The Plant Health Department has issued guidelines for the cutting of palm branches to be used during the Easter festivities. The guidelines are aimed at preventing the spread of the Red Palm Weevil.

It said in a statement that according to a legal notice permission from the department was needed to prune palm trees. These trees had to be treated with pesticides after they were pruned and the treatment had to be repeated for three consecutive times. Moreover, branches had to be cut as small as possible and fresh cuts had to be covered so as not to attract the weevils.

All palms from which branches are to be taken had to be registered with the Plant Health Department.

Further information can be obtained from the department on tel. 2339 7545 or 8007 2310, e-mail: plantquarantine@gov.mt.