The government has announced that owners of palm trees are required to register them with the Plant Health Department within the next 30 days. This is being done as part of the government’s efforts to mitigate the risks posed by the red palm weevil, a deadly pest of date, coconut, oil, sago and other palms.

Plant Health Department director Marika Gatt said that the registration would give the government a clearer picture of palm trees on the island, pointing out that many of the palms which may be infected would be hidden from public view.

The department received 500 reports of suspicious infections last year, 193 infected trees were uprooted and 60 more infected trees were currently waiting to be uprooted.

Although there were some cases of trees being cured following intervention, this was mostly effective when it was carried out at the beginning of the disease.

The uprooting of a palm tree may cost from €25 to hundreds of euros, and although the government was considering assistance to control the infection, this will only be available to those who have registered.

In addition, every palm owner is obliged to treat his or her palm/s according to instructions given by the Department of Health. These instructions may be obtained from their website www.planthealth.gov.mt or by telephoning the department on 23397100.

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