What's eating my soursop?

Soursop is attacked by mealybugs, scale insects, and fruit borers in warm humid climates. Fruit borers are the most economically damaging — larvae tunnel into ripening fruit, causing internal rot and premature drop. Spider mites flare in dry spells. Regular monitoring, removal of infested fruit, and neem oil sprays are the front-line defenses.

Larvae tunnel into maturing fruit; entry holes on skin, internal browning, and premature fruit drop. Remove and destroy infested fruit promptly; use pheromone traps for adults; bag individual fruits before they mature.

White cottony masses on stems and leaf undersides; stunted growth and honeydew deposits. Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; use alcohol swabs on small colonies.

Waxy or armored bumps clustered on stems and branches; weakened tree vigor and yellowing foliage. Apply horticultural oil to smother crawlers; prune and destroy heavily infested shoots.

Fine stippling and pale speckling on leaves; webbing visible on undersides in hot, dry conditions. Increase humidity around the tree; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; wipe leaves with a damp cloth.