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Pests
Fruit Flies on Papaya
Commonly affects: Carica papaya (Papaya)
Small flies hover around ripening fruit, laying eggs that hatch into larvae inside, causing the fruit to rot from within before or shortly after harvest.
Potential Causes
- 1Fruit flies attracted to ripening fruit, especially as it begins to soften and colour
- 2Fallen or overripe fruit left on the ground providing a breeding ground
- 3Warm climates supporting year-round fruit fly populations
Solution Steps
- 1Harvest fruit at the first sign of colour change rather than waiting for full ripeness on the tree
- 2Clear fallen and overripe fruit from the ground regularly
- 3Use fruit fly traps nearby during the fruiting season
- 4Bag developing fruit in fine mesh if fruit fly pressure is severe
Prevention Tip
Harvesting papaya slightly under-ripe (it continues ripening off the tree) reduces the window fruit flies have to target it while still on the plant.
