What Caterpillars Eat Tomato Plants UK: Understanding the Menace

For many gardeners in the UK, tomato plants are a staple crop as they are easy to grow and provide a bountiful harvest. Unfortunately, tomato plants are also a prime target for hungry caterpillars that feast on their leaves and fruits. The sight of large holes in the foliage and close-to-ripe tomatoes missing chunks can be frustrating for gardeners who have invested time and effort into growing the plants. In this article, we will take a closer look at what caterpillars eat tomato plants in the UK, and how you can control the damage.

The Culprits: Common Caterpillar Species That Attack Tomato Plants

Tomato plants are prone to attacks from several different caterpillar species in the UK. The most common are:

The tomato moth caterpillar - this species is grey-brown in colour and can cause significant damage to both young and mature tomato plants.

The tobacco moth caterpillar- these larvae have a yellow-green body with a brown head and can cause defoliation of tomato plants if left unchecked.

The cutworm- these are the larvae of several moth species and attack young tomato plants, cutting them down right at the stem’s base.

Caterpillars are most active during the summer months, and if not controlled, can cause complete defoliation of the plants and significant loss of yield.

What Do Caterpillars Eat on Tomato Plants?

Caterpillars have voracious appetites and can feed on almost every part of the tomato plant, including:

Leaves

Stems

Flowers

Fruits

Tomato moth caterpillars tend to burrow into the fruits, allowing fungal infections to set in, which can reduce the fruit quality and make them inedible. Some species of cutworms will feed on the roots, leading to stunted growth and sometimes even death.

Controlling Caterpillar Damage on Tomato Plants

If you notice signs of caterpillar damage on your tomato plants, it is essential to act quickly to prevent the damage from spreading further. You can control the damage using the following methods:

Handpicking- this method involves physically removing the caterpillars and eggs from the plants. Check the undersides of the leaves for eggs and squash them. Dispose of the caterpillars in a bucket of soapy water.

Biological control- introducing natural predators of caterpillars such as birds or wasps to the garden can help reduce the population of caterpillars. You can also plant companion plants that repel caterpillars, such as marigolds or mint.

Chemical control- if the infestation is severe, you may need to turn to pesticides for help. Choose pesticides that are specifically designed for caterpillar control, and always follow the instructions on the label carefully to avoid damaging beneficial insects and pollinators.

Preventative measures are also crucial in controlling caterpillars. These include crop rotation, removing plant debris after harvesting, and keeping the garden weed-free. Regularly inspecting plants for signs of pests and diseases can also help identify and control infestations early on.

Conclusion

Caterpillars can cause extensive damage to tomato plants, but with the right control measures in place, it is possible to keep them at bay. Handpicking, biological control, and chemical control are effective ways to control caterpillar populations. However, preventing infestations in the first place by taking preventative measures is the best approach to keep your tomato plants healthy and productive.