Introduction

Tomato plants are a popular garden staple due to their delicious fruit, but unfortunately, they can fall victim to a number of pests. One of the most damaging pests that attacks tomato plants is the cutworm. Cutworms can cause significant damage to tomato plants, eventually killing them if left unchecked. In this article, we'll answer the question "How do cutworms get on tomato plants?" and explore some ways to prevent and control them.

Cutworms: What Are They?

Cutworms are the larvae of several species of moths in the Noctuidae family. These pests are usually found in soil and are active at night. Cutworms get their name from their mode of feeding, which is to cut through the stems of young plants, causing them to wilt and die.

How Do Cutworms Get on Tomato Plants?

Cutworms are known to infest a number of garden plants, including tomato plants. So how do these pests get on your tomato plants in the first place? The answer is simple: adult moths lay their eggs in soil around the base of the plant. When the eggs hatch, the newly hatched larvae begin to feed on the plant, often causing significant damage before being noticed.

Signs of Cutworm Infestation

If you suspect that your tomato plants have a cutworm infestation, there are several signs to look out for. The first is wilting or drooping leaves, which is caused by the cutworms cutting through the stems of the plant. You may also notice holes or notches in the leaves of your tomato plant. Finally, if you dig around the base of the plant, you may uncover the cutworms themselves.

Preventing Cutworm Infestations

Prevention is the best defense against cutworms. Here are some tips to keep these pests at bay:

Remove weeds and vegetation from around your tomato plants, as these can harbor cutworms.

Avoid overwatering your plants, as this can create a hospitable environment for cutworms to thrive.

Use plant collars made from cardboard or aluminum foil to prevent cutworms from accessing the stem of your tomato plants.

Apply biological control products, such as Bacillus thuringiensis (BT), which is a natural insecticide that targets cutworms.

Introduce natural predators, such as parasitic wasps or nematodes, to your garden to help control cutworm populations.

Controlling Cutworm Infestations

If you've already identified a cutworm infestation on your tomato plants, here are some tips to control the pests:

Handpick the cutworms from your plants and dispose of them in soapy water.

Apply insecticides, such as spinosad or carbaryl, to control cutworms. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully and wear protective clothing when applying these products.

Apply diatomaceous earth around the base of your tomato plants, which will cause the cutworms to dehydrate and die.

Use sticky traps, which will attract and trap adult moths before they have a chance to lay eggs in your garden.

Conclusion

Preventing and controlling cutworm infestations on your tomato plants can be a challenging task, but with a little diligence and care, you can keep these pests at bay. By removing potential infestation sites and applying natural deterrents, you can keep your tomato plants healthy and productive all season long.