Pest identification
What's eating my canistel?
Fruit flies (Anastrepha spp.)
Signs: Larvae in soft ripening pulp; sting punctures on skin; rot and early drop
Control: Harvest at first sign of softening; protein bait traps; remove dropped fruit immediately
Scale insects
Signs: Brown or white encrustations on twigs; weakened branch tips; sooty mold
Control: Horticultural oil spray; hand-remove light infestations; prune for canopy airflow
Mealybugs
Signs: Cottony colonies on new shoots and flower clusters; honeydew and mold
Control: Neem oil or insecticidal soap; encourage predatory beetles and lacewings
Keep canistel pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Canistel pests — FAQ
What is eating my canistel?
Canistel (Pouteria campechiana) is relatively pest-resistant thanks to its tough skin and latex sap. Fruit flies are the most significant threat, attacking fruit as it softens. Scale insects and mealybugs infest branches. Squirrels and raccoons (in Florida) raid ripening fruit. Sanitation and timely harvest are the most practical controls for home growers.
How do I get rid of fruit flies (anastrepha spp.) on canistel?
Larvae in soft ripening pulp; sting punctures on skin; rot and early drop Harvest at first sign of softening; protein bait traps; remove dropped fruit immediately
How do I get rid of scale insects on canistel?
Brown or white encrustations on twigs; weakened branch tips; sooty mold Horticultural oil spray; hand-remove light infestations; prune for canopy airflow
How do I get rid of mealybugs on canistel?
Cottony colonies on new shoots and flower clusters; honeydew and mold Neem oil or insecticidal soap; encourage predatory beetles and lacewings