Bagworm and red palm weevil-major pest and potential threat to the Malaysian oil palm industry

Abstract

Elaeis gunineensis is the golden crop of Malaysia that contributes to the economic export of the country and the planters' livelihood. Despite control measures to overcome the issue, bagworm remains the most reported infesting oil palm cultivation in the last four decades. Furthermore, the coconut areas in oil palm plantations documented an invasive alien species infestation, the Rhynchophorus ferrugineus or red palm weevil (RPW). The widespread devastation the pests caused on palm cultivation worldwide has served as warning to the industry, primarily in Malaysia, where palm oil is the main commodity. The present study highlights the current report on the biology, control, and technological advancements in bagworm management. A recent report on the RPW concerning its biology, detection, the scenario in oil palm plantations, and control methods investigated in past studies was also discussed. This study could offer new insights on the pest and its potential threats to oil palm cultivation in Malaysia.