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MW 17 August 2016

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2 maltatoday, WEDNESDAY, 17 AUGUST 2016 News Man critical after being hit by a taxi A Libyan man, 26, is in danger of dying after being hit by a taxi in Triq ix-Xatt, Sliema. The accident took place in the early hours of yesterday morning, at around 1:15am, with a 61-year-old Msida resident at the wheel of the taxi. The Libyan man was taken to Mater Dei hospital for treatment, with police sources later confirming that his critical condition. Magistrate Donatella Frendo Dimech opened an investigation into the case. IN light of the approaching Lampuki fishing season, the Plant Health Direc- torate has emphasised the importance that palm fronds taken from palm trees to be used for the Lampuki fishing sea- son, are free from any symptoms associ- ated with the Red Palm Weevil pest. Particular caution and attention has to be paid to decrease the spread of the pest and contain its effects as much as possible. Similar to other Mediterranean coun- tries, Malta has also been encountering problems concerning the red palm wee- vil pest, which bores through the crown killing the tree in a short time, and can even f ly long distances. "Thus it is important that all those us- ing palm fronds for fishing must ensure that these originate from palms which are not infected with the red palm weevil," a statement by the directorate reads. The directorate also warned that fronds must be cut as short as possi- ble to decrease the infestation source, which is normally found in the lower part of the frond. "The point from which the frond is cut should be sealed by using a mixture of insecticides or sealant, since this weevil is attracted to fresh lesions in the palm tree." The palms from which fronds are tak- en must also be treated with appropriate insecticides, and this treatment must be repeated three consecutive times so that the tree is protected in the best possible way. "Since the Canary Palm (Phoenix ca- nariensis) is one of the most susceptible species for this insect, special attention must be given to this palm, which is also the biggest amongst the palm species and has dark green fronds with sharp edges," the statement adds. However, the directorate adds that all species of palm trees must be given the same treatment when leaves are cut. In order to manage this infestation, the directorate pointed out that it is so- liciting the cooperation of all the public involved in such activities. "Such an infestation can only be con- trolled if all persons involved fully co- operate so as to ensure the enjoyment of such activities by future generations." It added that pruning of palm tree fronds must always be carried out ac- cording to local regulations and under the supervision of the Directorate which gives out instructions accordingly. In a method said to date back to the Roman period, fishermen weave fronds from palm trees into f lat rafts, which are then placed on the surface of the sea. Seeking shade and shelter from the scorching sun, schools of Lampuki are attracted under the rafts and using nets the fishermen can easily catch the fish. SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE TO RECEIVE BREAKING NEWS Go to www.maltatoday.com.mt and get SMS alerts Health directorate warns about use of palm fronds in Lampuki fishing Plant health directorate issued notice regarding palms used by fishermen during the lampuki season

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