7 Common Tomato Problems by Insects

Introduction
This article is about the most common insect problems by tomatoes. We get a lot of questions about tomato problems so that’s why we describe 7 of them; Cutworms, Flea beetles, Stinkbugs, Tomato or Tobacco Hornworms, Psyllids, Whiteflies and Aphids. Soon follows an article about more common tomato problems.
picture of Cutworms

Cutworms:
Cutworms: are a menace to newly planted tomatoes, cutting plants off at the ground during the night. Cutworms are brownish larvae about 3/4 of an inch long. They have to wrap themselves around the stem to cut the plant off. Put a collar made of something sturdy like a small can with both ends removed or a section from a cardboard juice container around the base of your young plants as you set them out. Press it firmly into the soil and make sure it extends up several inches. You can even use a large nail stuck in the ground alongside in close contact with the stem. Cutworms are seldom a problem after the stems have grown and thickened.

Flea beetles: are small, black or brown beetles that jump when disturbed. The adults chew small holes or pits into the leaves. Wounded tissue may be more susceptible to diseases such as early blight. Most plants outgrow flea beetle damage. Insecticides such as cabaryl or permethrin are effective controls, if needed.

picture of Flea beetles
picture of Stink bugs:

Stink bugs:
cause spots and internal damage to tomato fruit by their feeding. Adults are shield-shaped and brown or green, with red, pink or yellow markings. They release an offensive odour when handled. Control weeds around the tomato patch, as these Insects over winter in such areas. Stink bug damage on green fruit appears as dark pinpricks surrounded by a light, discolored area. As fruit ripens, these spots may remain green or turn yellow. The tissue underneath is white and spongy. Cavities may form under the damaged skin.
Tomato or Tobacco Hornworms :
are large, green or gray-green caterpillars with white to tan v-shaped or dashed markings on their sides. A green to reddish horn protrudes from the hind end. They are voracious feeders, stripping leaves from stems and even eating unripe fruit. Pick them off by hand. The caterpillars are susceptible to Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), sold as Dipel or Thuricide), rotenone or Sevin insecticides as well as to many common vegetable insecticides.

Psyllids :
another small insect that sucks plant juices, are more of a problem some years than others. They cause the foliage to turn yellow and curl, veins often turn purple. Stems may become distorted, giving the bush a zigzag appearance. Plants are stunted and often produce no fruit. Insecticidal soap is also effective against psyllids fruit. Insecticidal soap is also effective against psyllids.
Whiteflies and Aphids :
suck the juices from the plant. Both cause leaf yellowing and leave characteristic sticky excrement called honeydew. Leaves appear shiny and are somewhat sticky when honeydew is present. Damage usually is minimal on tomatoes and often can be ignored. If aphids become a problem, some applications of insecticidal soap are quite effective.


Marian, Yourgarden Specialist