Sapota (Chikoo) Pests and Diseases and Their Management: A Complete Guide for Farmers and Agri-Input Sector

Sapota (Manilkara zapota) is a tropical evergreen fruit tree widely grown for its sweet, granular-textured fruits. Known for high nutritive value and excellent market potential, sapota is also prone to several pests and diseases that can severely reduce productivity if not managed timely. Understanding pest biology, disease symptoms, and proper management strategies is key to successful cultivation.

1. Major Pests of Sapota

Sapota is attacked by pests at various stages: flowers, fruits, shoots, leaves, and roots. Early identification and management are crucial.

A. Inflorescence and Fruit Pests

1. Sapota Moth (Cadra cautella) 

Biology: Small moth larvae bore into flowers and fruits.

Symptoms:

• Drying of inflorescences.
• Premature flower and fruit drop.
• Small holes in fruits.

Management:

• Cultural: Remove and destroy infested flowers and fruits.
• Biological: Apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) at 1 g/litre of water.
• Botanical: Spray Neem oil 3%.
• Monitoring: Use pheromone traps (1 per acre) to trap adult moths.

2. Fruit Fly (Bactrocera dorsalis)

Biology: Female lays eggs inside fruits; larvae feed internally.

Symptoms:

• Soft, rotten spots on fruit.
• Premature fruit drop.

Management:

• Cultural: Remove fallen and infested fruits.
• Mechanical: Hang protein bait traps or methyl eugenol traps to attract males.
• Chemical: Use Spinosad-based bait sprays during high infestation periods.

B. Leaf and Shoot Pests

1. Leaf Webber (Hypena laceratalis)

Biology: Larvae web leaves together and feed inside.

Symptoms:

• Leaves appear webbed and chewed.
• Stunted growth due to reduced photosynthesis.

Management:

• Prune and destroy affected shoots.
• Spray Neem oil (3%) or insecticidal soap.

2. Mealybugs (Drosicha mangiferae)

Biology: Suck plant sap; secrete honeydew which favors sooty mold.

Symptoms:

• White cottony masses on leaves, shoots, and fruits.
• Leaf yellowing and stunted growth.

Management:

• Mechanical: Wash affected parts with water or 1% neem oil.
• Biological: Introduce Cryptolaemus montrouzieri (mealybug destroyer beetle).
• Chemical: Spray systemic insecticides like imidacloprid (0.3 ml/litre).

3. Scale Insects

Symptoms: Yellowing leaves, stunted growth, small fruit size.

Management:

• Prune heavily infested branches.
• Spray horticultural oils (1–2%) during dormant season.
• Encourage natural predators (ladybirds).

C. Bark and Root Pests

1. Shoot Borer (Chlumetia transversa)

Symptoms: Wilting of terminal shoots due to larval boring.

Management:

• Remove and destroy affected shoots.
• Use pheromone traps to monitor adults.
• Spray Bt or spinosad on young shoots.

2. Major Diseases of Sapota

Sapota suffers from fungal, bacterial, and post-harvest diseases, mainly affecting leaves, shoots, and fruits.

A. Fungal Diseases

1. Anthracnose (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides)

Symptoms:

• Dark, sunken lesions on leaves, flowers, and fruits.
• Fruit rot during monsoon.

Management:

• Remove and destroy affected plant parts.
• Spray Copper oxychloride (0.3%) or Mancozeb (0.2%) at 15-day intervals during rainy season.

2. Powdery Mildew (Oidium spp.)

Symptoms:

• White powdery coating on leaves and shoots.
• Stunted growth.

Management:

• Prune for better air circulation.
• Spray sulfur-based fungicides (0.2–0.3%).

3. Leaf Spot (Phomopsis spp., Pestalotia spp.)

Symptoms:

• Small circular spots on leaves; severe infection causes leaf drop.

Management:

• Remove and burn infected leaves.
• Spray systemic fungicides like Carbendazim 0.1% or copper-based fungicides.

B. Bacterial Diseases

Bacterial Leaf Blight (Xanthomonas campestris)

Symptoms:

• Yellowing along leaf margins.
• Black streaks on midrib and stems.

Management:

• Remove infected leaves.
• Spray copper oxychloride (0.3%).
• Avoid overhead irrigation to prevent spread.

C. Post-Harvest Diseases

Fruit Rot

Symptoms:

• Softening and discoloration of fruit.
• Fungal growth on fruit surface.

Management:

• Harvest fruits at proper maturity.
• Store in well-ventilated and dry conditions.
• Treat fruits with 0.1% Bavistin solution if required.

3. Integrated Pest and Disease Management (IPDM) for Sapota

An Integrated approach combining cultural, biological, and chemical measures is most effective for sapota health and productivity.

A. Cultural Practices

• Prune regularly to remove infected shoots and leaves.
• Maintain adequate spacing for air circulation.
• Apply balanced fertilizers to reduce plant stress.
• Avoid excessive irrigation which favors fungal diseases.

B. Biological Control

• Encourage natural predators: ladybirds, lacewings, parasitic wasps.
• Apply beneficial microbes: Trichoderma spp. for soil and root health.
• Introduce Cryptolaemus montrouzieri for mealybug control.

C. Chemical Control

• Use selective insecticides and fungicides when pest or disease levels exceed economic threshold.
• Rotate chemical groups to prevent resistance development.
• Prefer targeted applications rather than blanket spraying to reduce environmental impact.

D. Monitoring and Trapping

• Use pheromone traps for moths and beetles.
• Sticky traps for flying pests.
• Disease scouting charts to track disease incidence over time.

4. Key Recommendations for Sapota Farmers

1. Maintain orchard hygiene: remove fallen leaves and fruits.
2. Monitor pests and diseases weekly for early detection.
3. Adopt IPM practices combining cultural, biological, and chemical control.
4. Ensure proper nutrition and irrigation for plant vigor.
5. Train labor in pest and disease recognition for timely action.

Conclusion:

Sapota is a high-value fruit crop that requires careful management of pests and diseases to maximize yield and fruit quality. Farmers adopting integrated pest and disease management practices, combining cultural, biological, and chemical approaches, can achieve healthier orchards, higher profitability, and sustainable production.