Annona seed borer

Systematic position. The insect Bephratelloides cubensis belongs to the order Hymenoptera and the family Eurytomidae. This tiny parasitic wasp is a highly specialized pest that has evolved to complete its life cycle entirely within the seeds of various tropical fruit-bearing trees.

Host plants. The primary hosts for this pest include members of the Annona genus, most notably cherimoya, soursop (Annona muricata), and sugar apple. It exhibits a high degree of host specificity, focusing its reproductive activity exclusively on the developing fruits of these specific trees.

Biology and life cycle. The female wasp pierces the rind of the developing fruit and deposits eggs directly into the seeds. Upon hatching, the larvae feed on the endosperm, hollowing out the interior of the seed. Pupation takes place inside the ruined seed, and the adult wasp eventually bores a small exit hole to emerge and mate, starting the cycle anew.

Damage and pest status. Infested fruits often appear externally normal, which complicates detection, but the seeds inside are completely destroyed. Heavy infestations lead to significant fruit drop and reduced market value. Furthermore, the exit holes created by the adult wasps serve as entry points for fungal pathogens and fruit rot, leading to further post-harvest losses.

Control measures. Due to the concealed nature of the larval stage, management is challenging. Integrated control strategies include:

• Sanitation, including the collection and destruction of fallen fruit to disrupt the pest cycle.
• Application of systemic insecticides during the fruit-set stage to target females before oviposition.
• Biological control using native parasitoids that target the pupae of the wasp.
• Monitoring pest activity with pheromone traps to optimize timing for chemical applications.