Palm Commodity Survey

The Palm commodity survey is a cooperative effort by Clemson-DPI and USDA-APHIS-PPQ to protect South Carolina’s Horticultural and landscaping industries and to preserve a safe and healthy environment.  Large palm weevil traps will be placed and monitored according to guidelines for New Guinea sugarcane weevil (Rhabdoscelus obscurus), Red palm weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus), and South American palm weevil (Rhynchophorus palmarum).  Inspectors will also conduct a visual survey for both Coconut rhinoceros beetle (Oryctes rhinoceros) and Palm lethal yellowing (Candidatus Phytoplasma palmae 16SrIV).

Palms are popular in the state’s ornamental landscape trade especially in coastal regions and South Carolina’s state tree and well-known symbol is the native sable palmetto.  Many coastal forest systems have native dwarf palmettos and needle palms as an understory component.  Early detection would provide significant benefit in the ability to control or manage these pests.