Kerman - Iran has launched field trials of a new insecticide injection technology to combat the destructive red palm weevil in cooperation with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), while also assessing agricultural sorting and packaging facilities in Jiroft to help improve export quality and standards.

 

The trials began in date palm plantations in Jiroft, southeastern Kerman province, under an FAO cooperation agreement, with the participation of FAO Representative Farrukh Toirov and specialists from Iran’s Research Institute of Plant Protection.

 

The experimental treatment of infested palm trees is being carried out using a newly introduced, Italian-made injection device in the presence of Dr. Mohammadpour.

 

Explaining the technology, Mohammadpour said the device uses a specialized mechanical system to establish an injection channel without conventional drilling. The insecticide is then delivered directly into the palm tree through connected hoses.

 

He said the technology’s effectiveness would be assessed through scientific evaluation, with findings expected within six months. The assessment will determine the method’s success in treating date palms infested with the red palm weevil.

 

In a separate initiative under the broader Iran–FAO cooperation framework, Toirov, accompanied by Mohammadkazem Mohammadpour, Mousa Najafinia and several faculty members of the Research Institute of Plant Protection, visited privately operated agricultural sorting and packaging facilities in Jiroft.

 

The visit focused on examining the infrastructure used to prepare agricultural products for export and identifying opportunities to improve product quality and compliance with export standards.

 

Toirov said international cooperation offers an important opportunity to showcase the agricultural potential of southeastern Kerman province to global markets. He also stressed the importance of enhancing the quality of the region’s export products to strengthen their competitiveness.

 

The field trials and infrastructure assessment form part of broader efforts to protect date palm plantations, improve agricultural product quality and strengthen the export capacity of southern Kerman through cooperation between Iranian institutions and FAO.