What Eats Blooms off Tomato Plants

Tomato plants will produce beautiful blooms just before they set fruit. These flowers are essential for the tomato plant as they transform into tomatoes later on. However, tomatoes are not only plants that enjoy the sight of the blooms, many insects and pests do too. In this article, we will explore what eats blooms off tomato plants and how to prevent them from doing so.

Cutworms

Cutworms are insects that eat away the blooms off tomato plants. They are typically found in the soil near the roots of the plant. Cutworms are mostly active during the night, and they chew the stems of the plants, cutting them off at the ground level. This makes it difficult for the plant to recover, and it eventually dies. To prevent cutworms from attacking your tomato plants, make sure to remove any debris and weeds around the plant, which provides shelter for cutworms. Also, you can create a barrier of diatomaceous earth around the plant, which will deter them from coming near.

Aphids

Another common pest that loves to feast on tomato bloom is the aphid. They are small, pear-shaped insects that suck the sap from the underside of the plant's leaves and flowers. Aphids multiply quickly, and their feeding activity can cause the blooms of a tomato plant to wilt and drop off. To get rid of aphids, you can use insecticidal soap or a mixture of water and dish soap to spray on the plant. You can also introduce natural predators of aphids like ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps.

Fruit Worms

Fruit worms, also known as tomato fruitworms or corn earworms, are a serious threat to the blooms of tomato plants. They lay their eggs on the blooms, and when the eggs hatch, the larvae feed on the tomato flower and fruit. If left unchecked, they can cause significant damage to the tomato plant and reduce its yield. To prevent fruit worms from attacking your tomato plants, you can cover them with floating row covers or spray an insecticide that contains Bacillus thuringiensis.

Conclusion

Tomato plants blooms are a vulnerable part of the plant that requires extra protection from pests and insects. By being vigilant and taking preventative measures, you can protect your tomato plants from insect attacks and ensure a bountiful harvest.