Seasonal Population Dynamics of Red Palm Weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Olivier) in Relation to Climatic Factors and Date Palm Varietal Susceptibility in Panjgur, Balochistan, Pakistan

Hamid Ibrahim1; Ghulam Ali Bugti; Abdul Hafeez Mastoi; Nadil Shah; Arif Ali; Fatima; Iqra Batool

Seasonal Population Dynamics of Red Palm Weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Olivier) in Relation to Climatic Factors and Date Palm Varietal Susceptibility in Panjgur, Balochistan, Pakistan

Authors

Hamid Ibrahim1 MS Scholar, Department of Entomology, Lasbela University of Agriculture, Water & Marine Science, Uthal, Balochistan, Pakistan
Ghulam Ali Bugti Assistant Professor, Department of Entomology, Lasbela University of Agriculture, Water & Marine Science, Uthal, Balochistan, Pakistan
Abdul Hafeez Mastoi Assistant Professor, Department of Entomology, Lasbela University of Agriculture, Water & Marine Science, Uthal, Balochistan, Pakistan
Nadil Shah Agriculture Extension Department, Tubat Government of Balochistan, Pakistan
Arif Ali Assistant Professor, Department of Entomology, Lasbela University of Agriculture, Water & Marine Science, Uthal, Balochistan, Pakistan
Fatima MS Scholar, Department of Entomology, Lasbela University of Agriculture, Water & Marine Science, Uthal, Balochistan, Pakistan
Iqra Batool MS Scholar, Department of Entomology, Lasbela University of Agriculture, Water & Marine Science, Uthal, Balochistan, Pakistan

Keywords:

Rhynchophorus ferrugineus, date palm, population dynamics, pheromone trapping, temperature, varietal susceptibility

Abstract

The red palm weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Olivier) is a serious pest of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) worldwide and has become a major threat to date growers in the Makeran Division, Balochistan, especially in the Panjgur district. This study monitored RPW population dynamics and seasonal activity over 26 weeks (April–September 2025) in the district of Panjgur, using pheromone-baited plastic bucket traps. Weekly adult counts, sex ratio, and climatic data (temperature and relative humidity) were recorded. RPW adults were present throughout the observation period, showing two population peaks: an early-season peak and a late peak around weeks 24–26, with the lowest activity recorded at week 18. Mean adult catches were 7.65 ± 0.38 weevils per trap. Females were captured in greater numbers, 4.60 ± 0.25, than males, 3.04 ± 0.15, weevils per trap, indicating strong pheromone attraction. The mean temperature in district Panjgur was 27.25 ± 0.36°C, and the mean relative humidity was 26.73 ± 0.49%. Variety-wise infestation showed the Mozawati with the highest infestation, 11.33 ± 1.33, and Shakar with 6.67 ± 0.66. The infestation rate of RPW adults and larvae varies in different sample varieties; the average adult catches in all varieties were 3.02 ± 0.35, and the mean larval catches were 4.16 ± 0.44. These results suggest that pheromone trapping, combined with other control measures and timed to climatic windows, can improve sustainable RPW management and date palm production in Makeran Division.

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Seasonal Population Dynamics of Red Palm Weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Olivier) in Relation to Climatic Factors and Date Palm Varietal Susceptibility in Panjgur, Balochistan, Pakistan