Black beetles with cream markings enter fruit in large numbers. Sap Beetles a.k.a Picnic Beetles. Mashed banana, ripe melon or chopped immature sweet corn mixed with Sevin Dust in a container will trap and kill them. Mix small amount of Diazinon Dust with seed before planting. Don't add manure as this will attract flies in the area.
Seedlings turn purplish.
Fertilize or spray plants with Seaweed. Soil should be high in organic matter with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Water 20 to 30 cm deep. When using pesticides always read the entire label on the container and follow the directions.