Tomato Fruit Pests

//Tomato Fruit Pests

Hard to say what pest did this for sure, but might be Tomato Fruitworm. You might want to contact your local agricultural extension agent with this photo and samples of the leaves and bugs, to determine exactly what you are dealing with.
The evidence of tomato fruitworm is usually a visible black hole at the base of the fruit stem. When the tomato is cut, tunneling is evident and the cavity may contain frass and decay as well as the worm/caterpillar itself. The color of the caterpillar may vary from pale cream or green to nearly black. Look-alikes: bird damage, zippering with open holes, spots from any cause hollowed by rot.

Here are some ways to prevent it:

Dusting with diatomaceous earth may kill larvae.

Use of a biological pesticide that can kill larvae during the warmest months.

Use chemical pesticides or organic pesticides that are safe for use with edible plants and Tomatoes.

Minimize local food sources. Avoid planting tomatoes near corn or other hosts of the fruitworm to minimize populations.

There are many good website for Tomato pests and disease. Here are a few:
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/vegetable/problem-solvers/tomato-problem-solver/
http://vegetablemdonline.ppath.cornell.edu/DiagnosticKeys/TomFrt/TomFrtKey.html
http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/visual-guides/tomato-fruit-problems.aspx

By | 2017-09-11T15:49:28-07:00 January 13th, 2016|Plant Pests|0 Comments

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