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Margalef Institute of the University of Alicante and the city of Cartagena has begun testing a new method, based on fungi, pest eradication delpicudo red.

The test has begun to take place this morning at about 70 palm trees of the Heroes of Cavite and the port area affected by this predator, which in the past 5 years has wiped out about 600 copies of the nearly 12,000 that are estimated to be in public gardens in the municipality of Cartagena.

The alarming spread of this disease has led to the council's Infrastructure and Services to sign an agreement with Alicante Institute has so far been successfully developed this new method, experimental tests carried out in nurseries of the Huerto del Cura in Elche.

The company performing the tests in Cartagena is called Garden of Elche, Elche from the city, with extensive experience in the treatment of palm trees.

The fungus Beauveria bassiana is a predator that in tests conducted so far has killed the red palm weevil after 14 days of application in 90 percent of cases, and 100 percent, after 24 days.

Its main advantage is its preventive nature, as it protects the plant weevil for four months, twice the time of chemical compounds.

It is also harmless to other insects beneficial to the ecological chain.

Sources of Parks and Gardens Service have expressed confidence in the results of tests to be performed, of which also are pending the department of Plant Protection of the Autonomous Community to extend its application to other copies of the Region .

So far the species most affected by this pest has been lapalmera Canary Islands, although there have been cases depalmeras date palms and has detected the presence of weevils in some specimens of palms.

The cost of this test for the municipality is estimated at 18,000 euros, for the preparation of the dose and its implementation by staff.

After its implementation, now need to wait few days to see if the results are as expected.

Source: Ayuntamiento de Cartagena