Jaboticaba fruit weevil

Systematic position: The pest Conotrachelus myrciariae belongs to the order Coleoptera and is a member of the diverse family Curculionidae (true weevils). It is known for its highly specialized feeding habits that target specific tropical fruit species.

Affected crops: The primary host for this insect is the jaboticaba tree (Plinia cauliflora). Its distribution is largely restricted to the geographical areas where this specific fruit is native or cultivated, most notably in South American orchards.

Biology and life cycle: The life cycle is tightly synchronized with the fruiting phenology of the host plant. The female weevil deposits eggs inside the developing fruit. Upon hatching, larvae feed internally on the pulp, causing extensive tissue damage. Once mature, larvae exit the fruit and drop to the soil to pupate.

Damage and severity: Damage is characterized by the destruction of the fruit interior, leading to premature drop and secondary fungal decay. In cases of heavy infestation, a large percentage of the harvest is lost. Furthermore, the presence of larvae renders the fruits unsuitable for human consumption or commercial trade.

Control measures: Implementing an integrated pest management (IPM) strategy is essential for control:

• Strict sanitation protocols, including the collection and disposal of fallen infested fruits to break the life cycle.
• Strategic application of systemic or contact insecticides during the fruit development stage.
• Use of soil-applied entomopathogenic nematodes to target pupating larvae.
• Maintaining clean orchard floors to prevent the survival of emerging adult populations.