top of page
idMicrobe: Tool to recognize plant diseases and consult home treatments

The Guide to Caring for Your Plants

Learn to recognize pests and how to combat them

Weevils in fruit: symptoms, prevention and treatment

Weevils

Different species

Pathogen:

Type:

Insect

Risk:

HIGH

Weevils in fruit: symptoms, prevention and treatment

Frutos

Gorgojos

Weevils: Symptoms, damage and solutions in fruit
1709890758744.png

WHO CAUSES IT?

Weevils are insects belonging primarily to the family Curculionidae, although the term can encompass various species that attack different types of fruit. They are insects with chewing mouthparts and, in many species, a characteristic rostrum or extension of the head. Adults typically feed on plant tissues, leaves, shoots, flowers, or fruits, while the immature stages of many species develop inside plant tissues or the fruits themselves. The female lays her eggs near the fruit or directly on it, depending on the species. After hatching, the larvae begin feeding on the tissues and can penetrate the fruit, where they remain protected from many external treatments. During this stage, the larvae progressively consume the pulp and, in certain species, can reach the seeds or the interior of the reproductive organs. Upon completing their development, the larva may leave the fruit to pupate in the soil, in plant debris, or in other suitable shelters, although some species complete part or all of their transformation within the fruit itself. The adult then emerges and can move to new fruits and plants to feed and reproduce. The duration of the different stages depends considerably on the species and environmental conditions, especially temperature, food availability, and humidity. Under warm and favorable conditions, development can accelerate, and some species can complete more than one generation during a growing season. Adults can survive between seasons by taking refuge in the soil, plant debris, bark, crevices, and other sheltered places, from where they recolonize crops when conditions are favorable. The presence of damaged fruit, plant debris, and refuge areas can promote the persistence of populations. Adult dispersal between plants occurs mainly through direct movement, while the transport of infested fruit can contribute to the introduction of certain species into new growing areas.

1713099015053 (2).png

SYMPTOMS

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.

Damage caused by weevils to fruit
Fruit weevils: How to recognize and effectively treat them
Fruit affected by weevils with holes and surface damage
1709890758650.png

TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY

20-30 °C

60-90 %

1709890758697.png

TRANSMISSION ROUTES

Movement of adults, Flight of adults, Infested fruit, Infested plant material, Plant debris, Contaminated soil, Contaminated tools and equipment, Transport of fruit, Transport of plant material

Do you want to remove this disease? Choose how you want to treat it.

1709890758673.png

TREATMENTS

Chemical treatments

• ORANGE OIL 60g/L [ME] P/S
• ACETAMIPRID 0.005% [AL] P/V
• AZADIRACTIN 1% (AS AZADIRACTIN A) [EC] P/V
• Azadirachtin 2.6% (AS AZADIRACTIN A) [EC] P/V
• CYPERMETHRIN 10% [EC] P/V
• CYPERMETHRIN 5% [EC] P/V
• DELTAMETHRIN 2.5% [EC] P/V
• LAMBDA CYHALOTHRIN 1.5% [CS] P/V
• LAMBDA CYHALOTHRIN 10% [CS] P/V
• LAMBDA CYHALOTHRIN 5% [EG] P/P
• SPINOSAD 48% [SC] P/V

Authorized treatments in organic farming

• ORANGE OIL 60g/L [ME] P/S
• AZADIRACTIN 1% (AS AZADIRACTIN A) [EC] P/V
• Azadirachtin 2.6% (AS AZADIRACTIN A) [EC] P/V
• LAMBDA CYHALOTHRIN 1.5% [CS] P/V
• LAMBDA CYHALOTHRIN 10% [CS] P/V
• LAMBDA CYHALOTHRIN 5% [EG] P/P
• SPINOSAD 48% [SC] P/V

Biological control

• STEINERNEMA FELTIAE (Parasitoid and predatory nematodes)

Recommendations

• Conduct regular fruit inspections to detect early signs of weevil activity such as holes, galleries, deformities, fallen fruit, or any other indication of weevil activity.

• Remove and destroy infested or severely damaged fruit to prevent larvae from completing their development and becoming adults.

• Regularly collect fruit that has fallen to the ground, especially if it shows holes or signs of infestation.

• Remove plant debris and abandoned fruit that could provide food or shelter for adults and immature stages.

• Maintain the soil and the immediate surroundings of the plants in conditions that reduce the availability of shelter for soil-dwelling stages.

• Avoid accumulating pruning debris, rotten fruit, and plant material around the plants.

• Pay particular attention to the flowering, fruit set, development, and ripening periods, adjusting the frequency of inspections according to the observed risk. • Pay special attention to the edges of plots and areas near abandoned crops or vegetation that could act as a refuge or source of infestation.

• Control weeds and spontaneous vegetation when they can provide food or shelter for adult populations.

• Use planting or propagation material and fruit from controlled and infestation-free sources.

• Avoid introducing fruit from infested plots into pest-free cultivation areas.

• Maintain proper hygiene during harvesting, avoiding transporting infested fruit, plant debris, or contaminated soil to other plots.

• Use monitoring traps or appropriate monitoring systems when available for the specific species, in order to detect the presence and development of adults.

• Record captures and observations to determine periods of greatest activity and optimize the timing of control measures. • Apply control measures before the larvae penetrate deeply into the fruit, as once protected inside, their control through external treatments can become considerably more difficult.

• Carry out phytosanitary treatments only with products authorized for the corresponding species, crop, and use.

• Adjust the application timing to the pest's stage of development and activity, prioritizing phases in which individuals are most accessible to treatment.

• Strictly adhere to the doses, application intervals, maximum number of treatments, and other conditions indicated on the product label.

• Alternate products belonging to different groups of mechanisms of action when repeated treatments are necessary.

• Avoid repeated and unnecessary applications of the same mechanism of action to reduce selection pressure on populations.

• Integrate chemical control with cultural, sanitary, monitoring, and eradication measures.

• Encourage the presence of natural enemies whenever compatible with the production system and avoid treatments that may unnecessarily harm beneficial insects.
• Conduct post-treatment monitoring to verify effectiveness and detect possible re-infestations.

• Increase hygiene and control measures during harvesting and storage, preventing infested fruit from being mixed with healthy fruit.

• In storage facilities, maintain adequate cleanliness, inspection, and product rotation to reduce the possibility of continued development of individuals originating from infested fruit.

Sponsored link

Your product

Your product

Your products closer to your customers

Sponsored link

Sponsored link

Sponsored link

Insecticidal soap

Insecticidal soap

Home treatment. Eco-friendly

Sponsored link

Bacillus Thuringiensis BT Organic Worm & Caterpillar Control

Bacillus Thuringiensis BT Organic Worm & Caterpillar Control

Eco-friendly. Respectful of animals, the environment, and people.

Sponsored link

Fruit fly traps

Fruit fly traps

Non-Toxic. Reusable. For indoor and outside

Sponsored link

Treatment against snails and slugs

Treatment against snails and slugs

Granulated bait, attractive, safe and fast.

Sponsored link

Sponsored link

Sponsored link

Your product

Your product

Your products closer to your customers

Sponsored link

Sponsored link

Sponsored link

Natural Pesticide, Fungicide, Miticide, Insecticide, Spider Mites, Powdery Mildew, Botrytis and Mold

Natural Pesticide, Fungicide, Miticide, Insecticide, Spider Mites, Powdery Mildew, Botrytis and Mold

100% ecological fungicide

Sponsored link

Nematodes - Biological Pest Control for Fungus Gnats, Thrips, & Whiteflies

Nematodes - Biological Pest Control for Fungus Gnats, Thrips, & Whiteflies

Biological Pest Control for Fungus Gnats, Thrips, & Whiteflies

Sponsored link

Light traps for insects

Light traps for insects

Solar trap for outside

Sponsored link

Sponsored link

Effective against all types of fungi

Sponsored link

Anti-ant adhesive tape

Anti-ant adhesive tape

Tree protection. Easy to use.

Sponsored link

Your product

Your product

Your products closer to your customers

Sponsored link

Sponsored link

Adhesive traps for insects

Adhesive traps for insects

For orchards, terraces and flower pots.

Sponsored link

Insecticide, fungicide, acaricide and nematicide spraying

Insecticide, fungicide, acaricide and nematicide spraying

100% organic. For indoor and outdoor use

Sponsored link

Lime for whitewashing

Lime for whitewashing

Insect Barrier/Repellent

Sponsored link

Fungus Gnat Killer & Bug Spray

Fungus Gnat Killer & Bug Spray

For outdoor and indoor use. Pet friendly

Sponsored link

Sponsored link

Sponsored link

Mature compost. Worm castings

Mature compost. Worm castings

100% Natural. Soil Restorative

Sponsored link

Your product

Your product

Your products closer to your customers

Sponsored link

Sponsored link

100% organic diatomaceous earth

100% organic diatomaceous earth

Natural insecticide against insects

Sponsored link

Beetle traps

Beetle traps

Ideal for ornamentals, flowers and shrubs.

Sponsored link

Trap for Tuta absoluta

Trap for Tuta absoluta

Attracts and traps tomato moths

Sponsored link

Snail and slug traps

Snail and slug traps

Ideal for orchards, gardens and pots.

Sponsored link

Copper-based fungicide - Curative and preventive

Copper-based fungicide - Curative and preventive

Effective against all types of fungi

Sponsored link

*Recommended treatments are still recommendations according to authority databases and in no way replace the guidelines established according to the legislation of each country.

*Products shown are recommendations and not our own products. As Amazon Associates, we earn revenue from purchases of recommended products.

1709890758673.png

TREATMENTS

Homemade remedies

BONE MEAL OR GROUND FISH SHELLS

RUSTY NAILS OR IRON SHAVINGS

BANANA PEELS

EPSOM SALTS (MAGNESIUM SULFATE)

SOLUTION WITH HOUSEHOLD BORAX

GROUND OR BOILED EGGSHELLS

COMPOST WITH ONION OR GARLIC SCRAPS

VEGETABLE COOKING WATER

WOOD ASH

WATER WITH VINEGAR OR LEMON (VERY DILUTED)

GARLIC INFUSION

USED COFFEE OR TEA

BANANA AND EGGSHELL INFUSION

POTATO OR LEGUME COOKING WATER

COMPOST FROM FRESH GREEN LEAVES

COMPOST OR WELL-AGED MANURE

DILUTED MILK (1:10)

BANANA TEA

LEAF COMPOST

NETTLE SLURRY

POTASSIUM SOAP AND NEEM OIL SOLUTION

POTASSIUM SOAP SOLUTION + NEEM OIL + DIATOMACEOUS EARTH

BAKING SODA AND NEUTRAL SOAP SOLUTION

GARLIC INFUSION WITH NEUTRAL SOAP

CHROMATIC OR ADHESIVE TRAPS

DILUTED MILK

HORSETAIL INFUSION

TRUNK WHITEWASHING

DIATOMACEOUS EARTH

WOOD ASH

NETTLE SLURRY

CUT THE AFFECTED BRANCHES AND APPLY CINNAMON

GARLIC AND CINNAMON INFUSION

INFUSION OF WORMWOOD, CHILI OR CHILLI

CLEAN THE AFFECTED AREA AND APPLY ASH PASTE WITH GARLIC OR CINNAMON

GARLIC AND MINT INFUSION

LIGHT TRAPS

APPLY CINNAMON POWDER

PITFALL TRAPS

CRUSHED EGG SHELLS

CLEAN AND SEAL THE WOUND WITH CLAY, CINNAMON AND GARLIC PASTE

GARLIC INFUSION

MATURE COMPOST

TRAPS WITH VINEGAR AND SOAP

SEAL HOLES WITH ASH PASTE AND CRUSHED GARLIC

VINEGAR AND BAKING SODA SOLUTION

ANT TRAP

TAPE TRAP

PHEROMONE TRAP

ALCOHOL TRAPS

FUNNEL TRAP

There are no home treatments

Natural allies

PREDATORY MITES

LADYBUGS

LACEWINGS

PARASITIC WASPS

HOVERFLIES OR PARASITIC FLIES

PREDATORY BUGS

There are no natural allies

Mycodiplosis oidii (predatory mosquito)

Chemical treatments

AGRICULTURAL SULFUR (POWDER OR SOLUBLE)

POTASSIUM FERTILIZERS

MAGNESIUM FERTILIZERS

BORON FERTILIZERS

CALCIUM FERTILIZERS

NITROGEN FERTILIZERS

PHOSPHORUS FERTILIZERS

IRON FERTILIZERS

SULFUR FERTILIZERS

NPK FERTILIZERS

There are no treatments for this disease. Treatments are directed at the insect vectors that transmit it. See insect treatments.

ABAMECTIN 0.0015% + PYRETHRINS 0.02%

RAPESEAL OIL

RAPESEAL OIL + PYRETHRINS

ORANGE OIL 6%

PARAFFIN OIL

ACETAMIPRID

ACETAMIPRID 0.005%

ACETAMIPRID 20%

SULFUR

COPPER 20%

COPPER 25%

COPPER 35%

COPPER 38%

COPPER 50%

COPPER 52%

DELTAMETHRIN 1.57%

DELTAMETHRIN 10%

DELTAMETHRIN 2.5%

DIFENOCONAZOLE 1.67%

ESFENVALERATE 2.5%

ESFENVALERATE 5%

100% GARLIC EXTRACT

PHENHEXAMIDE 50%

FLUPYRADIFURONE

FLUPIRADIFURONE 20%

FOSETIL-AL 80%

FERRIC PHOSPHATE

ALUMINUM PHOSPHIDE 56%

PHOSTIAZATE 10%

PHOSTIAZATE 15%

HEXITIAZOX 10%

POTASSIUM HYDROGEN CARBONATE

LAMBDA CYHALOTHRIN

LAMINARIN 4.5%

METALDEHYDE

PIRACLOSTROBIN 6.7% + BOSCALIDE 26.7%

PYRETHRINS

PYRIPROXIFEN 10%

POTASSIUM SALTS OF UNSATURATED FATTY ACIDS

SPINOSAD 0.024%

SPINOSAD 12%

SPINOSAD 48%

TAU-FLUVALINATE 24%

TETRACONAZOLE 10%

TETRACONAZOLE 12.5%

TETRACONAZOLE 4%

TRICHODERMA ASPERELLUM (STRAIN T34)

1709890758720.png

RECOMMENDATIONS

1714749024044.png

REPELLENT PLANTS

EFFECTIVE PRODUCTS TO ELIMINATE THIS DISEASE

Sponsored link

Your products closer to your customers

Your product

Your products closer to your customers

Sponsored link

Sponsored link

Sponsored link

Home treatment. Eco-friendly

Insecticidal soap

Home treatment. Eco-friendly

Sponsored link

Eco-friendly. Respectful of animals, the environment, and people.

Bacillus Thuringiensis BT Organic Worm & Caterpillar Control

Eco-friendly. Respectful of animals, the environment, and people.

Sponsored link

Non-Toxic. Reusable. For indoor and outside

Fruit fly traps

Non-Toxic. Reusable. For indoor and outside

Sponsored link

Granulated bait, attractive, safe and fast.

Treatment against snails and slugs

Granulated bait, attractive, safe and fast.

Sponsored link

Sponsored link

Sponsored link

Your products closer to your customers

Your product

Your products closer to your customers

Sponsored link

Sponsored link

Sponsored link

100% ecological fungicide

Natural Pesticide, Fungicide, Miticide, Insecticide, Spider Mites, Powdery Mildew, Botrytis and Mold

100% ecological fungicide

Sponsored link

Biological Pest Control for Fungus Gnats, Thrips, & Whiteflies

Nematodes - Biological Pest Control for Fungus Gnats, Thrips, & Whiteflies

Biological Pest Control for Fungus Gnats, Thrips, & Whiteflies

Sponsored link

Solar trap for outside

Light traps for insects

Solar trap for outside

Sponsored link

Sponsored link

Effective against all types of fungi

Effective against all types of fungi

Sponsored link

Tree protection. Easy to use.

Anti-ant adhesive tape

Tree protection. Easy to use.

Sponsored link

Your products closer to your customers

Your product

Your products closer to your customers

Sponsored link

Sponsored link

For orchards, terraces and flower pots.

Adhesive traps for insects

For orchards, terraces and flower pots.

Sponsored link

100% organic. For indoor and outdoor use

Insecticide, fungicide, acaricide and nematicide spraying

100% organic. For indoor and outdoor use

Sponsored link

Insect Barrier/Repellent

Lime for whitewashing

Insect Barrier/Repellent

Sponsored link

For outdoor and indoor use. Pet friendly

Fungus Gnat Killer & Bug Spray

For outdoor and indoor use. Pet friendly

Sponsored link

Sponsored link

Sponsored link

100% Natural. Soil Restorative

Mature compost. Worm castings

100% Natural. Soil Restorative

Sponsored link

Your products closer to your customers

Your product

Your products closer to your customers

Sponsored link

Sponsored link

Natural insecticide against insects

100% organic diatomaceous earth

Natural insecticide against insects

Sponsored link

Ideal for ornamentals, flowers and shrubs.

Beetle traps

Ideal for ornamentals, flowers and shrubs.

Sponsored link

Attracts and traps tomato moths

Trap for Tuta absoluta

Attracts and traps tomato moths

Sponsored link

Ideal for orchards, gardens and pots.

Snail and slug traps

Ideal for orchards, gardens and pots.

Sponsored link

Effective against all types of fungi

Copper-based fungicide - Curative and preventive

Effective against all types of fungi

Sponsored link

*Recommended treatments are still recommendations according to authority databases and in no way replace the guidelines established according to the legislation of each country.

*Products shown are recommendations and not our own products. As Amazon Associates, we earn revenue from purchases of recommended products.

project_20250513_2128439-03.jpg

Enjoy idMicrobe TOTALLY FREE, with no trial periods.

button_google_play_EN.png
boton_mobile_Version_EN.jpg

OTHER PESTS

Fruit with symptoms of calcium deficiency and developmental abnormalities

Calcium deficiency or blossom-end rot

Fruit affected by water stress with symptoms of dehydration and cracking

Water stress

Fruit affected by weevils with holes and surface damage

Weevils

Fruit affected by waterlogging with soft areas and rot

Watery fruits

Fruit affected by bacterial disease with spots and lesions on the surface

Bacterial infection

Fruit affected by fungi with spots, rot and mold

Mycosis

Fruit with symptoms of boron deficiency and developmental deformities

Boron Deficiency

Fruit with sunburn and areas damaged by excessive sun exposure

Excessive sun

Fruit damaged by snails and slugs with bites and eroded areas

Snails and/or slugs

Fruit affected by powdery mildew with spots and presence of white powder

Powdery mildew

Fruit affected by downy mildew with spots and damaged areas

Mildew

Fruit affected by Alternaria with dark spots and areas of rot

Alternaria

Fruit with symptoms of potassium deficiency and ripening disorders

Potassium Deficiency

Fruit affected by monilia with brown spots and rot

Moniliosis or brown rot

Fruit affected by Botrytis with rot and gray mold

Botrytis or gray mold

Fruit affected by bed bugs with bites and spots on the surface

Bed bugs

Fruit damaged by beetles with holes and bites on the surface

Beetles

Fruit affected by anthracnose with dark spots and sunken lesions

Anthracnose

bottom of page