Red palm weevil infestation devastates date palm orchards in Salah Al-Din

SALAH AL-DIN — A red palm weevil infestation is devastating date palm orchards in Ishaqi, a region vital to Iraq’s date production. The pest, which has already toppled four trees and infected 10 others, has sparked concern among farmers and agricultural officials.

The weevil, an invasive species, burrows into young palm trunks to lay its eggs, leaving behind signs such as foul-smelling black liquid and sawdust near the base of infected trees. First detected in Balad earlier this year, the pest can fly up to 1,200 meters, making early detection and containment particularly challenging.

Agricultural teams in Salah Al-Din are employing a mix of treatments, including phosphine tablets, Spartan pesticides, and agricultural sulfur, to combat the infestation. “After reports of infestations in Ishaqi, our specialized team inspected and treated the affected trees,” said Mohammed Qahtan, head of plant protection in the governorate. “We found 11 infected trees in one orchard and eradicated the pest and its eggs using these methods.”.

Farmers have commended the swift action. “I was shocked to see several palm trees in my orchard fall without strong winds,” said Ahmed Khalaf, a local farmer. “The agricultural division identified the issue as red palm weevil infestation and provided pesticides, which saved my remaining trees.”.

The threat is significant for Ishaqi, known as a “food basket” of Iraq due to its extensive date palm cultivation. “Palm trees are a national treasure, and Ishaqi plays a vital role in date production,” said Ahmed Farhan, another farmer. “This pest targets young trees, causing them to collapse without warning.”.

The infestation’s rapid spread poses an ongoing challenge. Authorities are intensifying efforts to prevent outbreaks in other areas of Salah Al-Din. Farmers have called for continued vigilance and government support to safeguard the region’s agricultural heritage.

The red palm weevil was first recorded in the region on June 29, 2024, in Harbi orchards near Balad. Similar challenges have been reported elsewhere in Iraq; on Nov. 3, Basra’s municipality uprooted palm trees around its sports complex, citing an uncontrollable infestation that threatened nearby trees.