Insects That Eat Pawpaws – Recognizing Pawpaw Pest Symptoms
Pawpaw is a deciduous tree that is the only member of the tropical Annonaceae family. It is the largest edible fruit tree native to the United States. It is the exclusive larval host for the beautiful zebra swallowtail, and while it has few pests in general, it is susceptible to some common pawpaw pests. Treating pawpaw tree pests is reliant on identifying pawpaw pest symptoms. Read on to find out about insects that eat pawpaws and pawpaw pest treatment.
About Insects that Eat Pawpaws
Also known as the Indiana banana, hoosier banana, and poor man’s banana, the pawpaw (Asimina triloba) grows naturally in rich, fertile, river bottom soils as understory shrubs. The plant is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 8 and grows in 25/26 of the eastern states of the US. As a slow growing tree, pawpaws need several years of growth before they produce fruit. Flowers bloom between March and May depending upon weather and cultivar. The stunning blossoms are around 2 inches (5 cm.) across and dangle upside down in a crimson profusion in the axils of the previous year’s leaves. The blooms contain several ovaries and are, thus, capable of producing several fruits. Pawpaws are the largest fruit native to America, with the largest, depending upon cultivar, weighing up to a pound (0.5 kg.)! As mentioned, zebra swallowtail larvae feed on the leaves of the pawpaw exclusively. Rarely, however, do they do so in such numbers as to affect fruit production or the health of the tree.
Common Pawpaw Pests
The most damaging of the pests attracted to pawpaws is the pawpaw peduncle borer, Talponia plummeriana. The symptoms of this pawpaw pest appear at the blooms of the plant. The larvae feed on the fleshy areas of the blossoms resulting in flower drop, thus lack of fruit. Papaya fruit flies attack pawpaws in Florida, and pawpaw whiteflies attack in Venezuela. Spider mites are also attracted to the tree, as are several closely related species of hornworm. Many types of caterpillars, including saddlebacks, also feed on the tree’s leaves. Japanese beetles occasionally damage leaves as well. If you consider them pests, mammals such as raccoons, squirrels, foxes, and mice all like to munch on pawpaw fruit. Other animals such as deer, rabbits, and goats, however, will not feed on the leaves and twigs.
Pawpaw Pest Treatment
The most common signs that a pawpaw tree is being attacked by pests are chewed leaves, leaf loss, and yellowing. Pawpaw plants produce natural compounds in their leaf, bark, and twig tissue that has high anti-pesticidal properties. It is because of this natural defense, and because pests that are attracted to the plant rarely do significant damage, treating pawpaw pests is generally unnecessary.
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our DIY eBook "Bring Your Garden Indoors: 13 DIY Projects For Fall And Winter".
Amy Grant has been gardening for 30 years and writing for 15. A professional chef and caterer, Amy's area of expertise is culinary gardening.
-
Grow A Music Garden: Hit The High Notes By Making Musical Instruments From Nature
Music lovers and gardening lovers can find a natural groove using items growing and resting around them. Find out how easy it is making musical instruments from nature
By Teo Spengler
-
Why You Should Eat Invasive Plants – A Tasty Way To Control Unwanted Species
Eat invasive plants for nutrition and their amazing varied flavors, but be sure to properly identify the plant and know how to eat it.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
Pawpaw Pie - Dessert Ideas To Use Pawpaw Fruit This Thanksgiving
The bold flavors in pawpaws make excellent desserts. If you are new to this fruit, learn how to prepare it for a variety of delicious recipes.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
How To Plant Pawpaw Tree Seeds: Tips For Germinating Pawpaw Seeds
With the many dark brown seeds produced in each pawpaw fruit, gardeners may naturally wonder: Can you grow a pawpaw tree from seed? Click on the following article to learn how to plant pawpaw tree seeds.
By Darcy Larum
-
Suckering Pawpaw Trees: What To Do With Pawpaw Suckers
With pawpaw seed propagation, a slow and demanding activity, many gardeners may wonder, "Should I keep my pawpaw tree suckers for propagation instead?". This article will answer that question, as well as other questions about pawpaw sucker maintenance.
By Darcy Larum
-
What Sex Are Pawpaw Flowers: How To Tell Sex In Pawpaw Trees
One reason this delicacy is not commercially grown has to do with pawpaw flower sex. It is difficult to know what sex pawpaw flowers are. Are pawpaws monoecious or dioecious? Is there a way to tell the sex in pawpaw trees? This article will help address the issue.
By Amy Grant
-
Pawpaw Trimming Guide: Learn How To Prune A Pawpaw Tree
Pawpaw trees are the most common fruit trees native to North America. Pawpaw trees grow best in a shady location with excellent drainage. Pawpaw pruning may sometimes be useful but it is not an essential. To find out if and when you should cut back pawpaw trees, click here.
By Teo Spengler
-
Using Pawpaw As Cancer Treatment: How Does Pawpaw Fight Cancer
Natural remedies have been around for as long as humans. For most of history, in fact, they were the only remedies. Every day new ones are being discovered or rediscovered. Click here to learn more about pawpaw herbal medicine, specifically using pawpaws for cancer treatment.
By Liz Baessler
-
Tips For Propagating Pawpaws – How To Propagate A Pawpaw Tree
The pawpaw is a strange fruit that deserves more attention. Reportedly Thomas Jefferson's favorite fruit, this North American native sprouts up in groves in the wild. But what if you want one in your own backyard? Click here to learn more about pawpaw tree reproduction.
By Liz Baessler
-
Do Deer Eat Pawpaws – Tips For Keeping Deer Out Of Pawpaw Trees
I have been considering planting and growing pawpaw trees, but I have a bit of trepidation about the whole deer issue. Are pawpaws deer resistant? Is there a way of keeping deer out of pawpaw trees? Let's find out more together in this article.
By Shelley Pierce