Tomatoes: Dealing with Pests

Pest	Symptoms	Control
Nematodes (microscopic round worms) Generally attack the roots and cause decrease in root volume and a general weakness in the plant. Can make the plants susceptible to other disease. Nematodes may transmit viral disease.	Plants appear unthrifty Stunted Wilt prematurely and recover slowly after watering. Can look like the plants aren’t getting enough nutrients (since the root mass is reduced, this is actually true.) Fruit may color early.	Rotate crops to reduce multiplication of nematodes in the soil by removing the nutrient source. Grow nematode resistant varieties of tomatoes (labeled N) Add organic material to soil since nematodes thrive in sandy soil. Plant marigolds, chrysanthemums or dahlias close to tomatoes.
Cutwormlarvae of caterpillars	Seedlings appear to be cut off	Remove weeds long before planting Place a collar around the base of the stem. Collars can be made of wax paper, tin cans, plastic soft drink bottles. Mulch soil well
Aphids	Leaf yellowing Plants appear shiny and feel sticky due to the excrement of aphids called honeydew Main vectors (transmitters) of viral diseases.	Plant basil among the tomatoes because basil produces chemicals that repel aphids. Also tastes great in a tomato basil salad or tomato sauce. Insecticidal soaps may also be used.
Thrips About 1 mm long and are dark brown to pale yellow. Adults have two pairs of narrow wings.	Damage is minimal Transmit viral diseases	Basil repels thrips Use plant oils which stick to insects and slow their movement. Hang sticky traps among the plants.
Tomato bollworm or fruitworm Colors range from green to yellow to pinkish red to chocolate brown Has 4 pairs of legs on abdomen (looper has only 2 pair of legs)	Tunnels into fruit and causes it to rot	Pesticides not recommended Natural predators include spiders, ants, ladybugs, and birds.
Whiteflysmall(1 mm) and white	Feed on plant and also secrete honeydew Sooty mold fungus can stick to honeydew More of a problem in greenhouses than in the outdoors.	Natural predators include spiders, ants, ladybugs, and birds. Pesticides not recommended.
Stink bugsgreen or brown and shield-shaped and emit a pungent smell when disturbed.	Dark pinpricks surrounded by a light discoloration on green fruit. Spots may remain green or turn yellow as fruit ripens. Cavities may form under damaged skin.	Keep area weed free
Spider mite	White-yellow speckling on leaf surface. Decreased plant growth and death of plant Problem in hot dry weather.	Frequently spray plants with water mist.
Fruit Fly	Small maggots in fruit.	Pick fruit regularly. Do not leave fruit lying on the ground. If infestation is a problem, pick green tomatoes and let ripen indoors. Use fly-proof net.
Crickets	Destroy plants by chewing stems at or close to ground level.	Look for cricket holes and fill with hot water.
Slugs and snails	Not much of a problem but will destroy ripe fruit.	Put collar made from plastic soft drink bottle or tin can around the stem.
Birds	Peck marks in fruit	Regular picking of fruit.