What's eating my chempedak?

Chempedak, closely related to jackfruit, faces fruit flies and fruit borers as its primary threats — both target developing fruit and cause internal damage and rot. Aphids cluster on new shoots. Wrapping fruit bunches is the most practical protection against borers; pheromone traps and orchard sanitation address fruit flies.

Females lay eggs in ripening fruit; larvae feed inside causing rot, off-flavors, and premature drop. Use methyl eugenol or protein-bait traps; remove and destroy fallen fruit; harvest promptly.

Adults inject eggs into young fruit; larvae damage flesh and seeds causing fruit to abort or rot. Wrap or bag individual fruit or fruit bunches with paper or mesh — no chemical control is widely recommended for this pest.

Clusters on new growth and young shoots causing leaf curl, stunting, and sticky honeydew deposits. Dislodge with water spray; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil for persistent colonies.