What's eating my agave tequilana?

Agave tequilana grown as an edible or garden plant faces agave snout weevil as its most destructive pest — the larvae bore into the heart and kill the plant. Outdoors it also attracts agave mites and aphids. Good cultural hygiene, vigilant inspection and physical removal of weevils are the primary defenses.

Larvae tunnel into the central stem; leaves collapse suddenly, and the core becomes mushy and foul-smelling Remove and destroy infested plants; apply soil drench of systemic insecticide around the base in spring; avoid wounding plants

Irregular brown scarring and corky patches on leaf surfaces, distorting new growth Remove heavily scarred leaves; apply miticide or neem oil; improve air circulation around the plant

Clusters of small soft insects on new growth and flower stalks; sticky honeydew and curled leaves Knock off with a strong jet of water; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage natural predators such as ladybirds

Gnawed leaf tips and damage to the basal pups, especially on young plants Use wire mesh guards around the base of plants; apply repellent granules around the perimeter