The longhorn beetle Jebusaea hammerschmidtii Reiche (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae): an old serious pest undermining date palm plantations.

Abstract

Abstract The longhorn date palm stem borer, Jebusaea hammerschmidtii Reiche has become an important pest that causes economic damage in date palm groves. The beetle has established itself in many date palm-producing countries as one of the most important biotic factors that threatens date palm cultivation and genetic diversity. The larvae of the longhorn stem borer, the destructive stage, are endophytic developing inside the date palm tissues. This article consolidates the scant literature on the beetle biology, ecology, economic impact, possible field management measures, and future research priorities.