Papaya Pests & its Control

Papaya Spider Mite (Brevipalpus phoencis): Spider mite affects the fruit by way of causing scarring which reduces the market value of fruit.

Control: Spraying with Phosphamidon (0.04%) or Methyl Parathion (0.05%) effectively reduces the spider mite population.

Fruit Fly (Dacus dorsalis): The pest causes damage to the plant and the fruit. Fruit flies can infect papaya when fruits are allowed to ripen on the tree beyond the recommended harvest stage.

Control: Application like Dimethoate (0.1%) effectively controls the fruit fly.

Nematodes: Rootknot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) and Reniform nematode (Pratylenchulus renifirmis) cause severe damage to papaya. The infected roots form galls causing stunting, yellowing and drying of leaves.

Control: Carbofuran (2 kg/ha) or Neem cake (1 kg/plant) effectively checks the nematode population.