Doctoral Dissertation at the University of Basrah Investigates Field Monitoring and Scientific Control of the Red Palm Weevil
A doctoral dissertation at the College of Agriculture, University of Basrah, entitled “Monitoring and Control of Red Palm Weevil Infestation,” investigated methods for monitoring the spread of the pest and developing effective control strategies in Basrah Governorate.
The dissertation, presented by researcher Sanaa Sakhr Abbas, aimed to conduct a field survey of infestations in the districts of Safwan and Al-Zubair, monitor the distribution of the red palm weevil using pheromone traps, examine the influence of environmental factors, evaluate the efficiency of traps, pheromones, and systemic insecticides, and document a parasitic nematode for the first time while assessing its effectiveness as a biological control agent.
The findings revealed that the pest remains active throughout the year, with female weevils accounting for the majority of captured insects. The dissertation recommended the adoption of pitfall traps, trunk injection with systemic insecticides, and the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to map infestation hotspots and enhance the precision of pest management operations.
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