In the framework of actions to preserve plant health in the national territory, personnel from the National Agri-Food Health and Quality Service (SENASA) carried out a technical follow-up visit to Martín García Island to supervise the actions established in the Contingency Plan (Resolution N° 133/2026), after the phytosanitary emergency declared due to the detection of the Red Palm Weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus).
During the tour, technicians and inspectors verified compliance with the phytosanitary measures implemented:
-Cutting and treatment of stipes: Removal of trunk sections affected by PRP and their subsequent conditioning in containers for the application of phytosanitary products.
-Foliage treatment: Transfer of leaf remains to a delimited area away from the island's populated zone for subsequent burning.
-Final disposal: Once the grace period indicated on the label of the products used had elapsed, the treated plant material was transferred to a specific pool for definitive burial.
Likewise, they carried out a visual inspection of the stumps, treatment sites, and burning areas, with no new detections of the pest. During the supervision, a juvenile Phoenix palm specimen was also detected on the property of a private residence that showed symptoms compatible with insect attack. Although as a result of the evaluation no presence of the pest was detected, its immediate removal was preventively scheduled.
The central objective of the activity was to supervise and monitor the phytosanitary control work implemented by the Province to contain the pest. According to reports from the protected area's park rangers, more than 30 Phoenix palm specimens have been eradicated from April to date.
SENASA's delegation —comprising specialists from the Directorate of Plant Health and the Directorate of Regional Center and Surveillance, both from the National Directorate of Plant Protection, together with the Metropolitan Regional Center— coordinated the work day inter-institutionally with technicians from the Province of Buenos Aires.
With these actions, the Organization reaffirms its commitment to joint work and federal articulation with the different provincial jurisdictions to protect phytosanitary heritage and ensure the care of local ecosystems.
