The date palm, Phoenix doctylifera L., is the most important fruit crop in the Middle East, cultivated since prehistoric times. Since mid-eighties the dreaded pest of palms viz. the red palm weevil. Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Oliv. has been reported to cause serious damage to date palm in certain pockets of the Gulf region. The pest subsequently spread to most of the date growing centers in the region and attained a key pest status. The unique agroclimatic conditions prevailing in the Middle East and the nature of the crop, coupled with transportation of planting material have helped in the rapid development and spread of the pest in a short period of about a decade Feeding of the soft tissues by this concealed borer often leads to the death of the palm. if timely curative measures are not adopted. However, taking up curative measures in the early stage of attack is often not possible as detection in infestation in the early stage is difficult. Moreover, the presence of neglected date gardens, beheaded palms, retention of unwanted off shoots etc. make the problem intricate. To tackle this problem from various angles and successfully combat the pest, the following Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programme is suggested. The major components of the IPM strategy are surveillance, trapping the weevil using pheromones lures, detection of infestation by examining palms. Eliminating hidden breeding sites, clearing abandoned gardens, maintaining crop and field sanitation, preventive chemical treatments, curative chemical control implementing quarantine measures and training and education.

This chapter summarizes the research developed during the last century on different aspects of the red palm weevil R. ferrugineus, including latest findings on its biology, morphotaxonomy, geographical distribution, economic impact and management and prevention options, including chemical, biological, cultural, biotechnological and legal/regulatory controls as well as sanitation. Future areas of research are mentioned.

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h i g h l i g h t s Rhynchophorus species are polyphagous and some are pests of several palm species. We reviewed their natural enemies in both their native and introduced regions. More than 50 natural enemies have been reported to attack Rhynchophorus species. Fungi are the most promising ones for biological control.

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