The threat of red palm weevil in urban palm trees It has once again become a central issue in municipal debate in Spain, with actions ranging from emergency tree felling to preventative campaigns. In recent days, Mugardos, Puçol and Santander They have taken concrete steps to curb the spread of the insect.
In a scenario where early detection is complicated and public safety is increasingly important, local councils are opting for coordinated protocolsplanned treatments and, when there is no alternative, the removal of the affected trees. The priority is twofold: protect the green heritage and avoid risks from falls or structural breakage of damaged specimens.
Mugardos: logging must be postponed for safety reasons
The City Council has announced the inevitable felling of the palm tree located at the intersection of Avenida de Galicia and Praza do MercadoAfter observing very advanced deterioration consistent with a red palm weevil infestation, the latest inspection detected, despite previous treatments. tilt of the upper leaves and yellow-brown tones, signs of an internal drying process that compromises the stability of the specimen.
The surgery is scheduled for Wednesday, November 5th, starting at 9:00. One lane will be cut in a downward direction on Galicia Avenue, from the intersection with Castelao Street to the climb to Peteiro; the Local police will regulate traffic Drivers are advised to use alternative routes such as Maria Street to get down to the port.
Puçol: endotherapy to protect the trees
The City Council has launched a new campaign of phytosanitary treatments using endotherapy in the municipal palm trees. This technique injects the product directly into the tree vascular systemavoiding overspray and reducing the impact on the environment. The work is carried out according to a plan by the municipal brigade gardening team in different areas of the municipality.
The Environment Department points out that Endotherapy is effective and respectful with the urban ecosystem, integrating into the annual tree conservation plan that contemplates pruning, pest control and replacement of specimens where appropriate. The aim is to protect the plant heritage and minimize the presence of the red palm weevil in the municipality.
Santander: comprehensive plan and collaboration with owners
The City Council has unanimously approved a motion to to implement a comprehensive plan against the red palm weevil that includes not only the public palm trees, which are already being treated, but also collaboration with the owners of palm trees on private estatesThe roadmap includes a updated census of private specimens, information sessions and the possibility of opening a specific line of financial aid.
The City Council has detailed that, of the 306 public palm treesSix cases were registered at the beginning of the year, and now there are 17. In recent months, [treatments] were applied chemical treatments in September or with a tenth nematode treatment in OctoberSince 2023, a total of ten actions have been carried out, nine preventative and one curative, in order to contain the spread of the insect.
How the red palm weevil attacks and why it is difficult to detect
This beetle takes advantage wounds or leaf bases for egg-laying; upon hatching, the larvae feed on the interior of the stipe and they burrow tunnels that destroy tissues. The damage progresses from the inside out, so visible symptoms appear late: collapse of the central plume and, if no action is taken, loss of the specimen.
Measures that work in urban environments
Cities combine several tools: endotherapy for systemic protection, entomopathogenic nematodes in preventative programs, targeted chemical controls when necessary and, as support, traps with attractants for monitoring. When the condition is irreversible or there is a risk to people, intervention is used. safety logging and the proper management of waste.
Good practices include Do not move pruning debris without controldisinfect tools, coordinate alerts and actions, and prioritize purchases at authorized nurseriesCommunity collaboration and synchronized municipal action make all the difference in stopping the plague.
The advance of Red weevil This is pushing local councils to combine rapid safety measures with planned treatments and greater coordination with private property owners; cases such as Mugardos, Puçol and Santander They illustrate an approach that focuses on protecting urban palm trees, containing outbreaks in time, and preserving a landscape that is part of the identity of our cities.
