The Almond Fruit Wasp: The Silent Pest That Destroys Your Harvest From Within

It makes no noise and leaves no obvious trace at first – yet it can wipe out more than 60% of your almond crop in a single season. The almond fruit wasp (Eurytoma amygdali) is one of the most economically damaging pests in Syria. Know it early, and you have a real chance to stop it.

What Does It Look Like?

A small, shiny black insect with a glossy abdomen – resembling a winged ant. Males measure 4–6 mm and females 6–8 mm. It attacks almond fruits exclusively, with larvae feeding on the green kernel from the inside.

How Do You Know Your Orchard Is Affected?

• Black, dried fruits that remain “mummified” and hanging on the tree
• Small circular exit holes on fruits where the adult insect emerged

When Does It Appear and How Does It Live?

Adult insects emerge from late March through mid-April. After mating, the female lays a single egg inside each fruit. Two weeks later the eggs hatch and larvae begin feeding on the kernel. By the end of May, the larva completes its development and enters dormancy inside the fruit – remaining there until the following spring, when the cycle begins again.

How Do You Fight It?

First – Chemical Control (Most Effective): When 50% of adult insects have emerged, spray immediately with one of the following:

• Dynamo
• Alpha Super

At a concentration of 25–30 ml / 100 litres of water. Repeat the spray after 14 days to eliminate the next generation.

Second – Field Prevention:

• Collect infected fruits and burn them immediately – don’t leave them to carry larvae into next season
• Use traps to accurately monitor when the insect appears
• Place infected fruits inside mesh traps to pinpoint the exact emergence date and time your spray correctly

⚠️ Remember: Every day of delay means more infected fruits and greater losses at the end of the season.