Description and quantification of damage from the insect Jebusaea hammerschmidti (Reiche, 1877) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) on date palm

Abstract: The longhorn date palm borer, Jebusaea hammerschmidti Reiche, hereafter called LHB, has become a serious pest of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) in recent years. Samples of cross and longitudinal sections of trunks and leaves were processed using a professional digital camera (Canon EOS 600D 18.0 MP with 18-55 IS II Lens), image processing program (Image J 1.48), and computer-aided design (CAD) software (Autocad 2015 × 64). The larvae caused most of the damage, on trunks and leaf bases. The main external diagnostic symptoms of damage were adults exit holes and light brown gummy exudate on the trunk and leaf bases. Severe infestation led to 59 % reduction in trunk diameter and 32 % of damage on leaf bases. The infestation by the LHB negatively affects palm longevity, yield, and utilization of palm wood. Additionally, infested palms may be predisposed to attack by other pests.