Dealing with the red palm weevil

I refer to Anthony Spiteri's letter (November 30). I am informed that Mr Spiteri called at the offices of the Plant Health Department on November 6 and reported an infected palm tree at Ta' Qali National Park.

He chose not to leave a contact number and, therefore, the department was unable to inform him on the outcome of his report. It must be pointed out that the trees at Ta' Qali National Park are being treated with the best known methods and substances. Given the large number of host trees, about 700 at the national park, treatment success rates are quite optimistic.

One has to keep in mind the practical difficulty in treating trees that require specialised equipment.

Last week, on November 30, three infected palm trees were removed from the national park, including the one mentioned in the letter. May I also point out that Mr Spiteri was informed that the Plant Health Department is responsible for felling infected trees in Malta and in most cases this is carried out for free.