Be the first to comment!Guidelines for palms that can be used during Palm Sunday
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The Plant Health Directorate issues guidelines for palms to be used during Palm Sunday (Hadd il-Palm)
The palm tree has many uses other than for landscaping. It is a common local tradition to use the fronds of Phoenix species for pilgrimages due to its symbolism.
The primary focus is on the Canary Palm (Phoenix canariensis) which is one of the most susceptible palm trees found locally. This is the largest among the palm trees and can grow up to 15 metres high, having long bright green fronds with sharp thorns at the base.
Malta, along with other European countries is currently being faced with a major pest problem: the Red Palm Weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus) which is a palm tree borer capable of killing palm trees within a short period of time. It is also capable of flying long distances to infest other palm trees. Thus, it is of utmost importance that any palm fronds to be used for Palm Sunday must originate from palm trees free from the Red Palm Weevil.
A written approval has to be obtained from the Plant Health Directorate for the pruning of palms, as in Legal Notice 42 of 2009. The palm trees from where the fronds are cut have to be sprayed with an appropriate insecticide after pruning. This has to be repeated for three consecutive times in order to best protect the trees. All palms from which fronds are cut have to be registered with the Plant Health Directorate.
For any further information and guidance please contact the Surveillance and Inspectorate Unit within the Plant Health Directorate on 23397545 or send an email on plantquarantine@gov.mt or visit our website www.planthealth.gov.mt.
Fronds have to be cut as short as possible so as to minimise infective areas which are generally concentrated at the base of the fronds. The base of the frond has to be sealed with an appropriate pruning sealant since the Red Palm Weevil is attracted to this fresh damage and uses these fresh cuts for depositing eggs.
In order to manage this Infestation the Plant Health Directorate is soliciting the cooperation of all the public involved in such activities. Such an infestation can only be controlled if all persons involved play their part so as to ensure the enjoyment of such activities by future generations. For any further information please contact the Plant Health Directorate within the Ministry for Resources and Rural Affairs on 23397100.
