Potentially Innovative Approach To Detect RPW Using Its Acoustic Trait: Early detection of Red Palm weevil

Productivity and high yield are based on the healthy development of crops. Growth progression gets disturbed due to climatic factors or pest infestation. Damages due to pest infestation on palms could be controlled in its early detection and treatment. Research conducted on pests, with special emphasis on developing management practices and suitable strategies for diseases affecting coconut palm are dealt by a number of scientists. The diseases on palms can be due to various pests. Few of these pests include Rhinoceros beetle, leaf eating caterpillar, red palm weevil (RPW), coconut white grub, mealy bug, rats and nematodes. A major threat causing pest is RPW which is a concealed borer. If infestation of the weevil is not detected in an early stage, the palm often dies. Early detection of RPW avoids total damage of tree producing constructive outcome.

Dr. Betty Martin has earned her Ph.D in the year 2013 in field of Acoustics and Signal Processing. She is an author of several books and has authored scientific articles in various reputed journals and conferences nationally and internationally. She has delivered invited talks in seminars and workshops. Her recent interest is in pest management.