Pest identification
What's eating my tamarillo?
Spider Mites
Signs: Fine webbing on undersides of leaves; stippled, bronze-tinted foliage that drops prematurely in dry conditions.
Control: Increase humidity; spray undersides of leaves with water or insecticidal soap; apply neem oil. Repeat weekly for 3 weeks.
Aphids
Signs: Distorted new growth, sticky honeydew, and ant activity on stems and shoot tips.
Control: Remove with water jet; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; introduce or attract aphid predators outdoors.
Whitefly
Signs: Yellow stippling on leaves, clouds of tiny white insects when foliage is brushed, sooty mould on honeydew.
Control: Yellow sticky traps; insecticidal soap sprays targeting undersides of leaves; ensure good airflow around the plant.
Scale Insects
Signs: Brown or tan waxy bumps on stems and leaf midribs; weakened growth and sticky deposits below.
Control: Scrape off with a soft toothbrush; treat with horticultural oil or isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab. Repeat monthly.
Keep tamarillo pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Tamarillo pests — FAQ
What is eating my tamarillo?
Tamarillo (tree tomato) is a tropical/subtropical fruiting tree prone to spider mites, aphids, and whitefly indoors or in warm climates. Outdoors in mild regions, thrips and scale insects also attack. As a Solanaceae relative, it can attract caterpillar pests of the tomato family. Consistent humidity and airflow reduce most threats.
How do I get rid of spider mites on tamarillo?
Fine webbing on undersides of leaves; stippled, bronze-tinted foliage that drops prematurely in dry conditions. Increase humidity; spray undersides of leaves with water or insecticidal soap; apply neem oil. Repeat weekly for 3 weeks.
How do I get rid of aphids on tamarillo?
Distorted new growth, sticky honeydew, and ant activity on stems and shoot tips. Remove with water jet; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; introduce or attract aphid predators outdoors.
How do I get rid of whitefly on tamarillo?
Yellow stippling on leaves, clouds of tiny white insects when foliage is brushed, sooty mould on honeydew. Yellow sticky traps; insecticidal soap sprays targeting undersides of leaves; ensure good airflow around the plant.
How do I get rid of scale insects on tamarillo?
Brown or tan waxy bumps on stems and leaf midribs; weakened growth and sticky deposits below. Scrape off with a soft toothbrush; treat with horticultural oil or isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab. Repeat monthly.