How to recognize and combat weevils in fruit

Weevils can cause both direct and indirect damage to fruit. Adults may make small bites or perforations while feeding, and females may lay eggs on or near the fruit. Subsequently, the larvae of certain species penetrate the fruit and feed on the pulp, seeds, or other tissues, creating galleries and progressively destroying the internal structures. Affected fruit may exhibit entry holes, small perforations, sunken areas, soft tissue, deformities, and a loss of commercial quality. When infestation occurs in the early stages of development, the damage can cause premature fruit drop, while infestations near ripening can lead to significant losses during harvesting, transport, and storage. The wounds caused by the insects can also facilitate the entry of fungi and bacteria, increasing the likelihood of secondary rots. In some species, the presence of larvae inside the fruit may not be externally apparent until the damage is advanced, making detection and control difficult. Among the most common signs are:

• Small entry or exit holes on the fruit surface.

• Perforations and galleries produced by larvae inside the fruit.

• Feeding damage caused by adults on the fruit surface.

• Presence of larvae or larval remains inside the fruit.

• Deformed or irregularly growing fruit as a result of attacks during the early stages of development.

• Sunken, necrotic, or discolored areas around the points of attack.

• Softening and progressive deterioration of internal tissues.

• Damage to seeds or internal fruit structures when the species feeds on these parts.

• Premature fruit drop in severely affected fruit.

• Presence of excrement, feeding remains, or debris in the internal galleries. • Appearance of secondary rots favored by insect-caused wounds.

• Reduction in the weight, quality, shelf life, and commercial value of the fruit.

• Presence of externally healthy fruit containing larvae or internal damage.

• Increased damage during storage when the fruit was infested before harvesting.