Cultivation

Pests

Manilkara zapota is generally reported to be free of diseases and pests (Pennington 1990, Morton 1987, Abu-Bakar and Abdul-Karim 1990), but several pests have been reported from India and other areas of cultivation. One of the main pests in India is the larvae of the chikoo moth or leaf webber (Nephopteryx eugraphella) (Butani 1975, Chadha 1992, Sandhu and Sran 1983). This insect has been successfully controlled with a natural plant insecticide, oil from the neem plant (Azadirachta indica) (Durairaj et al. 1991). Other insect pests include the chiku bud borer (Anarsia achrasella), leaf miner (Anarsia gemoniella), and scolytid beetles (Hypothenemus birmanus, H. sundaenis) (Peter et al. 1984, Chadha 1992). Thrips (Thrips hawaiiensis, Haplothrips tenuipennis) are also pests on cultivated chicozapote, although they also help to pollinate the flowers (Reddi 1989). The tree and fruits are also attacked by microorganisms, including sooty mold (Capnodium sp.), leaf spot (Phaeophleospora indica), Fusarium solani, and Phytophthera sp. (Chadha 1992, Kore and Mashalkar 1987, Kute and Shete 1995). Infectious agents on fruits can be controlled by chemical treatments (benlate, difilotan, captan) and simple sanitation procedures (Abu-Bakar and Abdul-Karim 1990,1994).