A comprehensive analysis of more than a century of research on red palm weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus: trends, gaps, and future directions

The red palm weevil (RPW), Rhynchophorus ferrugineus , a destructive pest of palm species, has become a major concern in global agriculture due to its invasive nature and the complexity of its management. This bibliometric study analyzed 1129 peer-reviewed publications from 1918 to October 2024, revealing a significant increase in research output beginning in the late 1990s. While only 10 publications were recorded between 1918 and 1960, the number rose sharply in the 2000s and 2010s, reaching 181 and 617 articles, respectively. From 2021 to October 2024, 275 publications were identified, indicating sustained scientific interest in addressing the threat of RPW. Saudi Arabia and Egypt emerged as leading contributors in RPW research, followed by Italy, India, Spain, and China. Thematic analysis categorized the literature into eleven subject areas, with the highest representation in biochemistry, molecular biology & genetics (18.1 %), biology & symbiosis (17.5 %), and ecology & behavior (10.8 %). Pest management-related topics—including biological and chemical control, integrated pest management (IPM), irradiation, machine learning & early detection, pheromone-based systems, and risk assessment—accounted for 44.3 % of all publications. Despite the growing body of research, effective RPW management remains challenging due to the pest's cryptic lifecycle, rapid spread, and resistance to conventional control methods. Limitations in early detection technologies, inconsistent adoption of integrated approaches, and gaps in field-level implementation further complicate control efforts. This analysis highlights the need for interdisciplinary collaboration, innovation in detection and control strategies, and robust policy support to counter the persistent threat posed by R. ferrugineus . • The red palm weevil poses a significant threat to the global date palm industry. • Earlier publications on the RPW overlooked its potential to invade new regions. • The number of publications has increased sharply over the past ten years. • There is a substantial gap between research findings and their practical field applications. • Detecting the RPW remains a significant challenge for effective management.