Appearance
World-wide eggplant (Solanum melongena) List of major pests and characteristic damage symptoms
Overview
Eggplant (Solanum melongena) is cultivated as an important horticultural crop all over the world. Regardless of the region or cultivation system (open-field or greenhouse cultivation), there are many pests that can cause serious damage to eggplants, and they come in a wide variety of species. This report summarizes typical eggplant pests that are considered important in eggplant production sites and by international plant protection authorities (FAO, IPPC, etc.) from the perspectives of ``Japanese and scientific names,'' ``distribution,'' ``morphological/behavioral characteristics,'' ``details of damage symptoms,'' and ``parasitism to other crops.''
List of major eggplant pests
1. Solanum fruit and shoot borer (EFSB)
Scientific name: Leucinodes orbonalis
Distribution
The problem is most severe in India, Bangladesh, the Philippines, and China, mainly in South and Southeast Asia. In recent years, it has been pointed out that it has expanded to other regions due to global agricultural distribution [1][4].Morphology/Behavior
Adults are small light brown moths. The larvae penetrate the stems and fruits and cause damage to the inside [1][4][20].Symptoms of damage
The larvae feed into the stems and fruits, causing holes in the stem needles, wilting of new shoots and flowers, holes in the fruit, and clogged feces, leading to a significant yield loss (even in cases where the damage rate exceeds 70%) [1][4][5][20].Host range
Mainly Solanum spp., but there have also been cases of damage to tomatoes, potatoes, etc.[4][5][16]
2. Flea beetles
Main species: Epitrix fuscula and others
Distribution
Widely distributed throughout the world, including North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa [8][9][14].Morphology/Behavior
A small black beetle with a body length of approximately 1.5 mm. Has strong jumping ability. Adults are diurnal and active on leaves. The larvae feed on the roots [8][9].Symptoms of damage
Many small "hole" feeding spots (shot hole symptoms) on leaves caused by adult insects. Growth inhibition and death may occur, especially in young seedlings [8][9][14][6].Host range
Many solanaceous crops (tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, etc.) are also damaged [8][14].
3. Eggplant lace bug
Scientific name: Gargaphia solani
Distribution
Widely distributed in the eastern and southern United States, South America, and temperate regions [8][9].Morphology/Behavior
Body length approximately 4 mm, gray/light brown with lacy wings. They grow in groups on the underside of leaves and suck the juice [8][9].Symptoms of damage
Circular yellowing and white spots appear on the leaves, and in severe cases, the entire leaf wilts and dies. If left for a long period of time, the fruit set rate and quality will decrease [8][9][19].Host range
Solanum and some wild Solanaceae plants [8][9].
4. Whiteflies
Main species: Bemisia tabaci (tobacco whitefly), Trialeurodes vaporariorum (greenhouse whitefly)
Distribution
Occurs in temperate to tropical regions, both indoors and outdoors. Important throughout the world [2][6][9][14][20].Morphology/behavior
Approximately 1 mm in length, white powdery adult (flying). Sucks mainly on the underside of leaves. Growth and reproduction are extremely rapid [6][14].Damage Symptoms
Yellowing and curling of leaves (suck-sucking disorder), and "soot disease" caused by the honeydew produced, inhibiting photosynthesis. Significant decrease in overall vitality of the plant [6][14][9][2].Host range
Many vegetables and flowers, mainly the Solanaceae [2][6][9].
5. Aphids
Main species: Myzus persicae (Peach aphid) etc.
Distribution
Appears universally around the world, occurring both outdoors and in greenhouses [2][6][9][14][7].Morphology/Behavior
An oblong, soft-bodied insect. Gathered in groups at growing points and on the underside of young leaves. There is explosive proliferation due to parthenogenesis and the ability to become winged [2][6][14][9].Symptoms of damage
Curling, wilting, and curling of leaves due to sap sucking, soot disease caused by honeydew excrement, and secondary damage caused by viruses (mosaic disease, etc.) [2][6][7][14].Host range
Almost all vegetables and flowers. Extremely phagocytic [2][6][14].
6. Herbivorous lady beetles
Main species: Epilachna vigintioctopunctata, etc.
Distribution
It is distributed mainly in Asia and Southeast Asia, but there are also cases in other regions [5].Morphology/behavior
Yellow-orange spotted ladybug type (different from predatory ladybugs, it is herbivorous) [5].Symptoms of damage
Both larvae and adults feed on leaves in a mesh-like "skeleton-like" pattern, and in severe cases, all leaves of the plant wither.[5][7]Host range
There are also cases of damage to Solanaceae and Cucurbitaceae [5][7].
7. Hornworms, Fruit borers, and Leafminers
Main species: Manduca sexta (Tobacco hawkmoth/Hornworm), Liriomyza sativae, L. trifolii (Trifolia)
Distribution
Occurs in open fields and greenhouses in North America, Central and South America, Asia, and warm regions [14][6][9][20].Morphology/Behavior
Hawkmoths: Large green caterpillars (with a protrusion on the tail). Nocturnal feeding damage is active [14][6].
Leafminers: 1mm-sized flies, larvae feed insidiously within the leaf epidermis [6][20].Symptoms of damage
Hawkmoths: Rapid loss and defoliation of leaves, plant death.
Leafminer: Meandering white feeding damage lines spread throughout the leaf, inhibiting photosynthesis. Severe leaf fall [14][6][9][20].Host range
Extremely diverse crops including Solanaceae, Fabaceae, and Cucurbitaceae [6][14][20].
8. Thrips
Main species: Thrips palmi, Frankliniella occidentalis and others
Distribution
Widely distributed in tropical to subtropical regions, severe in greenhouses. Occurs in eggplant producing areas around the world [6][7][20][15].Morphology/Behavior
A slender insect with a body length of about 1 mm. It sucks the sap hidden in flowers and young leaves. It is highly concealable and difficult to control with chemicals [6][7][15].Symptoms of damage
Small silver to brown dots appear on leaves and fruits (silver spots/bronzing symptoms), malformed growing points and deformed fruits. Virus-mediated (TSWV, etc.) [6][7][14][15].Host range
Extremely wide range including Solanaceae (many vegetables, weeds, and ornamental plants) [6][7][15].
9. Spider mites
Main species: Tetranychus urticae and others
Distribution
A problem all over the world, especially in dry and high temperature conditions. Many cases occur in greenhouses [6][2][9][14][7].Morphology/behavior
A tiny spider-like, sucking mite, which stretches threads on the underside of leaves when in clumps. Continuous use of insecticides reduces natural enemies and increases the likelihood of large outbreaks [6][2][9][14].Symptoms of damage
Pale yellow small spots (scabbing) on leaves, as it progresses, all leaves turn brown and fall off. Poor growth and sharp decrease in yield [6][2][9][14][7].Host range
Not limited to Solanaceae, but all vegetables, flowers, beans, melons, etc.[6][2][14]
10. Stink bugs, Leptoglossus spp.
Main species: Nezara viridula, Leptoglossus spp. spp."">
Distribution
An important pest of eggplant in tropical to subtropical regions around the world. Outbreaks occur in warm regions [6][9][5][14].Morphology/Behavior
Adults are shield-shaped and relatively large. Unique odor. Collectively sucks the juice from fruits and young leaves [6][9][5][14].Symptoms of damage
Spots, discoloration, depressions, corkage, and secondary rot on fruit. The leaves and stems also become atrophied [6][9][5][14].Host range
Infects a wide range of crops, including beans, tomatoes, fruit vegetables, and grains (wide-feeding) [6][9][5][14].
11. Colorado potato beetle
Scientific name: Leptinotarsa decemlineata
Distribution
Distributed in cool regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. Warning as an invasive pest [14][6][9].Morphology/behavior
A round beetle with black stripes on a yellow background, orange larva. Both adults and larvae cause mass feeding damage to leaves [14][9].Symptoms of damage
Full-scale feeding damage to leaves. During outbreaks, all plants die and yields are significantly reduced [6][14][9].Host range
All Solanaceae crops (including potatoes and tomatoes) [14][6][9].
12. Others (Region-limited/Secondary pests)
Leafhoppers (Amrasca biguttula, etc.)
Causes leaf thickening, leaf curling, and "little leaf" symptoms [7][15].Mealybugs, mealybugs, ants, fall armyworm, etc.
There are cases of damage in various places. Occurs both outdoors and in greenhouses [18][7][15].
Perpetual tendencies by cultivation type/region and international regulations
Greenhouse/house cultivation
Whiteflies, thrips, and spider mites are extremely common, making it subject to import health regulations and quarantine (e.g. New Zealand/IPPC) [6][12][21].International phytosanitary regulations and regulations
Whiteflies, thrips, leafminer flies, etc. are subject to priority control during trade quarantine in each country.
FAO/IPPC is regulating and inspecting the international movement of these eggplant pests [10][11][12][13][21].Integrated pest control (IPM) and use of resistant varieties
IPM technologies such as biological control, sex pheromones, crop rotation, and resistant varieties (Bt eggplant, etc.) are becoming popular all over the world [4][7][16][20].
Overview
Eggplant (Solanum melongena) is affected by various important pests during its production and trade. The main ones include stem borers, flea beetles, whiteflies, aphids, thrips, spider mites, Colorado potato beetles, and ladybugs, each of which has its own morphological characteristics, damage symptoms, and host range. Both developed and developing countries are required to introduce IPM and strengthen international quarantine, and accurate monitoring and knowledge sharing will continue to be important.
Sources
[1] Common Pest in Eggplant: Top 2025 IPM Strategies - Farmonaut: https://farmonaut.com/blogs/common-pest-in-eggplant-top-2025-ipm-strategies
[2] MANAGEMENT OF IMPORTANT INSECT-PEST OF EGGPLANT (SOLANUM ...): https://www.researchgate.net/publication/358041401_MANAGEMENT_OF_IMPORTANT_INSECT-PEST_OF_EGGPLANT_SOLANUM_MELONGENA_L
[3] Eggplant - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/food-science/eggplant
[4] Eggplant Integrated Pest Management: an Ecological Guide [PDF - FAO]: https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/full/10.1079/cabicompendium.50536
[6] Eggplant Insect Pests & Diseases - Clemson HGIC: https://www.nacaa.com/awards/apps/supplementals/14981-eggplant_insect_pests__diseases___hgic.pdf
[7] Insect and Mite Pests on Eggplant - World Vegetable Center: https://worldveg.tind.io/record/37405/files/eb0122.pdf
[8] Pests of Eggplant | NC State Extension Publications: https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/insect-and-related-pests-of-vegetables/pests-of-eggplant
[9] Eggplant Insect Pests & Diseases - Clemson HGIC: https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/eggplant-insect-pests-diseases/
[10] 2021 IPPC Annual Report: https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/d9fba18a-355e-4402-89af-b2f077bf85b7/content
[11] Geneva Press Briefing (IPPC): https://www.ippc.int/en/news/geneva-press-briefing-update-on-global-plant-pests-and-their-devastating-impact-on-food-security/
[12] IPPC - International Plant Protection Convention: https://www.ippc.int/
[13] Global diagnostics for plant pests - five new IPPC protocols: https://plantvillage.psu.edu/topics/eggplant/infos
[15] Overview of Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) Pests and Their Management: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/eggplants
[17] MANAGEMENT OF IMPORTANT INSECT-PEST OF EGGPLANT (PDF): https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Sankar-Kavadana/publication/358041401_MANAGEMENT_OF_IMPORTANT_INSECT-PEST-OF-EGGPLA NT-SOLANUM_MELONGENA_L/links/61ed248a8d338833e38d2751/MANAGEMENT-OF-IMPORTANT-INSECT-PEST-OF-EGGPLANT-SOLANUM-MELONGENA-L.pdf
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[19] Learn About Eggplant Pests And Diseases | Gardening Know How: https://worldveg.tind.io/nanna/record/65983/files/Insect+and+mite+pests+on+eggplant+-+a+field+guide+for+identification+and+management.pdf?withWatermark=0&withMetadata=0®isterDownload=1&version=1
[21] Fresh Eggplant (Solanum melongena) for Human Consumption (Biosecurity standard, NZ): https://www.mpi.govt.nz/dmsdocument/35796-Draft-Fresh-Eggplant-for-Human-Consumption