What's eating my bacuri?

Bacuri (Platonia insignis) is a robust Amazonian tree seldom troubled by pests in its native range. Scale insects and mealybugs colonize stems and leaf undersides in humid conditions, while fruit borers can tunnel into ripening fruit. Good air circulation, monitoring for early infestations, and removing damaged fruit are the main defenses.

Waxy brown or tan bumps on bark and stems; yellowing leaves and sticky honeydew residue below infested areas. Scrape off visible scales manually; apply horticultural oil spray to smother crawlers; repeat every 10–14 days until clear.

White cottony clusters at leaf axils and stem joints; leaves yellow and new growth is stunted. Dab colonies with rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab; spray with neem oil solution; isolate affected plants promptly.

Small entry holes in developing fruit skin; frass and internal tunneling lead to premature fruit drop. Remove and destroy affected fruit immediately; bag developing fruit with mesh or paper bags; use pheromone traps to monitor adult moths.