Pests, diseases and weeds

Pineapple is affected by several different pests and pathogens that result in significant crop loss. Some pests and diseases cause cosmetic damage that while not reducing yield, results in a complete loss of the fruit economic value. Other pests and diseases affect the yield of pineapple in the plant and/or ratoon crops resulting in a yield reduction. The major problems faced by pineapple growers worldwide are mealybug wilt and the associated mealybugs, ants, and virus; soil-borne pests including root-knot and reniform nematodes, symphylids, and Phytophthora; and fungi attacking the fruit such as fusariosis. Management of pests and diseases often are achieved through simple good agricultural practices that include destruction of crop residue, use of high quality planting material, proper cultivar selection, adjustments to soil pH, and good soil drainage. When cultural practices fail to provide sufficient control, many different insecticides, miticides, nematicides, and fungicides are used to protect the crop from damage.