This season growers may be aware of increased populations of Plantain Weevil (Mecinus pascuorum) around kiwifruit orchards.

To date this weevil has most often been seen in orchards in the South Auckland region (but is possibly present in other growing regions as well), causing contamination problems when kiwifruit is harvested, resulting in significant disruption in the post-harvest supply chain.

Although this isn’t a new pest to New Zealand and growers may already be aware of its presence, we’ve been asked to bring this to your attention. If you have any questions or think you may have spotted it, please get in touch with your post-harvest.

The weevil is small (2 – 2.5mm), grey-brown, and sometimes slightly red tinted.