Vine Ants and Pomegranate Fruit Borer: Two Distinct Problems

Northern Pakistan: 1) Large black ants on vine with white substance; 2) Pomegranate fruit gets tiny hole, rots inside, falls.

Vine: Ants Farming Honeydew Producers

White substance = honeydew from aphids, scales, or mealybugs. Ants protect them. Treat vine with insecticide to kill the sap-feeders; ants will leave. Inspect with magnifier to confirm pests.

Pomegranate: Fruit Borer

Hole = exit of pomegranate fruit borer (moth larva). Eggs laid in young fruit; larva feeds inside, exits as adult. Internal damage done. Spray per UC IPM guidelines for timing and products. Copper fungicide may help secondary rot.