Tridge Guide Post

What Are Some Common Pests That Can Grow on Pineapples or the Plantation?

Fresh Pineapple
Costa Rica
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By Jinwoo Cheon
Updated Oct 31, 2022
Some of the common pests that can harm pineapples in Costa Rica include nematodes, symphylans, scale insects, mites, and weeds
  • Nematodes: Nematodes are small worms present in all soil types as they’re involved in the organic matter cycle. Nematodes primarily attach to the plant roots and can potentially cause a fall in yield. Attacks from this particular type of pests can be identified by the appearance of non-uniform plant growth within a plot. The leaves will often turn yellow, pink, and red signifying deficiency in nutrients and water.
  • Symphylans: These are small pseudo-millipedes that feed on the root tips of the pineapple. This disrupts nutrient absorption by the plant. The symptoms can be identified by non-uniformity in the plant. The dryer the soil, the more severe the attacks can be. Symphylans particularly attack young tissues which give rise to the increased risk when planting sprouts with a still under-developed root system.
  • Scale insects: Scale insects develop on the pineapple’s foliar system. When they multiply, the plant is unable to photosynthesize efficiently which results in slow growth. Scale insects degrade the commercial presentation of the foods they attack, which are primarily fruits.
  • Mites: These are highly abundant on pineapple plantations and cause growth reduction. In cases of a major infestation, effective acaricides are used to regulate infestation.
  • Weeds: Weeds easily propagate on pineapple plantations especially the first few months after planting. They compete with the pineapples which hinder growth. They have also favored hosts for pests like the above-listed nematodes, symphylans, scale insects, etc. Regular weeding is a necessary part of the pineapple growing process.
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