What's eating my sugarloaf pineapple?

Sugarloaf pineapple is susceptible to the same pest complex as other Ananas cultivars. Pineapple mealybug is the headline threat, capable of transmitting wilt virus and collapsing entire plants. Root nematodes undermine yields in poorly managed soils. Maintain ant-free conditions around plants, as ants actively farm mealybug colonies.

Feeds in leaf bases and on roots; wilt virus transmission turns leaf tips red and causes progressive plant collapse. Use ant bait to disrupt ant–mealybug mutualism; apply insecticidal soap or systemic drench; plant certified wilt-free slips.

Root galling impairs water and nutrient absorption; plants appear weak and produce small, poorly developed fruit. Pre-plant soil fumigation or biosolarisation; rotate with resistant crops; use clean propagation material.

Bronze stippling on upper leaf surfaces; plants weaken in hot dry spells. Increase irrigation and humidity; spray neem oil or miticide on leaf undersides.