What is Eating the Stems of My Tomato Plants?

Tomatoes are one of the most popular crops in backyard gardens. They are easy to grow and don't require a lot of space. However, tomato plants are not impervious to pests and diseases. One common problem that many gardeners face when growing tomatoes is finding that the stems of their plants are being eaten. In this article, we will explore what could be causing this problem and how to deal with it.

The Culprit: Cutworms

The most likely culprit for eating the stems of your tomato plants are cutworms. These pests are most active at night and are often difficult to detect without close inspection. Cutworms are the larvae of several species of night-flying moths. They are typically brown or gray with a smooth or segmented body that measures about an inch long. Cutworms can be found in the soil, where they chew through the stems of plants at ground level.

To prevent cutworms from feasting on your tomato plants, you can use physical barriers such as cardboard or plastic collars around the base of your plants. This will prevent the cutworms from climbing up the stem and causing damage. Another prevention method is to keep the soil around the plants free from debris and weeds that might harbor cutworms.

Other Possible Culprits

While cutworms are the most likely culprits, other pests and animals can also be eating the stems of your tomato plants. For example, rabbits, deer, and other small mammals enjoy eating the tender stems of plants. If you have a lot of animal activity in your garden, you may need to use fencing or other protective measures to keep the animals out.

Another possible culprit is the tomato hornworm, a large green caterpillar that feeds on tomato plants. Tomato hornworms are easy to spot, as they are usually around four inches long and have a distinctive horn on their back. If you see any of these pests on your tomato plants, you can remove them by hand or treat the plants with an insecticide.

Treating Damaged Stems

If your tomato plants have already been damaged by pests, it's important to take action quickly to prevent further damage. If the stem has been completely severed, the plant will likely die. However, if the damage is less severe, there are steps you can take to save the plant.

To treat a damaged stem, you can try using a plant hormone called auxin. Auxin helps to stimulate new root and shoot growth, which can help the plant recover. You can apply auxin by using a rooting hormone powder or by making a solution with water and a small amount of powdered aspirin.

Conclusion

Eating stems is a common problem that many gardeners face when growing tomatoes. The most likely culprit is cutworms, but other pests and animals can also be a problem. Prevention is the key to keeping your tomato plants healthy and productive. By using physical barriers and keeping your garden free from debris and weeds, you can prevent cutworms from damaging your plants. If your plants are already damaged, treating them quickly with auxin can help to stimulate new growth and save the plant.