Symptoms
Entry holes with frass on fruit surface. Premature fruit drop. Internal larval tunneling causes rotting and discolouration. Pin-sized entry points visible on skin.
Prevention
Bag fruits early with paper or plastic bags. Remove and destroy fallen fruit promptly. Prune dense canopy to improve air circulation. Use pheromone traps for monitoring.
Treatment
Organic
Apply spinosad or Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) sprays targeting young larvae. Remove and destroy infested fruit. Use augmentative parasitoid releases.
Chemical (last resort)
Apply chlorpyrifos or cypermethrin at first sign of oviposition. Timing is critical — spray before larvae enter fruit. Observe PHI strictly.
Affects 4 crops
Sources
MARDI Fruit Pest Management Guide; DOA Extension Bulletin