What pests and diseases affect star fruit and how do I manage them?

The main pest of star fruit is fruit fly, which lays eggs in the fruit and causes maggots and rotting, and you may also see fruit borers, scale, mealybugs and ants. On the disease side, anthracnose and leaf spots can affect leaves and fruit, especially in wet humid weather. Good management includes orchard sanitation (collecting and destroying fallen and infested fruit), fruit fly traps, bagging of developing fruit on small-scale plantings, and good airflow through pruning. Where chemical control is needed, use only labelled products, follow the PHI strictly since the fruit is eaten fresh, and rotate as advised. Confirm the right traps and any approved sprays for your conditions with your KVK.