Envision of an international consortium for palm research

An increasing number of insects and diseases are destroying palm trees of high economic and aesthetic value throughout the world. Global climate change presents another challenge for palm distribution. Efforts to reduce damage caused by these biotic and abiotic stresses are being made by scientists worldwide. Individual efforts may be duplicative and sometimes unsuccessful. Interdisciplinary approaches combining expertise of pathologists, entomologists, biotechnologists, and breeders should be more effective. We propose the formation of an International Consortium for Palm Research (ICPR) to foster innovative international research collaborations for palm improvement, productivity and utilization. Funding of this nonprofit Consortium is envisioned to include donations from potential beneficiaries in proportion to the potential benefits received. Potential donors might include agricultural ministries and public and private organizations in various affected countries as well as international organizations interested in palm development. The host of ICPR is envisioned to be the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with an international board directing activities and awarding meritorious research proposals. Tangible evidence of scientific accomplishment, publications, ancillary funding, and international patent applications would be key criteria for receiving research awards. Current research priorities are highlighted including the extremely serious red palm weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus) occurring from the Middle East to Asia and California, USA; R. palmarum vectoring the very serious red ring nematode (Bursaphelenchus cocophilus baujard) in the Caribbean and Central and South America; at least three species of Fusarium, one possibly airborne, occurring from Morocco to Florida, USA; Phytophthora palmivora destroying the oil palm industry in Colombia; Ganoderma causing serious losses from Malaysia to Florida, USA; and phytoplasmas including lethal yellowing and Al-Wijam.