Symptoms

• The adult (Plate83) causes cuts and wounds on the tree (Plate 84) and petioles.
• It is also found on the tree with stem bleeding disease.
• At larval stages, the weevil tunnels within the base of leaf petiole, which is close to stem, and as tree trunks.
• Fibres of the petiole base become loose and the petiole loses its grip to the stem. Fronds thus attacked will hang from the trunk.
• The adults are seen in large numbers within the bases of fronds.

Control Measures

• Spray the tree trunks and leaf bases with Quinalphos 25 EC 2 ml/L after removing hanging fronds.
• Give balanced nutrition to improve the health of the palm.