Overall, Averrhoa carambola
is relatively free of disease and insect problems. However, it
does still have interactions with several different species.
In Malaya, Dacus dorsalis are so densely populated that growers
have to wrap the fruits on the trees with paper to keep the
flies from destroying them.
Like most fruit
trees, Averrhoa carambola also
interacts with the common fruit fly
Acrosternum hilare
has also been found to feed on the stems of the
Star fruit
trees. This "green stink bug" is a common pest of plants that
have a wide range of diversity.
The
nematode, Rotylenchulus reniformis, uses the roots of the
Averrhoa
carambola as one of its host. This parasitic relationship
causes the destruction of the roots, which leads to death of the
Star fruit tree.
