Short Term Consultancy - Developing early detection systems for the Red Palm Weevil (RPW) and field evaluation of remote sensing technology

• A field experiment will be conducted at ICBA's farm to test a situ sensor Palmear to be installed on the palm trees (another sensor will be tested-under discussion with company). Thirty palms (randomized) will be studied (20 infested plus 10 healthy). Land Preparation is already started, and the field is ready to plant seedlings in block one at ICBA's site. RPW infestation will begin in May, while remote sensing and drone flying will start in June and July. The seedlings variety is Khalas, with the age of the palms 5-8 years, and height of the trunk not less than 1.5-1.8 meters. The infestation is recommended to be at a height not exceeding one meter from the ground, which is in the zone below one meter high where infestation generally starts. Sensors should be placed on the other side of the places where the larvae will be placed, and these should be set as low as possible.

• Standard methods of infestation will be made with 3^rd instar larvae (not adults). Two levels of infestations are planned (5 and 10 larvae).

• Nutrient Management, water management, etc., will be unified across the sites.

• Drone Flying will be done at the ICBA's site from June 2023 onwards.

• The consultant will support the ICBA team in implementing the field experiment, and will advise on acoustic detection. 

• The consultant will train the ICBA’s technisions on the infestation. 

• The consultant will recommend the data structure for reporting in situ observations, which will be consistently followed throughout the project phase.

More specifically, the consultant will be mainly responsible for conducting the following tasks:

1. Inspect the seedlings to ensure they are free from infection upon receiving them at ICBA farm– provide healthy seedlings.
2. Collect Larvae of different ages from infected farms for use in the experiment.
3. Implement the infestation of the larvae in the seedlings. Ensure well-known procedures are followed and use appropriate tools to do this task.
4. Monitor the performance of the infestation and take the right action in case any problem occurs in the field. To avoid any damage or death of the larvae
5. Advise the daily operation of the experimental field and recommend actions to ensure the experiment's success.
6. The consultant will visit the experimental site weekly to ensure the performance is as planned and to address challenges in the field. The consultant should pay a visit upon request and in case of emergency.