Chile: SAG intensifies surveillance to prevent the entry of a dangerous pest into palm trees

The pest not present in Chile could attack native species such as the Chilean palm and the Juan Fernández palm; its recent detection in Uruguay increased concern about its possible entry into our country. The Agricultural and Livestock Service, SAG, issued an alert due to the increase in entry pressure of the pest Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier), also known as the red palm weevil. This insect, which is not present in Chile, is highly destructive to palm trees, being especially important for native endemic species such as the Chilean palm (Jubaea chilensis), and the Juan Fernández palm (Juania australis). The insect originally from Asia was absent from the American continent, however, it was recently detected in Uruguay, where it has caused significant damage to ornamental palm trees such as the Canary Islands palm, increasing concern about its potential entry into our country. The SAG has intensified surveillance at border controls, focusing attention on imported material. It ...