A NEW, MUCH MORE HARMFUL PLAGUE TAKES RELAY TO THE RED PICUDO.

An inspection carried out by technicians from the Farm of the Cabildo de Gran Canaria has confirmed the presence and spread of the diocalandra frumenti, picudín, in the palm groves of the south and north of the island, being responsible for the condition that was initially attributed to the effects of the drought.

Diocalandra frumenti with a wingspan of only six millimeters, known as picudín, is causing real havoc on the palm trees of the south of the island in the tourist areas, damage to palm trees in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria was detected, Wit, Telde and Arucas, what has alarmingly concerned.

From the Cabildo they remember that the picudín made its appearance on the island about fifteen years ago. But it has been now, by having the red weevil almost controlled, when it has been reactivated in a virulent way. To combat it, an intervention plan has been put in place that includes an individualized census to find out the health status of the 40.000 palm trees of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

The answer given to the decay of many palm trees was due to the lack of water. However, La Granja del Cabildo studies have concluded that the origin of many of these cases is due to the spread of this tiny bug, still unaware of his real condition.

Due to its size, the picudín is less visible to operators, hence the confusion about the pathology that affects palm trees again.. One of the biggest problems posed by the weevil is the transmission and multiplication of viral diseases and fungi that end up irreversibly damaging the palm tree..

The first news of the diocalender dates back to 1998, although now is when it is having a greater incidence. As in other cases, it is believed that their arrival could be in some sick consignment from countries in Asia or East Africa. Until now its presence in the Peninsula is unknown, although there are already cases in islands like Fuerteventura.

Researchers recommend acting in the same way as the weevil, this is, avoid excessive pruning and dry the cutting area, to avoid that there are cool areas that serve as a claim for pests. It is advisable to apply the new controlled pruning practices, especially with the Canarian palm tree, which is usually the most affected by this attack.