Credits: Biovision-Infonet
Biological methods of plant protection
Nematodes, especially the root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne incognita, M. javanica and M. arenaria), are the most serious pests on passion fruit. Practical control measures are crop rotation and the use of tolerant rootstocks.
Several species of sucking bugs feed on passion fruit. They suck and pierce leaves and young fruits; these are minor pests.
Fruit flies that feed on passion fruit include the melon fly (B. cucurbitae) and the Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata) and the Queensland fruit fly (B. tryoni). Pierced young fruit shrivels and falls; later injuries cause damage which lowers the grade.
Spraying of biopesticides may be necessary if destruction of infested fruit and the use of baits do not adequately check the pest.
Mealybugs (Planococcus citri and P. kenyae) are usually controlled by their natural enemies.
The same to applies mites the red spider mites and the broad mites – which incidentally do much damage.