First report of red palm weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus on banana cultivar ‘Asomiya Malbhog’ in Assam, India

Abstract

Red palm weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus is a key pest of many palm species such as the oil palm, coconut, sago, and date palm. In various parts of India, yield losses of 10-25% have been recorded in palm plantations and damage to an extent of 34% from the coconut groves. Recently, this weevil has occurred as a pest of the bananacultivar “Asomiya Malbhog” in Assam with infestation ranging from 4-8 per cent. This is an indication of expanding host range and needs vigil to contain further spread. This article outlines the first report of red palm weevil on banana from Assam, India.