Insect Management in Papaya1

Insects may be a limiting factor in growing papayas, especially from fruit set until harvest. Among those likely to be a problem are the papaya fruit fly, webworm, whitefly, mites, aphids, scales, mealybugs, leafhoppers and hornworms. Of these pests, the papaya fruit fly is especially important because it is difficult to control and requires some preventive control measures. According to EPA data bank information sources several materials are approved for use on papayas (Table 1). The uses may extend and include application to fruit-bearing plants or they may be restricted to ornamental or nursery use only. It is the responsibility of the applicator to use only labeled materials to meet their specific needs. See Table 1. Local authorities, agricultural supply dealers and the County Agricultural Extension office may be able to supply additional information. Under the FIFRA amendment of 1978 the grower may use a material (insecticide) that is legal and EPA approved for a pest on a crop for other non-listed pests as long as the user follows the label directions and rates for an approved pest. Specific Pests