Custard Apple (Annona squamosa) Pests and Diseases: A Farmer’s Guide

Custard Apple (Annona squamosa) Pests and Diseases: A Farmer’s Guide

Introduction

Custard apple, also called Annona squamosa or “Sitaphal,” is a popular fruit crop grown in many parts of India. Its sweet taste, nutritional value, and demand in local as well as export markets make it an important fruit for farmers. However, pests and diseases often reduce fruit yield, quality, and profitability. Proper knowledge of pest and disease management can help farmers protect their orchards and increase income.

Common Pests of Custard Apple

1. Mealybugs (Ferrisia virgata, Planococcus spp.)

Symptoms: White, cotton-like masses on leaves, stems, and fruits. Leaves turn yellow and dry up. Fruits become deformed.

Damage: They suck plant sap, weaken the plant, and secrete honeydew that encourages sooty mold.

Management:

  • Biological: Release ladybird beetles (Cryptolaemus montrouzieri) and lacewings.
  • Cultural: Remove and destroy infested plant parts. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizers.
  • Chemical: Spray neem oil (2%) or insecticides like imidacloprid at recommended doses.

For Mealy bugs control Use Dr. Eliminator @ 250 ml/acre

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2. Fruit Borer (Annona seed borer – Rajendra annonae)

Symptoms: Larvae bore into fruits, feed on pulp and seeds, leading to premature fruit drop. Entry holes are visible on fruits.

Damage: Directly reduces fruit market value and yield.

Management:

  • Cultural: Collect and destroy infested fruits. Use light traps to monitor adults.
  • Biological: Encourage natural enemies like Trichogramma egg parasitoids.
  • Chemical: Spray spinosad or emamectin benzoate during flowering and fruit set.

For fruit borer control Use larvex @ 250 ml/acre

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3. Scale Insects (Aspidiotus spp., Coccus spp.)

Symptoms: Hard or soft scales appear on leaves, stems, and fruits. Leaves turn yellow and plants weaken.

Damage: Continuous feeding reduces vigor, stunts growth, and causes fruit blemishes.

Management:

  • Biological: Release predatory beetles and parasitic wasps.
  • Cultural: Prune and destroy heavily infested branches.
  • Chemical: Spray neem-based formulations or systemic insecticides like dimethoate.

4. Aphids (Aphis gossypii, Myzus persicae)

Symptoms: Small green/black insects colonize young shoots and undersides of leaves. Curling and yellowing of leaves observed.

Damage: Sap sucking weakens the plant; honeydew secretion promotes sooty mold.

Management:

  • Biological: Conserve natural predators like ladybird beetles and syrphid flies.
  • Cultural: Remove weeds that harbor aphids.
  • Chemical: Spray neem oil or systemic insecticides such as thiamethoxam.

For Aphids control Use Dr. Eliminator @ 250 ml/acre

Buy Now:  https://www.khethari.com/products/dr-eliminator-insecticide?_pos=1&_sid=f6008fc3d&_ss=r

Common Diseases of Custard Apple

1. Anthracnose (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides)

Symptoms: Dark, sunken spots on fruits, leaves, and stems. Fruits rot quickly after harvest.

Causes: Fungal infection favored by humid conditions.

Management:

  • Spray copper oxychloride or carbendazim at intervals.
  • Collect and destroy infected plant debris.
  • Maintain proper orchard sanitation.

2. Leaf Spot (Cercospora spp., Alternaria spp.)

Symptoms: Brown or black circular spots on leaves. Severe infection causes defoliation.

Management:

  • Apply fungicides like mancozeb or chlorothalonil.
  • Avoid overhead irrigation.
  • Prune overcrowded branches to improve airflow.

3. Powdery Mildew (Oidium spp.)

Symptoms: White powdery growth on leaf surfaces, young shoots, and sometimes fruits. Reduces photosynthesis and weakens plants.

Management:

  • Spray wettable sulfur or potassium bicarbonate.
  • Ensure good ventilation in orchards.
  • Avoid excess nitrogen fertilizers.

4. Root Rot (Phytophthora spp., Fusarium spp.)

Symptoms: Yellowing leaves, wilting, stunted growth, root decay.

Causes: Poorly drained soils and waterlogging.

Management:

  • Improve drainage and avoid water stagnation.
  • Apply Trichoderma viride in soil as a bio-control.
  • Drench soil with fungicides like metalaxyl if severe.

Eco-friendly & Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

  • Use resistant and healthy planting material.
  • Maintain field hygiene: Remove weeds, debris, and alternate host plants.
  • Soil health: Apply organic manures and biofertilizers to strengthen plants.
  • Biological control: Release natural predators and use biopesticides like neem, Trichoderma, and Beauveria bassiana.
  • Trap methods: Light traps, sticky traps, and pheromone traps for monitoring and reducing pest populations.
  • Need-based chemical sprays: Apply chemical pesticides only as a last option, and rotate chemicals to prevent resistance.

Conclusion

Custard apple farming can be highly profitable if pests and diseases are managed effectively. Regular field monitoring, early identification of problems, and following eco-friendly IPM practices will ensure healthy orchards and better yields. Farmers are advised to focus on preventive measures, balanced nutrition, and sustainable crop care to achieve long-term success in custard apple cultivation.

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