals (Rutile, Anatase or Brookite) were used and prepared in Moringa oleifera leaves extract to control RPW. The plant-mediated biosynthesis of nanoparticles is advantageous over chemical and physical methods because it is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly method, where it is not necessary to use high pressure, energy, temperature, and toxic chemicals. Also, using ultra-sonic sensors prevent the RPW to attack the date palm trees. Unlike traditional methods, which are time-consuming, and labor intensive, these types of methods offer the advantages of keeping the palm trees intact; reduce costs, as well as saving time and money in the process of pest infestation detection. Nano-minerals extract (NME) drastically decreased developmental stages of R. ferrugineus. The compound is a 100% natural solution. It is derived from natural plants and minerals that can significantly aid in controlling RPW. Also, it is safe to use on all plants and crops including natives.