The borers are one of the main pests of palms due to their direct and indirect damages which may result in plant death. The population survey of this insect is important in order to properly handle its control. This study aimed to monitor the population dynamic of Rhynchophorus palmarum in commercial plantations of Elaeis guineensis Jacq. and E. oleifera (HBK) Cortes, in the Amazonas State. For capturing insects, baited traps containing pieces of sugarcane stalk and aggregation pheromone were distributed around the plantation, in the Experimental Station of Rio Urubu, Rio Preto da Eva, AM, Brazil. The data were evaluated for the annual (2005 to 2009) incidence of insects, monthly incidence and frequency of capture. Comparing the years, it was found that the largest amount of insects collected was in 2005, being observed a reduction in captured insects by 2007, then the amount of captured insects increased in 2008 and 2009. For months within a given year no difference was found on the population dynamic of this insect (P > 0,05). Approximately 40% of the collections exceeded four insects, being observed similar behavior in the capture frequency of years studied.
Oil palm; Caiaué; Borer Beetle; Population
