Palm Protect develops devices for the early detection of palm tree pests such as the Red Palm Weevil (RPW). The RPW has spread to more than 60 countries and affects 40 palm species. It is currently deemed as a global threat and holds a Category 1 standing by the FAO.
Infestation estimates for the RPW are difficult, estimates range between 1% and 5% in the Middle Eastern region alone. With an estimated annual loss of $1.74 to $8.69 million in the Middle East alone. This does not include the costs of growing the palm tree, the lost harvest, the costs of removal and the costs of insecticides.