How To Handle the RPW Threat on PalmTalk

[PALM MOD]

I have been watching and waiting before adopting any particular strategy in dealing with the RPW matter in California and elsewhere on PalmTalk. It still may be premature, but it appears to me as if the situation in California may be expanding, and come springtime it may pick up steam. Of course it is already in crisis mode in the Mediterranean area.

Presently we have one longwinded and rambling topic (along with a few orphan topics) that have provided a catch all for comments, reports, general news and discussion, questions, etc. I am wondering whether we need a dedicated topic just for reports of possible sightings, and maybe one just for the latest news and updates. In other words, a more organized method of providing crucial info to those monitoring PalmTalk - a more efficient and easier way for any authorities, scientists, or others not as familiar with finding info and participating on PalmTalk. Perhaps even a dedicated Forum for RPW matters, if in fact it does appear to be developing into a "crisis" in California. A dedicated Forum could contain a topic for Reporting Possible Infestations, a Latest News and Updates Topic, and then regular topics relating to general discussions.

We have been very hesitant and reluctant to adding new Forums, as they seem to dilute the viewing and participation. But this may be an exception.

Any thoughts on the matter?

[Dr. George]

Thanks for bringing this up, Dean.

I am very interested in the topic but have quit trying to follow the one long, long, long topic as it has gotten too much to try to navigate through - at least for this old dog. I think that it is an important enough topic for a subforum, at least for a trial period of say 6 - 12 months.

gmp

[trioderob]

I think 2 threads

1) "sightings" - where you have seen a sick palm in california, and post a photo and get advice on this forum

2) "news reports" - a thread where you pass on news reports and official statements

[DoomsDave]

Hmm.

I say hold off for now.

While we here in So-Cal are very VERY interested, the news is either a possible threat, or an established problem in the rest of the world.

I think a new forum for an issue that's of big import only to Southern California right now is a bit much.

Maybe pin a sticky for additional updates? The only problem with those is that I, at least, tend to ignore them after a while.

My two cents . . . .

[osideterry]

What if we had a separate "pest and disease forum", with sub-topics for specific things like RPW. Members would be encouraged to post photos with questions like "is this..."

You could also break down RPW sightings regionally.

[PALM MOD]

Well,

As I should have expected - four responses so far, and each one has a different opinion. One for a dedicated forum, one for no action, one for two topics mixed in with the main forum, and one a totally different "Pest's Forum."

Consensus is difficult around here, but I still would like feedback. At least opinions on whether the status quo is sufficient, or that something should be done to offer improvement. As is, we will eventually end up with multiple scattered threads, with one that may eventually break a PalmTalk record for length.

And Dave, the RPW problem is not restricted to SoCal. News and updates would apply to new knowledge and information worldwide - as would suspected sightings and questions.

[US_Marine]

What if we had a separate "pest and disease forum", with sub-topics for specific things like RPW. Members would be encouraged to post photos with questions like "is this..."

You could also break down RPW sightings regionally.

I think this is a very good idea.

[tjwalters]

What if we had a separate "pest and disease forum", with sub-topics for specific things like RPW. Members would be encouraged to post photos with questions like "is this..."

You could also break down RPW sightings regionally.

I think this is a very good idea.

I would tend to agree also.

[PALM MOD]

What if we had a separate "pest and disease forum", with sub-topics for specific things like RPW. Members would be encouraged to post photos with questions like "is this..."

You could also break down RPW sightings regionally.

I think this is a very good idea.

I am reluctant to break off such a large portion of "culture and growing problems" from the main forum. People already prefer to place anything they can in the Main "Discussing Palms" forum because they know it will get the most views there. Like it or not, that is the case. So posting pest questions in it's own dedicated Forum will inevitably get it less attention, and responses - not to mention what I would predict to be a constant monitoring and moving of "pest topics" to the "pest forum."

I was only considering a new separate Forum for RPW given the specific nature of this particular potential palm crisis, and the ability of PalmTalk to assist the authorities, and interested third parties, in gathering and disseminating information here in an expedited and organized fashion.

[DoomsDave]

Well,

As I should have expected - four responses so far, and each one has a different opinion. One for a dedicated forum, one for no action, one for two topics mixed in with the main forum, and one a totally different "Pest's Forum."

Consensus is difficult around here, but I still would like feedback. At least opinions on whether the status quo is sufficient, or that something should be done to offer improvement. As is, we will eventually end up with multiple scattered threads, with one that may eventually break a PalmTalk record for length.

And Dave, the RPW problem is not restricted to SoCal. News and updates would apply to new knowledge and information worldwide - as would suspected sightings and questions.

I didn't say it was restricted to So-Cal, so far, though I'm sure nearby Mexico will be next. I said this new invasion was limited to So-Cal. Recall that Europe, Arabia, India, etc. have been in the throes for a number of years, and we just sat here drinking beer and thanking heaven, till now.

Do we want to make this that So-Cal-Centric a forum?

I think a sticky would be best.

[PALM MOD]

Well,

As I should have expected - four responses so far, and each one has a different opinion. One for a dedicated forum, one for no action, one for two topics mixed in with the main forum, and one a totally different "Pest's Forum."

Consensus is difficult around here, but I still would like feedback. At least opinions on whether the status quo is sufficient, or that something should be done to offer improvement. As is, we will eventually end up with multiple scattered threads, with one that may eventually break a PalmTalk record for length.

And Dave, the RPW problem is not restricted to SoCal. News and updates would apply to new knowledge and information worldwide - as would suspected sightings and questions.

I didn't say it was restricted to So-Cal, so far, though I'm sure nearby Mexico will be next. I said this new invasion was limited to So-Cal. Recall that Europe, Arabia, India, etc. have been in the throes for a number of years, and we just sat here drinking beer and thanking heaven, till now.

Do we want to make this that So-Cal-Centric a forum?

I think a sticky would be best.

Dave,

A failure to communicate. I was proposing a possible RPW Forum, not a SoCal RPW forum. As in the discussions now in the super long thread, there are as many or more contributors of info and photos from outside of SoCal. Any info pertaining to RPW (except for suspicious sightings in a given location) would be universal. I don't consider the RPW problem a So-Cal-Centric problem, and I didn't consider a dedicated RPW discussion area exclusive to SoCal either.

We can learn a lot from the European experience. And heaven forbid, Florida could learn a lot from the SoCal experience. We are all in this together.

[palmcurry]

The PEST AND DISEASE forum by Terry is a good one.

Initialy it is a good idea because if someone is in a urgent situation regarding the RPW comes to Palmtalk and sees the PEST AND DISEASE forum, they will zero in and post in that forum right away. When they do, we all benifit because important and current information is given.

Anyone who spends time on this site eventualy realizes that the DISCUSSING PALM TREES WORLDWIDE forum is the main area to spend time reading and posting. I don't think we will miss usefull posts there. I'm pretty sure the majority of people who frequent this site scan through a few forums each visit.

The RPW issue is an important one. The more information that is available to the community, the better, and the chances for eradication of this problem can increase. The RPW might be old news soon but a new pest problem could arise later so having a PEST AND DISEASE forum is really usefull in the long term.

The RPW is a naturaly occurring phenomenon...like weather. Palmtalk has a FREEZE DAMAGE DATA forum. I only look at it when time and conditions start looking fataly cold for my palms. With a PEST AND DISEASE forum it would be the same...I would only look at it when neccesity demands so.

[BS Man about Palms]

I think a separate area just for RPW would be good for the reasons mentioned by Dean. Maybe add a "Death of Palms by Weevils" in the title area.

As Dean mentioned, if you move all the pest and disease stuff, if will not get observed by the vast majority, which is where the "brain trust " lies to borrow a popular phrase here. While a newbie might post questions on his disease in that area, the veterans are not likely to be there to answer, they ARE in the main forum. Not to mention Dean having to monitor those threads being posted in the main to get answers, then moved to where they go.

Whereas People can look at a RPW section and if the title has just enough information, to get a new person to look there to post and/or learn. I also suspect that those with the most knowledge on the subject would be constantly monitoring it from what I've seen here..

1.5 cents.... stopped short.

[PALM MOD]

I think a separate area just for RPW would be good for the reasons mentioned by Dean. Maybe add a "Death of Palms by Weevils" in the title area.

As Dean mentioned, if you move all the pest and disease stuff, if will not get observed by the vast majority, which is where the "brain trust " lies to borrow a popular phrase here. While a newbie might post questions on his disease in that area, the veterans are not likely to be there to answer, they ARE in the main forum. Not to mention Dean having to monitor those threads being posted in the main to get answers, then moved to where they go.

Whereas People can look at a RPW section and if the title has just enough information, to get a new person to look there to post and/or learn. I also suspect that those with the most knowledge on the subject would be constantly monitoring it from what I've seen here..

1.5 cents.... stopped short.

As a veteran, Bill recognizes what I have tried to relate. Those who tend to visit the other Forums here think that most other people do as well. But looking at the numbers, that is generally not the case. And anecdotally, I hear it all the time. The same with "Stickies." It constantly amazes me how many do not read them, even with the "IMPORTANT" in the title. And placing the one marathon thread in a "Stickie" at the top will not make it more readable, nor prevent many additional RPW topics springing up throughout. In addition, there are literally hundreds of pest related subjects that are in the Main Forum already. They would be staying there giving a mixed message to users.

Again, I was only suggesting that the way things are now, if allowed to continue, the subject matter may get more haphazard and not as useful as it could be. Especially if this turns out to be a persistent ongoing cause for alarm. If it is not useful, or if the threat subsides, it is easy to merge the topics back into the Main Forum. However, it is rather difficult to do the reverse, and individually separate them out of the Main Forum and into their own if decided later. I was only trying to think ahead, as I can see things starting to get confusing.

[Nigel]

I think 2 threads

1) "sightings" - where you have seen a sick palm in california, and post a photo and get advice on this forum

What an excellent idea .... a type of hotline to report suspicious cases

[yachtingone]

Excellent idea Dean!

If people can read carefully and stay on topic it would be a very valuable tool! Even your question can be challenging for some to rap thier heads around.

Randy

[fastfeat]

The PEST AND DISEASE forum by Terry is a good one.

Initialy it is a good idea because if someone is in a urgent situation regarding the RPW comes to Palmtalk and sees the PEST AND DISEASE forum, they will zero in and post in that forum right away. When they do, we all benifit because important and current information is given.

Anyone who spends time on this site eventualy realizes that the DISCUSSING PALM TREES WORLDWIDE forum is the main area to spend time reading and posting. I don't think we will miss usefull posts there. I'm pretty sure the majority of people who frequent this site scan through a few forums each visit.

The RPW issue is an important one. The more information that is available to the community, the better, and the chances for eradication of this problem can increase. The RPW might be old news soon but a new pest problem could arise later so having a PEST AND DISEASE forum is really usefull in the long term.

The RPW is a naturaly occurring phenomenon...like weather. Palmtalk has a FREEZE DAMAGE DATA forum. I only look at it when time and conditions start looking fataly cold for my palms. With a PEST AND DISEASE forum it would be the same...I would only look at it when neccesity demands so.

I agree that this method might work best. I can honestly say that I didn't read much of these reports on the CA freeze until they had bearing on what happened in Florida. As someone who spends time in both states, I find this info most pertinent when it impacts me where I am at the time.

BTW, with 400+ posts on the RPW thread, I haven't even begun reading on the subject yet, even though I'm currently in SoCal--just too daunting with my limited time right now.

[Moose]

I think a separate area just for RPW would be good for the reasons mentioned by Dean. Maybe add a "Death of Palms by Weevils" in the title area.

As Dean mentioned, if you move all the pest and disease stuff, if will not get observed by the vast majority, which is where the "brain trust " lies to borrow a popular phrase here. While a newbie might post questions on his disease in that area, the veterans are not likely to be there to answer, they ARE in the main forum. Not to mention Dean having to monitor those threads being posted in the main to get answers, then moved to where they go.

Whereas People can look at a RPW section and if the title has just enough information, to get a new person to look there to post and/or learn. I also suspect that those with the most knowledge on the subject would be constantly monitoring it from what I've seen here..

1.5 cents.... stopped short.

I agree with Bill.

If the RPW was ever to develope a taste for Dypsis ...

[PALM MOD]

The PEST AND DISEASE forum by Terry is a good one.

Initialy it is a good idea because if someone is in a urgent situation regarding the RPW comes to Palmtalk and sees the PEST AND DISEASE forum, they will zero in and post in that forum right away. When they do, we all benifit because important and current information is given.

Anyone who spends time on this site eventualy realizes that the DISCUSSING PALM TREES WORLDWIDE forum is the main area to spend time reading and posting. I don't think we will miss usefull posts there. I'm pretty sure the majority of people who frequent this site scan through a few forums each visit.

The RPW issue is an important one. The more information that is available to the community, the better, and the chances for eradication of this problem can increase. The RPW might be old news soon but a new pest problem could arise later so having a PEST AND DISEASE forum is really usefull in the long term.

The RPW is a naturaly occurring phenomenon...like weather. Palmtalk has a FREEZE DAMAGE DATA forum. I only look at it when time and conditions start looking fataly cold for my palms. With a PEST AND DISEASE forum it would be the same...I would only look at it when neccesity demands so.

I agree that this method might work best. I can honestly say that I didn't read much of these reports on the CA freeze until they had bearing on what happened in Florida. As someone who spends time in both states, I find this info most pertinent when it impacts me where I am at the time.

BTW, with 400+ posts on the RPW thread, I haven't even begun reading on the subject yet, even though I'm currently in SoCal--just too daunting with my limited time right now.

I don't think a separate "Pest Forum" is in the cards for reasons I have tried to explain, and then some.

1) A "Pest and Disease Forum" has been discussed within the PalmTalk Committee before and been rejected, as have separate Forums for "Palm IDs," "Cold Hardy Palms," and a few others. Doing so will just get discussions more and more fragmented. I am not even sure I could sell the Committee on an RPW Forum.

2) There are already hundreds of Pest and Disease Topics in the mix in the Main Forum.

3) And mixing RPW topics in with a slew of "Pest and Disease Problems" will only mirror the problem I am trying to correct in the Main Forum now. That is, multiple threads with multiple trains of thoughts, scattered over dozens of pages.

My concern and suggestion was prompted by an experience I had. I contacted the Hawaiian Ag Dept. with a warning about the infestation in SoCal. They mentioned they had never heard of the pest, and had no idea of the potential damage it represented. I told them to read the topic about the discovery in Laguna Beach in the Discussing Palms Forum on the PalmTalk site, and sent them a link. One guy's response was he "skimmed" it, and mentioned PalmTalk to the USDA and some others. One guy he contacted said he couldn't find the topic, and another had never used a Forum and was completely lost. I doubt if any of them have returned to read any updates.

So I thought that if there was an easy to find and use separate RPW Forum with a "General Information" thread, a "Reporting" thread, a "SoCal Infestation" thread, a "European Experience" thread, along with any other threads members wished to start, it would help those visiting PalmTalk exclusively for RPW info. But perhaps it is still too early still to consider. However, it appeared to me that with the discovery of yet another tree in Laguna, a possible find in Tijuana, and with Spring around the corner, that PalmTalk could be a more useful tool in what may be an expanding war. And I wanted to get ahead of the curve and be prepared. At the very least, it appears to me as if this is a concern that palm growers should be made aware of everywhere, and that it will undoubtably be an ongoing concern without end.

[palmcurry]

The PEST AND DISEASE forum by Terry is a good one.

Initialy it is a good idea because if someone is in a urgent situation regarding the RPW comes to Palmtalk and sees the PEST AND DISEASE forum, they will zero in and post in that forum right away. When they do, we all benifit because important and current information is given.

Anyone who spends time on this site eventualy realizes that the DISCUSSING PALM TREES WORLDWIDE forum is the main area to spend time reading and posting. I don't think we will miss usefull posts there. I'm pretty sure the majority of people who frequent this site scan through a few forums each visit.

The RPW issue is an important one. The more information that is available to the community, the better, and the chances for eradication of this problem can increase. The RPW might be old news soon but a new pest problem could arise later so having a PEST AND DISEASE forum is really usefull in the long term.

The RPW is a naturaly occurring phenomenon...like weather. Palmtalk has a FREEZE DAMAGE DATA forum. I only look at it when time and conditions start looking fataly cold for my palms. With a PEST AND DISEASE forum it would be the same...I would only look at it when neccesity demands so.

I agree that this method might work best. I can honestly say that I didn't read much of these reports on the CA freeze until they had bearing on what happened in Florida. As someone who spends time in both states, I find this info most pertinent when it impacts me where I am at the time.

BTW, with 400+ posts on the RPW thread, I haven't even begun reading on the subject yet, even though I'm currently in SoCal--just too daunting with my limited time right now.

I don't think a separate "Pest Forum" is in the cards for reasons I have tried to explain, and then some.

1) A "Pest and Disease Forum" has been discussed within the PalmTalk Committee before and been rejected, as have separate Forums for "Palm IDs," "Cold Hardy Palms," and a few others. Doing so will just get discussions more and more fragmented. I am not even sure I could sell the Committee on an RPW Forum.

2) There are already hundreds of Pest and Disease Topics in the mix in the Main Forum.

3) And mixing RPW topics in with a slew of "Pest and Disease Problems" will only mirror the problem I am trying to correct in the Main Forum now. That is, multiple threads with multiple trains of thoughts, scattered over dozens of pages.

My concern and suggestion was prompted by an experience I had. I contacted the Hawaiian Ag Dept. with a warning about the infestation in SoCal. They mentioned they had never heard of the pest, and had no idea of the potential damage it represented. I told them to read the topic about the discovery in Laguna Beach in the Discussing Palms Forum on the PalmTalk site, and sent them a link. One guy's response was he "skimmed" it, and mentioned PalmTalk to the USDA and some others. One guy he contacted said he couldn't find the topic, and another had never used a Forum and was completely lost. I doubt if any of them have returned to read any updates.

So I thought that if there was an easy to find and use separate RPW Forum with a "General Information" thread, a "Reporting" thread, a "SoCal Infestation" thread, a "European Experience" thread, along with any other threads members wished to start, it would help those visiting PalmTalk exclusively for RPW info. But perhaps it is still too early still to consider. However, it appeared to me that with the discovery of yet another tree in Laguna, a possible find in Tijuana, and with Spring around the corner, that PalmTalk could be a more useful tool in what may be an expanding war. And I wanted to get ahead of the curve and be prepared. At the very least, it appears to me as if this is a concern that palm growers should be made aware of everywhere, and that it will undoubtably be an ongoing concern without end.

Ithink just about everybody who is not seriously concerned like palm enthusiasts will be like the guys at the Hawaiian Ag Dept. Maybe those guys are on too much island time to care, I dont know, but I'm on board with this site being the more proactive collabaration against this threat.

If the RPW jumped from Europe to here so easily than Australia is just as likely to get hit. If the Weevil can thrive in humid climes than Florida and Hawaii are game too.

Most people are too focused on the economy and this recession to get involved in something seemingly trvial like the RPW. GOVERNMENTS are too focused on the economy and this recession to get involved in something seemingly trvial like the RPW. Sites like this one will be where change happens IMO.

Thats why I advocate for a PEST AND DISEASE forum.

[BS Man about Palms]

Vince, what you stated above to me IS THE cause to separate RPW threads. The new, or casual Ag people or the like will NOT peruse endless threads looking for RPW info. Enthusiasts will. I think offering the RPW section is helping the palm world at large, more that the palm society per se.

[JasonD]

The PEST AND DISEASE forum by Terry is a good one.

Initialy it is a good idea because if someone is in a urgent situation regarding the RPW comes to Palmtalk and sees the PEST AND DISEASE forum, they will zero in and post in that forum right away. When they do, we all benifit because important and current information is given.

Anyone who spends time on this site eventualy realizes that the DISCUSSING PALM TREES WORLDWIDE forum is the main area to spend time reading and posting. I don't think we will miss usefull posts there. I'm pretty sure the majority of people who frequent this site scan through a few forums each visit.

The RPW issue is an important one. The more information that is available to the community, the better, and the chances for eradication of this problem can increase. The RPW might be old news soon but a new pest problem could arise later so having a PEST AND DISEASE forum is really usefull in the long term.

The RPW is a naturaly occurring phenomenon...like weather. Palmtalk has a FREEZE DAMAGE DATA forum. I only look at it when time and conditions start looking fataly cold for my palms. With a PEST AND DISEASE forum it would be the same...I would only look at it when neccesity demands so.

I agree that this method might work best. I can honestly say that I didn't read much of these reports on the CA freeze until they had bearing on what happened in Florida. As someone who spends time in both states, I find this info most pertinent when it impacts me where I am at the time.

BTW, with 400+ posts on the RPW thread, I haven't even begun reading on the subject yet, even though I'm currently in SoCal--just too daunting with my limited time right now.

I don't think a separate "Pest Forum" is in the cards for reasons I have tried to explain, and then some.

1) A "Pest and Disease Forum" has been discussed within the PalmTalk Committee before and been rejected, as have separate Forums for "Palm IDs," "Cold Hardy Palms," and a few others. Doing so will just get discussions more and more fragmented. I am not even sure I could sell the Committee on an RPW Forum.

2) There are already hundreds of Pest and Disease Topics in the mix in the Main Forum.

3) And mixing RPW topics in with a slew of "Pest and Disease Problems" will only mirror the problem I am trying to correct in the Main Forum now. That is, multiple threads with multiple trains of thoughts, scattered over dozens of pages.

My concern and suggestion was prompted by an experience I had. I contacted the Hawaiian Ag Dept. with a warning about the infestation in SoCal. They mentioned they had never heard of the pest, and had no idea of the potential damage it represented. I told them to read the topic about the discovery in Laguna Beach in the Discussing Palms Forum on the PalmTalk site, and sent them a link. One guy's response was he "skimmed" it, and mentioned PalmTalk to the USDA and some others. One guy he contacted said he couldn't find the topic, and another had never used a Forum and was completely lost. I doubt if any of them have returned to read any updates.

So I thought that if there was an easy to find and use separate RPW Forum with a "General Information" thread, a "Reporting" thread, a "SoCal Infestation" thread, a "European Experience" thread, along with any other threads members wished to start, it would help those visiting PalmTalk exclusively for RPW info. But perhaps it is still too early still to consider. However, it appeared to me that with the discovery of yet another tree in Laguna, a possible find in Tijuana, and with Spring around the corner, that PalmTalk could be a more useful tool in what may be an expanding war. And I wanted to get ahead of the curve and be prepared. At the very least, it appears to me as if this is a concern that palm growers should be made aware of everywhere, and that it will undoubtably be an ongoing concern without end.

I believe your idea of a stand-alone Red Palm Weevil forum makes sense, because the particular pest is exceptionally destructive, has ravaged parts of the Mediterranean, and is new to California. Mixing it into a general pest/disease forum would detract from the immediacy and focus of the topic. And following the current thread is not easy.