Four new palm species records for Rhynchophorus palmarum (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in California

Authors

  • Mark S Hoddle Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, California 92521, USA
  • Gregory Johansen City of San Diego Parks and Recreation Department, 2125 Park Boulevard, San Diego, California 92101, USA
  • Erich Kast City of San Diego Parks and Recreation Department, 2125 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
  • Angel M Lopez City of San Diego Parks and Recreation Department, 2125 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
  • Magen M Shaw City of San Diego Parks and Recreation Department, 2125 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101, USA

Abstract

Four palm species, previously unknown hosts for Rhynchophorus palmarum L. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), were killed by this invasive palm weevil in Balboa Park, San Diego County, California, USA. The 4 new palm species recorded as reproductive hosts for R. palmarum for the first time are Brahea edulis, Jubaea chilensis, Phoenix reclinata, and Sabal bermudana (all Arecaceae). Phoenix canariensis Chabaud (Arecaceae) is the most highly attacked palm species at Balboa Park, and importantly, no attacks on the edible date palm, Phoenix dactylifera L. (Arecaceaae), have been observed. The edible date industry is an important specialty crop in California that may be at risk from R. palmarum.

Sumario

Cuatro especies de palmeras, anteriormente hospederas desconocidas de Rhynchophorus palmarum L. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), fueron matadas por este picudo invasor de las palmeras en el Parque Balboa, condado de San Diego, California, EE. UU. Las 4 nuevas especies de palmeras registradas como hospederas reproductoras de R. palmarum por primera vez son Brahea edulis, Jubaea chilensis, Phoenix reclinata, y Sabal bermudana (todas Arecaceae). Phoenix canariensis Chabaud (Arecaceae) es la especie de palmera más atacada en el Parque Balboa y lo que es más importante, no se han observado ataques a la palmera datilera comestible, Phoenix dactylifera L. (Aracaceae). La industria de los dátiles comestibles es un cultivo importante de especialidad en California que puede estar en riesgo por R. palmarum.

Key Words: Brahea edulis; invasive pest; Jubaea chilensis; palm; Phoenix reclinata; Sabal bermudana

View this article in BioOne

Downloads

Published

2021-08-04

Issue

Section

Scientific Notes