Over 700 Complaints Lodged as ‘Hog Plum Beetle’ Ravages Local Fruit Trees

An invasive pest outbreak is sweeping across the nation’s ambarella trees, with 765 official complaints recorded as of 30 April 2026. The “Hog Plum Beetle” has caused widespread concern among growers, prompting government intervention to curb the infestation.

The figures were disclosed in Parliament on Tuesday, 5 May, by the Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy, and Fisheries.

Addressing the house during ministers’ question time, the Minister revealed that 18 cases—primarily involving mature trees—have already undergone treatment using a neem-based insecticide, which is classified as a safe biological control measure.

Illegal Importation Suspected

The Minister suggested that the beetle’s arrival in the country was likely not a natural occurrence.

“It is suspected that the ‘Hog Plum Beetle’ entered the country through the illegal importation of infested hog plum plants,” he stated.

The outbreak was brought to the floor by Raveen Jugurnauth, MMM Member of Parliament for Constituency No. 14 (Savanne/Rivière-Noire), who sought clarity on the scale of the damage to local prunier de Cythère (ambarella) crops.

Impact on Agriculture

While the beetle is causing significant visual damage, the Minister clarified that the pest’s impact is localized to the foliage.

The “Hog Plum Beetle” attacks only the leaves of the fruit tree, though this results in “significant defoliation” of the affected specimens.

Authorities continue to monitor the 765 reported cases as they implement safety-conscious treatment protocols to protect the remaining healthy population of trees.

Source: Defi Media