Palm Species Research Articles

Diversity of visitors to the flowers of two palm species of the genus Oenocarpus in the Province of Napo, Ecuador

Diversity of visitors to the flowers of two palm species of the genus Oenocarpus in the Province of Napo, Ecuador

Conservation genetics and status of Orania sylvicola palms in Singapore - native relicts or historical re-introductions?

Orania sylvicola (Griff.) H.E.Moore is a large, single-stemmed palm species widely distributed across Malesia. It is the only species of Orania present in Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore. In Singapore, the species is rare and critically endangered, although a full understanding of its distribution is hampered by sparse historical collections. However, conflicting records on the known localities in the literature, along with a recent discovery of a substantial population of Orania sylvicola within the Tyersall Learning Forest in Singapore Botanic Gardens, have led to questions on the origin of the extant populations of O. sylvicola. There are known instances of past introductions of non-native plant species in Singapore, which raised suspicions that some of the individuals were historical reintroductions from overseas. Genetic analyses, a comprehensive survey of existing literature and herbarium collections, and a topographical study of existing Orania sylvicola populations were carried out to determine the origin of these individuals in Singapore. Our results suggested that all Orania sylvicola individuals in Singapore are of native origin, with two populations present. The distribution of the two populations overlaps in the Singapore Botanic Gardens, which may indicate that some of the plants have been transferred to the Botanic Gardens from another location in Singapore. Preliminary results also revealed that sampled populations within Peninsular Malaysia and between Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore are highly differentiated from each other with very little gene flow either by pollen or seed dispersal. Our study highlights how the integration of genetic information, historical collections and topographical analyses can contribute to assessing the origin and conservation potential of endangered plant species in Singapore and provide insights into suitable conservation actions for Orania sylvicola.

Ovipositional Preference of <i>Rhynchophorus ferrugineus</i> (Olivier) in Palm Species in Goa

Red palm weevil (RPW) Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is devastating pest in commercial and ornamental palms. The study was conducted to find out ovipositional preference of R. ferrugineus in seven palm species. Result revealed that the fish tail palm (Caryota cumingii Lodd.) is highly preferred host for oviposition by R. ferrugineus followed by coconut (Cocos nucifera L.). Toddy palm (Borassus flabellifer L.) was found to be least preferred by R. ferrugineus for oviposition. The ornamental palm, cane palm Dypsis lutescens (H. Wendl.) Beentje and J. Dransf is found as new preferred host for oviposition in free choice test.

Prestoea palm flower visitors and potential pollinators in the Andean–Amazonian Piedmont Forest of Ecuador

AbstractThe palms Prestoea acuminata and P. schultzeana are found at altitudes between 800 and 2600 m asl. and 200 and 1300 m asl., respectively. Although they are important components in the dynamics of the Andean–Amazon transition forest, and are used by local communities, there is not enough biological information that explain their strategies for reproductive dynamics and its conservation. In order to contribute to the knowledge of the reproductive biology of these species we studied the diversity of flower visitors and pollinators of each one, the differences between the pistillate and staminate phases and the species shared between them. The study was carried out in the Piedmont evergreen forest and the Napo low evergreen forest of Ecuador. We collected 15 inflorescences of P. acuminata and 9 of P. schultzeana. We then divided the flower visitors into morphospecies and counted, photographed and identified them to the best possible taxonomic level. We counted 10,123 flower visitors from 82 morphospecies in P. acuminata and 1192 from 42 morphospecies in P. schultzeana. Based on abundance and frequency of morphospecies, and observations of pollen in the pistillate phase, we found six potential pollinators in P. acuminata, all Coleoptera, and five in P. schultzeana, three Coleoptera and two Diptera, suggesting the cantharophily syndrome of the former and the myophily of the latter. The palm species shared only one morphospecies of Aleocharinae (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae), showing that flower visitors are very specific to each palm and their importance in maintaining insect diversity in these forests.Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.

Genomic signatures of past megafrugivore‐mediated dispersal in Malagasy palms

Abstract Seed dispersal affects gene flow and hence genetic differentiation of plant populations. During the Late Quaternary, most fruit‐eating and seed‐dispersing megafauna went extinct, but whether these animals have left signatures in the population genetics of their food plants, particularly those with large, ‘megafaunal’ fruits (i.e. >4 cm—megafruits), remains unclear. Here, we assessed the population history, genetic differentiation and recent migration among populations of four animal‐dispersed palm (Arecaceae) species with large (Borassus madagascariensis), medium‐sized (Hyphaene coriacea, Bismarckia nobilis) and small (Chrysalidocarpus madagascariensis) fruits on Madagascar. We integrated double‐digest restriction‐site‐associated DNA sequencing (ddRAD) of 167 individuals from 25 populations with (past) distribution ranges for extinct (e.g., giant lemurs and elephant birds) and extant seed‐dispersing animals, landscape and human impact data, and applied linear mixed‐effects models to explore the drivers of genetic variation in Malagasy palms. Palm populations that shared more megafrugivore species in the past had lower genetic differentiation than populations that shared fewer megafrugivore species. This suggests that megafrugivore‐mediated seed dispersal in the past may have led to frequent gene flow among populations. In comparison, extant frugivore diversity only decreased genetic differentiation in the small‐fruited palm. Furthermore, genetic differentiation of all palm species decreased with landscape connectivity (i.e. environmental suitability, forest cover and river density) and human impact (i.e. road density), while migration rates of the small‐fruit palm increased with road density. Synthesis. Our results suggest that the legacy of megafrugivores regularly achieving long dispersal distances is still reflected in the population genetics of palms that were formerly dispersed by such animals. Furthermore, low genetic differentiation was possibly maintained after the megafauna extinctions through alternative dispersal (e.g. human‐ or river‐mediated), long generation times and long lifespans of these megafruit palms. Our study illustrates how species interactions that happened >1000 years ago can leave imprints in their population genetics.

A Census of Palms Cultivated in the Indian Botanic Garden, Howrah

This paper deals with the palms cultivated in the Indian Botanic Garden, Howrah. Altogether 109 species of palms have been enumerated from this garden of both economic and ornamental species. The accompanying map of the Garden will help in locating the different species of palms.

Asraoa Triandra (Arecaceae)-a New Genus and Species of Palm from Lohit District, Arunachal Pradesh

A slender, simple stemmed palm, superficially resembling Wallichia Roxb. and Didymosperma Wendl. & Drude but distinctive in its 3-stamened male flowers, collected from Lohit District, Arunachal Pradesh is described.

Investigating the Dynamics of Bayoud Disease in Date Palm Trees and Optimal Control Analysis

The fungus Fusarium oxysporum (f.sp. albedinis) causes Bayoud disease. It is one of the epiphytotic diseases that affects a wide range of palm species and has no known cure at present. However, preventive measures can be taken to reduce the effects of the disease. Bayoud disease has caused enormous economic losses due to decreased crop yield and quality. Therefore, it is essential to develop a mathematical model for the dynamics of the disease to propose some affordable methods for disease management. In this study, we propose a novel mathematical model that describes the transmission dynamics of the disease in date palm trees. The model incorporates various factors such as the contact rate of the fungi with date palm trees, the utilization of fungicides, and the introduction of a quarantine compartment to prevent disease dissemination. We first prove a few key properties of the proposed model to ensure that the model is well-posed and suitable for numerical investigations. We establish that the model has a unique positive solution that is bounded and stable over time. We use sensitivity analysis to identify the parameters that have the greatest effect on the reproduction number R0 and illustrate this effect graphically. We then formulate an optimal control problem to identify the most suitable and cost-effective disease control approaches. As a first approach, we solely focus on the application of fungicide to susceptible trees and determine the best spray rates for a greater decrease in exposed and infected trees. Secondly, we emphasize quarantining exposed and infected trees at optimal quarantine rates. Finally, we explore the combined effect of fungicide spraying and isolating infected trees on disease control. The findings of the last approach turn out to be the most rewarding and cost-effective for minimizing infections in date palm trees.

Palms of the past: can morphometric phytolith analysis inform deep time evolution and palaeoecology of Arecaceae?

Palm fossils are often used as evidence for warm and wet palaeoenvironments, reflecting the affinities of most modern palms. However, several extant palm lineages tolerate cool and/or arid climates, making a clear understanding of the taxonomic composition of ancient palm communities important for reliable palaeoenvironmental inference. However, taxonomically identifiable palm fossils are rare and often confined to specific facies. Although the resolution of taxonomic information they provide remains unclear, phytoliths (microscopic silica bodies) provide a possible solution because of their high preservation potential under conditions where other plant fossils are scarce. We thus evaluate the taxonomic and palaeoenvironmental utility of palm phytoliths. We quantified phytolith morphology of 97 modern palm and other monocot species. Using this dataset, we tested the ability of five common discriminant methods to identify nine major palm clades. We then compiled a dataset of species' climate preferences and tested if they were correlated with phytolith morphology using a phylogenetic comparative approach. Finally, we reconstructed palm communities and palaeoenvironmental conditions at six fossil sites. Best-performing models correctly identified phytoliths to their clade of origin only 59 % of the time. Although palms were generally distinguished from non-palms, few palm clades were highly distinct, and phytolith morphology was weakly correlated with species' environmental preferences. Reconstructions at all fossil sites suggested that palm communities were dominated by Trachycarpeae and Areceae, with warm, equable climates and high, potentially seasonal rainfall. However, fossil site reconstructions had high uncertainty and often conflicted with other climate proxies. While phytolith morphology provides some distinction among palm clades, caution is warranted. Unlike prior spatially restricted studies, our geographically and phylogenetically broad study indicates phytolith morphology may not reliably differentiate most palm taxa in deep time. Nevertheless, it reveals distinct clades, including some likely to be palaeoenvironmentally informative.

PENGARUH KONSENTRASI DAN LAMA PERENDAMAN ATONIK TERHADAP PERKECAMBAHAN BENIH ROTAN JERNANG (Daemonorops draco Blume.)

Jernang rattan is produced from a palm species surface layer of fruit by resine with dark red. Jernang rattan cultivation has several obstacles due to limiteation of seed availability, low seed production, and has technical problems in the form of hard fruit skin. This study aimed to studied the effect of the interaction of atonic concentration and soaking time for jernang rattan seeds on their germination. There were two factors in this study: Atonic concentration treatment (5 levels) and soaking time (3 levels). The results show that increasing the germination of Jernang rattan seeds can be done using an atonic concentration of 15 ppm and soaking for 1 hour. This is because it provides better results on research variables.

Genetic Diversity of Mangrove and Nypa Palm Species in the Niger Delta, Nigeria

Mangroves and nypa palm are two dominant coastal vegetation in the Niger delta that are sources of numerous ecosystem services. We thus hypothesized that both species are monophyletic, which means they are identical by descent. We began the study by randomly collecting fresh leave samples of nypa palm in a mixed forest comprising nypa palm and mangrove at a coastal community called Eagle Island. We put the leaves samples in zip lock bags containing silica gel crystals and transported them to the laboratory, where the DNA of the leaves was extracted. A quick-DNA plant/seed miniprep kit (Zymo-research Lab, California, USA). A total of six primer pairs were used for the amplification, namely: three microsatellite markers and three universal primers. Fragments of the samples were sequenced using the Ninagen, Brilliant DyeTM Terminator Cycle Sequencing kit V3.1 BRD3-100/1000. All three samples of the nypa palm were amplified, and the BLAST prediction tool was used to produce the new species. Our results show that out of the three samples sequenced (NI, N2, and N3), the N1 sample was identified as Nypa fruticans with 100% identity (Accession Number is KT312925.1), while the others were the new strains identified in the study namely N2 identified as Astrocaryum aculeatum with 98.95% identity (Accession Number is NC 044482.1) and N3 identified as Astrocaryum aculeatum with 99.21% (Accession Number is 044482.1).

Aroplectrus dimerus (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), Ectoparasitoid of the Nettle Caterpillar, Oxyplax pallivitta (Lepidoptera: Limacodidae): Evaluation in the Hawaiian Islands.

The stinging nettle caterpillar, Oxyplax (syn. Darna) pallivitta (Lepidoptera: Limacodidae), is a serious invasive pest of agricultural products and a health hazard on the Hawaiian Islands first discovered in 2001. Nursery workers and homeowners have been stung by the caterpillars while handling their plants, especially rhapis palms (Rhapis sp.). Throughout its invaded range, it causes widespread damage, including the many cultivated and native palm species that have grown in Hawaii. Larvae contain urticating hairs that secrete a toxin, causing painful skin swelling and irritation on contact. Horticulture and nursery products impacted by the limacodid pest are estimated at $84.3 million (2018 value). Suppression efforts with pesticides and lure traps were ineffective, and the moth population continued to spread to major Hawaiian Islands (Hawaii, Kauai, Maui, Oahu). The introduction of specific biological control agents from the native region was thought to be the long-term solution for this invasive pest. Initial exploration in Indonesia and Thailand resulted in the introduction of a pupal ectoparasitoid, Nesolynx sp. (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae: Tetrastichinae), that was not specific. The oriental wasp, Aroplectrus dimerus Lin (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae: Eulophinae), idiobiont gregarious ectoparasitoid of the stinging nettle caterpillar, was introduced from Taiwan in 2004 for host specificity studies and biocontrol in Hawaii. Host range testing showed the parasitoid attacked only limacodid species, and it was approved for field release in 2010. The parasitoid identity, host specificity under containment facility conditions, reproductive performance, and colonization on the major infested sites were assessed. A total of 13,379 parasitoids were colonized on 162 release sites on four Hawaiian Islands. Evaluations were conducted using field surveys of larvae, pupal counts, and male lure traps. Field parasitism was thoroughly investigated on Oahu Island, averaging 18.9 ± 5.6% of 3923 collected larvae during 2010-2023. The numbers of male moths caught/trap/month were significantly reduced on Oahu Island (p < 0.05). Recently, the hyperparasitoid, Pediobius imbreus Walker (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae: Entedoninae), was detected, reducing the efficiency of A. dimerus in the field. The mean hyperparasitism of A. dimerus pupae was 27.3 ± 7.6% on Oahu Island. There was no detailed biological assessment for A. dimerus or its field evaluation available in scientific literature. Results were discussed regarding the potential use of A. dimerus in biocontrol elsewhere if the stinging nettle caterpillar was invaded in the future.

Diversity and conservation status of palms (Arecaceae) in two hotspots of biodiversity in Colombia and Ecuador

Societal Impact StatementPalms provide vital plant resources and ecosystem services to people across the tropics. To improve conservation guidance, a “health check” of palms in two highly threatened biodiversity hotspots in Colombia and Ecuador was undertaken. Palms are very diverse in these regions, but over one third are threatened with extinction now, especially among endemic species. Widespread and useful palms are also under intense human pressure and need to be prioritized in terms of sustainable management practices. Given the importance of palms for humans, inclusive conservation actions should be continued in both countries in order to safeguard this resource.Summary Palms provide central plant resources to societies in the tropics, especially in the Global South. The western Pacific and Andean regions of Colombia and Ecuador host two hotspots of biodiversity. To prioritize conservation policies towards palms, we undertook a conservation assessment of species in the region. We compiled a taxonomically verified database of specimens collected in both hotspots. We inferred preliminary conservation assessments using International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Criteria B. In addition, we evaluated the level of exposure of palms to human use and population density using the anthrome concept. We documented 144 native palm species in 33 genera occurring in both hotspots of Colombia and Ecuador. Of these, 55 are endemic to this region. We recorded 133 species for Colombia, 43 endemic, and 71 species for Ecuador, 9 endemic. A third of all palm species in the region are potentially threatened with extinction (50/144) and 12 as preliminary Critically Endangered. Aiphanes and Geonoma have the highest number of threatened species. In total, 60% of palm specimens were collected in the “low human impact” anthrome type. In contrast, 41% of specimens occur in high human density areas. The two hotspots of biodiversity in Colombia and Ecuador are very diverse in palms. However, we show that this diversity is under threat and is predominantly found in areas impacted by human activities. Extinction risk is highest in endemic species in both countries. Widespread and useful palm species also face threats linked to overexploitation or habitat loss. Inclusive conservation measures should be designed to conserve, together with communities, this plant resource.

Standardization of in vitro multiplication technique for Areca concinna Thwaites, an endangered palm species for its conservation and utilization

Standardization of in vitro multiplication technique for Areca concinna Thwaites, an endangered palm species for its conservation and utilization

Phylogeny, biogeography and ecological diversification of New Caledonian palms (Arecaceae).

The geographic origin and evolutionary mechanisms underpinning the rich and distinctive New Caledonian flora remain poorly understood. This is due to the complex geological past of the island and to the scarcity of well-resolved species-level phylogenies. Here, we infer phylogenetic relationships and divergence times of New Caledonian palms, which comprise 40 species. We use this framework to elucidate the biogeography of New Caledonian palm lineages, and to explore how extant species may have formed. A phylogenetic tree including 37 New Caledonian palm species and 77 relatives from tribe Areceae was inferred from 151 nuclear genes obtained by targeted sequencing. Fossil-calibrated divergence times were estimated, and ancestral ranges were inferred. Ancestral and extant ecological preferences in terms of elevation, precipitation and substrate were compared between New Caledonian sister species to explore their possible roles as drivers of speciation. New Caledonian palms form four well-supported clades, inside which relationships are well resolved. Our results support the current classification, but suggest that Veillonia and Campecarpus should be resurrected, and fail to clarify whether Rhopalostylidinae is sister to or nested in Basseliniinae. New Caledonian palm lineages derive from New Guinean and Australian ancestors, which reached the island through at least three independent dispersal events between the Eocene and Miocene. Palms then dispersed out of New Caledonia at least five times, mainly towards Pacific islands. Geographic and ecological transitions associated with speciation events differed across time and genera. Substrate transitions were more frequently associated with older than younger events. Neighbouring areas and a mosaic of local habitats shaped New Caledonia's palm flora, and the island played a significant role in generating palm diversity across the Pacific region. This new spatio-temporal framework will enable population-level ecological and genetic studies to further unpick the mechanisms underpinning New Caledonian palm endemism.

Efficacy and Persistence of Entomopathogenic Fungi against Rhynchophorus ferrugineus on Date Palm: Host to Host Transmission

The red palm weevil (RPW), Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier) (Coleoptera: Dryophthoridae), is a destructive and voracious pest of palm species worldwide. Due to environmental and regulatory concerns, ecologically safe alternatives to synthetic chemical insecticides are needed to manage this cryptic insect species. Entomopathogenic fungi have the potential to manage this pest. The scope of management and effectiveness can be improved by direct control or horizontal transmission of entomopathogenic fungal isolates. We tested in the laboratory the virulence and pathogenicity of fifteen different entomopathogenic fungal isolates belonging to the following species: Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, Beauveria brongniartii and Purpureocillium lilacinum. All fungal isolates were found virulent against larvae (14.9 ± 1.06 to 81.5 ± 1.48% mortality) and adults (5.6 ± 1.12 to 51.7 ± 1.51% mortality) at 12 d post-treatment. From a screening bioassay, five M. anisopliae (WG-08, WG-09) and B. bassiana (WG-23, WG-24, WG-25) isolates were tested for their concentration response mortality against larvae and adults after 7, 14 and 21 days (d) of treatment. Mortality was found positively correlated with concentration and time. At 21 d of treatment, WG-23 and WG-25 1 × 108 conidia/mL resulted in 100% mortality against larvae while only WG-25 1 × 109 conidia/mL caused 100% mortality of adults. Along with mortality, all the potential isolates have strong ovicidal effects that reduced 81.49% at 1 × 108 conidia/mL. The horizontal transmission bioassay indicated that the infected adults transmitted the disease to healthy individuals. Horizontal transmission of fungi from infected to non-infected adults not only caused significant mortality but also had a serious sublethal impact on insect development and fitness including reduced number of eggs/d fecundity, egg viability and neonate survival. Isolate WG-25 reduced oviposition (0.5 eggs/d), fecundity (11.7 eggs/female), egg viability (11.6%) along with larval survival 25.9% when infected male mated with normal female. In semi-field trials, all fungal isolates reduced survival of larvae found inside the palms and ultimately reduced infestations over a period of two months. The results of this study indicate that entomopathogenic fungi should be further tested for sustainable and efficient control of RPW in date palm production systems.

Phoenix ×arehuquensis nov. hybr. (Arecaceae): The hybrid of P. canariensis × P. reclinata in garden and forest

Phoenix reclinata Jacq. is a palm species native to tropical and southern Africa, extending to Madagascar, where its natural populations are exploited for sap and fibre. Widely embraced as an ornamental palm in gardens within warm zones abroad, it has established itself as an integral part of horticultural landscapes.On the other hand, Phoenix canariensis H. Wildpret is an endemic species found in the Canary Islands (Spain), forming extensive palm forests. Since the 1850s, it has emerged as the predominant ornamental Phoenix palm tree. Interestingly, in various regions, the natural habitat of one species intersects with cultivated individuals of the other. For instance, in southern Africa, where P. reclinata is indigenous and P. canariensis is exotic, occasional spontaneous hybrids have been reported. These hybrids have also been observed in Florida and California (USA), where both species are cultivated.In this publication, we formally introduce a new hybrid: Phoenix ×arehuquensis nov. hybr., originating from the Canary Islands. Additionally, we explore its potential impact on natural palm forests.

Allelopathic potential of ethanolic extract and its fractions from leaves of Geonoma schottiana Mart.

Geonoma schottiana Martius (Arecaceae) is an understory palm species widely distributed in Brazil. The objective of this work was to determine the allelopathic potential of Geonoma schottiana leaf extract and its fractions of different polarities and evaluate in vitro and in vivo antioxidant activities. The germination of seeds of Lactuca sativa and Panicum maximum was tested using ethanolic leaf extract and its hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and butanol fractions. In vitro antioxidant tests were performed through the DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and molybdenum tests, whereas the SOD, CAT, and POX enzymatic tests were used to evaluate in vivo antioxidant activity. Chemical analyses were performed through phytochemical screening of the main groups of secondary metabolites by thin-layer chromatography and quantification of the total contents of phenolics, tannins, and flavonoids. The hexane and butanol fractions had allelopathic effects on P. maximum and low activity on L. sativa. The ethyl acetate fraction presented higher antioxidant activity in the DPPH test, whereas butanol presented higher antioxidant activity in the ABTS test. The most active fractions in terms of allelopathic effect interfered with the increases in the production of SOD and POX enzymes. The most polar fractions had higher contents of phenolic compounds. All analyzed chemical groups were found in the phytochemical screening, except the anthracene group.

Sample Collection for Ganoderma Butt Rot of Palms

Palms are an integral part of the urban landscape in Florida. Ganoderma butt rot of palms, a disease caused by the wood-decaying white-rot fungus Ganoderma zonatum, is one of the major biotic concerns for the landscape industry. The lethal disease is prevalent across palm-growing regions in the US, and all palm species are believed to be susceptible to this fungus. It may take six months to a year for the diseased palm to die once the initial symptoms appear. But with the availability of a disease diagnostic assay, this fungal pathogen can be detected using saw dust samples collected from declining palms, several months before symptoms appear. Collect good quality samples by following these steps and understanding the caveats associated with each step.

Transmission ecology of Trypanosoma cruzi by Rhodnius prolixus (Reduviidae: Triatominae) infesting palm-tree species in the Colombian Orinoco, indicates risks to human populations.

Chagas disease, affecting approximately eight million individuals in tropical regions, is primarily transmitted by vectors. Rhodnius prolixus, a triatomine vector, commonly inhabits in ecotopes with diverse palm tree species, creating optimal conditions for vector proliferation. This study aims to explore the transmission ecology of Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative parasite of Chagas disease, by investigating the feeding patterns and natural infection rates of R. prolixus specimens collected from various wild palm species in the Colombian Orinoco region. To achieve this objective, we sampled 35 individuals from three palm species (Attalea butyracea, Acrocomia aculeata, and Mauritia flexuosa) in a riparian forest in the Casanare department of eastern Colombia, totaling 105 sampled palm trees. DNA was extracted and analyzed from 115 R. prolixus specimens at different developmental stages using quantitative PCR (qPCR) for T. cruzi detection and identification of discrete typing units. Feeding preferences were determined by sequencing the 12S rRNA gene amplicon through next-generation sequencing. A total of 676 R. prolixus specimens were collected from the sampled palms. The study revealed variation in population densities and developmental stages of R. prolixus among palm tree species, with higher densities observed in A. butyracea and lower densities in M. flexuosa. TcI was the exclusive T. cruzi discrete typing unit (DTU) found, with infection frequency positively correlated with R. prolixus abundance. Insects captured in A. butyracea exhibited higher abundance and infection rates than those from other palm species. The feeding sources comprised 13 mammal species, showing no significant differences between palm species in terms of blood sources. However, Didelphis marsupialis and Homo sapiens were present in all examined R. prolixus, and Dasypus novemcinctus was found in 89.47% of the insects. This study highlights the significance of wild palms, particularly A. butyracea, as a substantial risk factor for T. cruzi transmission to humans in these environments. High population densities and infection rates of R. prolixus were observed in each examined palm tree species.