The red palm weevil (RPW) [Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Olivier (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)] is an invasive pest of coconut palm (Cocos nucifera L.), one of the most important cultivated crops in Malaysia after oil palm, rubber, paddy and fruits. In a study conducted in a coconut plantation in Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia to examine the efficacy of selected food baits and ferrugineol to trap adults of RPW in the field, traps using ferrugineol and pineapple bait captured the highest number of RPW adults. Results of the study may provide important information on the most effective food bait, which is low in cost, less time-consuming and not labor-intensive for the use of small holders in coconut plantations in Malaysia.
{Photograph courtesy of Mohd. Haris Hussain}