Abundance of palm frond borer Phonapate frontalis (Fah.) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) with reference to potential use of garlic extract for its control in Siwa Oasis, Egypt

Palm frond borer Phonapate frontalis F. (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) has been recently detected as an economic pest of date palm orchards at Siwa Oasis, Egypt. The infestation symptoms appeared in the form of frond break and viscous oozes at the fracture points. The present study aimed to monitor the population fluctuation of P. frontalis adults, using light traps during 2016 season and to test the capability of the methanolic garlic extract to deter the beetles and consequently reduce frond breakage. The average monthly monitoring revealed minor Phonapate adult catches during January and November with maximum numbers during June–August. Coinciding with the surveillance of Phonapate adults, broken fronds were periodically monitored. The highest average breakage was noticed at the period extended from May to September. Accordingly, fortnight spraying program had been designed and commenced to cover such period. At the end of the proposed program, the corrected infestation percentages recorded about 43.11, 44.89, and 42.22% at 1000, 2000, and 3000 ppm of the methanolic garlic extract concentrations, respectively. Accordingly, garlic extract succeeded to diminish palm frond infestation through its capability to deter adult beetles. Engagement of cost competitive treatment as a P. frontalis niche (palm fronds) management tool in the proposed IPM program could support the sustainable pest management in the date palm orchards.