What eats flowers on tomato plants

Tomatoes are a common and easy to grow crop in many gardens. However, sometimes tomato plants can run into trouble when their flowers are eaten by various pests. Here are several common culprits that could be eating flowers on tomato plants.

Cutworms

One of the most common pests that eat flowers on tomato plants is the cutworm. Cutworms are the larvae of several types of moths and can be identified by their stout, grey-brown bodies. They usually feed at night and can cause damage to plants by clipping off entire seedlings or stem. However, they will also eat the flowers of tomato plants, causing them to wilt and die.

Fruitworms

Another common pest that eats flowers on tomato plants is the fruitworm. Adult fruitworms lay their eggs on the leaves and stems of tomato plants, and once the eggs hatch, the larvae start feeding on the flowers and fruits of the plant. Fruitworms are usually either a yellow, white, or green color, and are about a half inch in length. They can be prevented using insecticides or by planting resistant tomato varieties.

Aphids

Aphids are another type of pest that enjoy feeding on the flowers of tomato plants. These small, soft-bodied insects can often be found congregating on the tips of stems and the undersides of leaves. They damage plants by sucking the sap out of them, causing the flowers to wither and die. Aphids can be treated with insecticidal soap or by using natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings to control their populations.

Spider Mites

Spider mites are another common pest that target tomato plants. Although they are not insects, they can cause severe damage to plants by sucking on their sap, causing the leaves and stems to become discolored and distorted. They also feed on the flowers of tomato plants which can lead to reduced yields. Spider mites can be controlled using horticultural oil or insecticidal soap sprays.

Conclusion

While there are several pests that can eat flowers on tomato plants, there are also various management techniques and preventive measures that can be taken to keep these pests at bay. By monitoring your plants regularly and using organic or chemical controls when necessary, you can protect your tomato plants from flower-eating pests and ensure a healthy and productive harvest.