What are the Large Green Caterpillars on Tomato Plants?

If you are a tomato gardener, you may have noticed large green caterpillars lurking on your tomato plants. While they may seem innocent to the untrained eye, they can actually cause severe damage to your plants if left unchecked. In this article, we will explore what these caterpillars are and how to identify and control them.

Identifying the Large Green Caterpillars on Tomato Plants

The large green caterpillars on tomato plants are called tomato hornworms. They are about the size of a finger and can grow up to 4 inches long. They have green bodies with white stripes or spots along their sides and a prominent horn-like protrusion on their rear end. These caterpillars can be easily spotted on tomato plants as they tend to feed on the leaves and stems.

The Damage Caused by Tomato Hornworms

If left unchecked, tomato hornworms can cause significant damage to your tomato plants. They can devour the leaves and stems of your tomato plants and even eat the fruit. In severe cases, they can defoliate entire plants or even cause them to die. This can lead to a loss in yield and a significant decrease in the quality of your tomatoes.

Controlling Tomato Hornworms

If you’ve identified tomato hornworms on your tomato plants, it’s essential to take action immediately to prevent further damage. Here are some ways to control these pests:

Handpicking: One of the most effective ways to control tomato hornworms is to handpick them from your plants. Wear gloves and look for them during the day when they are active. Drop them into a bucket of soapy water to kill them.

Natural predators: Introducing natural predators like parasitic wasps and braconid wasps can help control tomato hornworms. These wasps lay their eggs on the hornworms, which eventually kill them.

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt): Bt is a natural bacterium that is highly effective against tomato hornworms. It produces toxins that are deadly to the caterpillars. You can apply Bt to your plants as a spray or dust.

Preventing Tomato Hornworm Infestations

Preventing tomato hornworm infestations is important to protect your tomato plants from damage. Here are some ways to prevent these pests:

Crop rotation: Rotate your tomato plants with other plants to prevent the build-up of hornworm populations in the soil.

Cover crops: Plant cover crops like clover or buckwheat to attract beneficial insects that feed on hornworms.

Clean up: Remove any debris or weeds from around your plants as they can provide hiding places for hornworms.

Conclusion

The next time you spot large green caterpillars on your tomato plants, don’t panic! They are likely tomato hornworms, and with the right control measures in place, you can prevent them from causing significant harm to your tomato plants. Remember to keep an eye out for these pests, take action quickly when you spot them, and prevent future infestations through proper gardening practices.