Be the first to comment!Guidelines for usage of Palms in Palm Sunday Celebrations
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The palm tree has many uses other than for landscaping. It is a common local tradition to use the fronds of Phoenix species as a commemorative act during Palm Sunday celebrations.
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.
During these last few years, Malta, along with many European countries and other Mediterranean countries, have been 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 which are free from symptoms of Red Palm Weevil infection.
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 according to provisions in Government Notice No. 564 of 2011. This treatment has to be repeated for three consecutive times in order to best protect the trees.
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 seeking 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 Customer Care Service at the Plant Health Directorate within the Ministry for Resources and Rural Affairs on 22927106 or on freephone 80072310. Otherwise one can send an email to plantquarantine@gov.mt or visit www.planthealth.gov.mt.
