What Takes Off the Top of My Tomato Plants

Tomato plants are popular amongst gardeners because of their delicious fruits and ease of cultivation. However, tomato plants are prone to various pests and diseases that can destroy your crop. One of the most common problems that tomato growers face is the sudden loss of the top of their plants. If you are wondering what takes off the top of your tomato plant, keep reading to find out.

1. Cutworms

Cutworms are the larvae of several species of moths that feed on the stems of young tomato plants. These pests typically cut off the top of the plant at or slightly above the soil level. Cutworms are most active at night, and you may not notice them until it is too late. To prevent cutworms, you can install collars made of cardboard, aluminum foil or plastic around the base of your plants.

2. Tomato Fruit Worms

Tomato fruit worms are the larvae of the Helicoverpa zea moth commonly found in North America. These worms are green or brown with stripes and can grow up to 1.5 inches (4 cm) long. They feed on developing fruit, foliage, and stems, often chewing through the top of the plant. To prevent tomato fruit worms, use insecticides, plant resistant varieties, or remove any damaged fruits immediately.

3. Blight

Tomato blight is a fungal disease that can quickly spread and destroy an entire crop of tomato plants. One of the symptoms of blight is the sudden loss of the top of your plants. The fungus attacks the leaves and stems, causing them to turn brown, wilt, and die. To prevent blight, avoid overhead watering, and provide adequate air circulation and sunlight. Fungicides can also help control the disease.

4. Aphids

Aphids are tiny insects that suck the sap from your tomato plants, causing them to become weak and stunted. A heavy infestation of aphids can cause the top of your plants to die off and become deformed. To prevent aphids, use insecticidal soap, essential oils or ladybugs to keep their population in check.

5. Herbicide Damage

If you apply herbicides nearby or around your tomato plants, you run the risk of damaging them. Herbicides can drift in the wind and land on your plants or leach into the soil and affect the roots. Symptoms of herbicide damage include the sudden loss of the top of your plants, stunted growth or yellowing leaves. To prevent herbicide damage, avoid using herbicides near your garden or use them as directed.

Conclusion

Tomato plants are susceptible to many pests and diseases that can take off the top of your plants. By identifying the cause of the problem, you can take steps to prevent it from happening again. Whatever the cause of your tomatoes losing the top of their plants, don't despair. You can still get a decent harvest if you act quickly to remedy the situation.