The Impact of the Palm Weevil on Date Palm Productivity in Diyala Governorate and Methods of Treatment

Abstract

The research includes a study of (the impact of the palm weevil on palm productivity in Diyala Governorate and ways to treat it), as palm farms in Diyala Governorate are facing a large and varying spread of the palm weevil according to the agricultural units. The research problem includes the existence of human and natural geographical factors that have a great impact on the spread of the palm weevil. The main objective of this research is to study the insect's behavior, work to weaken its role in damaging palm trees in the study area, and evaluate its impact on the quantity and quality of palm productivity in the orchards of Diyala Governorate for the period 2025-2026. The researcher used the analytical method, field study, and data from the Ministry of Agriculture/Plant Protection Department in the Agricultural Pest Control Section. The study reached a number of results, most notably: the spatial variation in the spread of the palm weevil among the districts of Diyala Governorate. The study also confirmed that early detection and monitoring by farmers of their orchards, the use of agricultural pesticides within a crop rotation, and ensuring that offshoots are not transferred from infested areas by activating the role of agricultural quarantines have a significant impact on eliminating the palm weevil. The study also emphasized the importance of involving the private sector in crisis management by developing a program to train personnel capable of diagnosing and treating infestations. The study also showed a direct relationship between neglect of maintenance and the lack of awareness among farmers regarding detection methods and the increased severity of infestation