This small orange creature, measuring 2 to 4 centimeters, is causing concern along the Nice coastline. A call for vigilance has been issued to individuals to treat affected trees and prevent the spread of the parasite. Several symptoms to watch for include the presence of sawdust, holes, and galleries at the base of the fronds. These can turn yellow or even break, indicating that the weevils have already laid eggs in the plant. As of now, there are no cases in Nice, but the discovery of a specimen in Antibes at the beginning of July raises fears of the worst. The insect has already caused significant damage in Italy, in the Bordighera region, as well as in Menton and the Var.
Traps, essentially simple buckets filled with dates and weevil pheromones, help detect populations in a specific area. In any case, the only solution is cutting down the plant, which does not regrow, unlike trees. The palm must then be burned to eliminate larvae and eggs. This is the most radical means to curb the spread of the beetle. The use of insecticides in the city is risky for the health of residents, and results are not guaranteed. Applying glue to the fronds could trap the insects, but it is an unattractive option and very complex to implement.
Nice without its palm trees or a bare Promenade des Anglais: a worrying prospect for all inhabitants. The municipality remains receptive to scientists, who are still seeking an effective remedy, such as the introduction of a natural predator. Anyone with doubts about the presence of the weevil on their palm trees should contact the SRVP (regional plant protection service) as soon as possible. Mr. Bertaux, director of the Nice branch of this Ministry of Agriculture body, aims to reassure. “For now, only one weevil has been discovered in Antibes. We are still searching for the tree it came from.” A difficult task, as affected plants can take several months to show visible symptoms. To avoid further cases, he advises “not buying Canary Island palm trees, the main vector of the parasite,” and to remain vigilant for any suspicious yellowing of palms.
SRVP: 04.93.18.46.95
