What Animal Would Eat Bottom of Tomatoes on Plants

Tomatoes are one of the most commonly grown fruits in home gardens, prized for their juicy flesh and versatile culinary uses. However, many gardeners encounter a frustrating problem when they find the bottom of their tomatoes are discolored and rotted. This condition, known as blossom end rot, can be caused by a variety of factors, including a lack of calcium, uneven watering, or damage to the plant's roots.

The Culprit: Cutworms

While there are several possible causes of blossom end rot, one of the major culprits is the cutworm. Cutworms are a type of caterpillar that can be found in many garden settings, including vegetable patches, flower beds, and orchards. These pests are particularly fond of the tender stems of young plants, including tomato seedlings.

Cutworms get their name from their habit of chewing through a plant's stem near the soil line, effectively cutting it off and causing the plant to wither and die. This can be especially devastating for young tomato plants, which need a strong stem in order to support the weight of their fruit later in the growing season.

Identifying Cutworms

Cutworms are typically nocturnal, and are most active at night. Although they are generally not large (most are less than an inch in length), they can cause significant damage to your plants if left unchecked.

One way to identify cutworm damage is to look for a characteristic damage pattern on your tomato plants. If you notice that the bottom of your tomatoes are being eaten away, leaving a circular, sunken area with a dark, rotten appearance, you may be dealing with cutworms.

You can also check your plants for the presence of the caterpillars themselves. Cutworms are usually brown or gray, and have a plump, cylindrical shape similar to many other caterpillars. They may also be covered in tiny hairs or spines, which can help to protect them from predators.

Controlling Cutworms

Fortunately, there are several effective methods for controlling cutworms in your garden. One of the most straightforward approaches is to simply physically remove any cutworms you find on your plants. This can be done by hand, or with the help of a pair of tweezers or forceps.

Another effective way to control cutworms is to use a natural insecticide made from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis. This bacterium produces a toxin that is harmless to humans and most other animals, but is lethal to many types of caterpillars, including cutworms. You can purchase Bacillus thuringiensis products at most garden supply stores.

Finally, you can try planting your tomato seedlings in a ring of diatomaceous earth. This fine, powdery substance is made up of the fossilized remains of tiny sea creatures, and is abrasive to the bodies of many insects, including cutworms.

Conclusion

If you are noticing that the bottom of your tomatoes are being eaten away, there is a good chance that cutworms are the culprits. However, with a little bit of vigilance and the right approach, you can help to control these pesky caterpillars and keep your tomato plants healthy and productive.