\m    13    4   56    2  1 'General Control Information'
\m    38   14   18    2  1 'Precautions and Restrictions'
\m    56   20  111    2  1 'Scales and Whiteflies'
\m    68   24   26    3  1 'Thrips'
\m    81   27  103    3  1 'Guava Fruit Moths'
\m    95   32   17    3  1 'Caribbean Fruit Flies'
\t'November 1987'                                                    'V E-'
\a                Dr. Freddie Johnson, Extension Entomologist
\a
\a                            INSECT CONTROL IN GUAVA

                Dr. Freddie Johnson, Extension Entomologist
\h 1 'General Control Information'


                            INSECT CONTROL IN GUAVA


                          General Control Information

The guava is subject to attack by several kinds of insects.  Among the more
important are guava whitefly, red-banded thrips, guava fruit moth, Caribbean
fruit fly and several species of scales.  Detailed life history and effective
control measures for most of these pests still remain to be worked out.

Recommendations for effective control of insect pests are limited because only
a few insecticides have been registered for use on guava and some of these are
not approved for use when fruit is present.  Some of the most effective
materials have not been approved.  At the present time, EPA listings indicate
that diazinon, malathion, carbophenothion (Trithion), and Pyrenone are
insecticides that are registered for use on guavas.  Bacillus thuringiensis
(Dipel) 2X, 4L is labeled for use on hornworms, leafrollers, omnivorous
loopers and loopers.

The user must read the label carefully for more specific details on use.  The
local County Agricultural Extension office or farm chemical dealers may be
able to provide more specific details on pest control materials.
\h 1 'Precautions and Restrictions'



                          Precautions and Restrictions

Guavas are a crop in which very little is known about the control measures
concerning pests that attack them.  It is the responsibility of the grower to
take utmost care in selecting pesticide materials that are labeled for use in
this crop.  Even though certain insecticides are approved by the EPA for use
on guavas, only certain labels that contain these specific insecticides may
have guavas listed.  If further information is needed contact local
authorities or the County Agricultural Extension Agent.

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 the approved
pest.
\h 1 'Scales and Whiteflies'



                             Scales and Whiteflies

Scales and the guava whitefly may be controlled by properly applying
malathion.  For scales apply malathion at a rate of 1.25 pounds active
ingredient per 100 gallons of water.  For whiteflies, apply malathion spray
about 2 weeks after most adults have disappeared.  Apply sprays for scales
before heavy infestations develop.
\b\v
\h 1 'Thrips'
\v
\v
\v
                                     Thrips

Red-banded thrips are often troublesome on guava and may cause defoliation and
fruit russetting.  Infested leaves are spotted on the upper surface with fecal
deposits that turn reddish brown to black.

Control -- Make frequent observations during summer and fall for any
developing infestation.  Suggested control is 2 pints of malathion 5E (57%)
liquid per 100 gallons of water.
\h 1 'Guava Fruit Moths'



                               Guava Fruit Moths

Larvae of the guava fruit moth may cause considerable damage to guava by
tunneling through the fruit.  The larvae are whitish in color with a black
head.  They become pink as they approach maturity and attain a length of
nearly 1/4 inch.

Control -- Satisfactory control measures have not been developed.  Fruit that
ripens first is less likely to be infested than that which ripens later;
consequently, utilize early fruit and harvest it as soon as it matures.
\h 1 'Caribbean Fruit Flies'



                             Caribbean Fruit Flies

At present time, there are no approved EPA registered pesticides for control
of this pest.  Malathion used for other pests may reduce population levels of
fruit flies.