Banana weevil

The banana weevil Cosmopolites sordidus, is the most important insect pest of banana plantain. Its host range is restricted to wild and cultivated clones of Musa (banana, plantain, abaca) and Ensete.

Damage to the banana plant is entirely the result of larval feeding. Weevil attack can prevent crop establishment, cause significant yield reductions in ratoon cycles and contribute to shortened plantation life. Banana weevil adults are active between 1800 and o600 h with greatest activity between 2100 and o400 h.

Banana weevil larvae bore in the corm, damaging the root vascular system, reducing nutrient and water uptake and weakening the stability of the plant.

The banana weevil egg, larval and pupal stages all occur within the host plant or crop reduces. The eggs are placed superficially within the host, but are at low density and often below the soil surface.
Banana weevil