What Are the Green Worms on Tomato Plants?

If you’ve been growing tomatoes in your garden, you may have encountered small green worms on your tomato plants. These pests are known as tomato hornworms, and they can cause significant damage to your tomato plants if left untreated.

Identification of Tomato Hornworms

Tomato hornworms are the larvae of the hawk moth, also known as the sphinx moth. They are usually green in color and can grow up to 4 inches in length. You can identify them by their characteristic horn-like protrusion on their posterior end.

Tomato hornworms can be difficult to spot because of their green color, which camouflages them among the tomato leaves. However, you can look for their droppings which are black and cylindrical and usually found on the leaves under the infestation.

Damage Caused by Tomato Hornworms

Tomato hornworms can cause significant damage to your tomato plants by feeding on the leaves and stems of the plant. They can also eat the fruit of the tomato plant, which can render them inedible. You can identify the damage caused by these pests due to the large holes that are left in the leaves and fruit of the tomato plant.

Preventing and Controlling Tomato Hornworm Infestations

The best way to prevent a tomato hornworm infestation is to keep your garden clean and tidy. By keeping the garden free from debris, you reduce the likelihood of these pests being able to find a home in your garden. Additionally, it is important to rotate your crops, as tomato hornworms can overwinter in the soil and emerge the following season.

If you already have a tomato hornworm infestation, there are several ways to control it. Handpicking the worms from the plant is an effective method, as is using a biological control such as a parasitic wasp that specifically targets the tomato hornworm.

You can also apply insecticides such as Bacillus thuringiensis, which is a natural bacterial pesticide that is safe for humans and pets.

Conclusion

Tomato hornworms may be small, but they can cause significant damage to your tomato plants if left untreated. By taking preventative measures and using effective methods to control infestations, you can ensure a healthy and bountiful tomato harvest.