What's eating my naranjilla?

Naranjilla's worst enemy is the small tomato fruit borer (Neoleucinodes elegantalis), whose larvae tunnel inside developing fruits, making them unmarketable. Root-knot nematodes are also severely damaging. Aphids and whiteflies attack foliage but are manageable with neem oil; nematodes require resistant rootstocks or soil fumigation.

Larvae bore into young fruits and feed on the flesh; infested fruits rot or drop prematurely and are inedible Use pheromone traps to time sprays; bag flowers and young fruits; destroy crop debris after harvest; parasitoid releases (Trichogramma spp.) as biocontrol

Root galls stunt growth severely; plants yellow, wilt, and decline even with adequate water and feed Plant resistant or hybrid varieties where available; solarize soil before planting; apply nematicide as a last resort; avoid replanting in infested ground

Cluster on shoot tips causing curled, distorted leaves and honeydew that encourages sooty mold Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; introduce ladybirds; use reflective mulch to deter winged aphids

Nymphs feed on leaf undersides, causing yellowing and acting as potential virus vectors Yellow sticky traps reduce adult populations; neem oil or insecticidal soap sprayed to leaf undersides; remove heavily infested leaves