Where to Watch for Cutworm on Tomato Plants

Tomato plants are vulnerable to various types of pests and diseases. One of the most common tomato plant pests is the cutworm. Cutworms are moth larvae that feed on tomato plant stems, causing them to wilt and die. If left untreated, they can cause significant damage to your tomato plants. To protect your tomato plants from cutworm damage, it's essential to know where to look for them.

Check the Soil Surface

One of the best ways to find cutworms is to check the soil surface around your tomato plants. Cutworms spend most of their life underground, but they come to the surface at night to feed on the stems of tomato plants. Look for small, brownish, and black caterpillars on the soil surface, as this is a sign of the presence of cutworms. If you see any, remove them and dispose of them away from your garden.

Inspect the Base of Tomato Plants

When inspecting tomato plants for cutworms, pay close attention to the base of the plants. Cutworms often hide in the soil or curled up around the base of the plant stem during the day. Carefully examine the stem from the soil line up to the first set of leaves. Cutworms may be visible in this area, or you may see the cut marks where they have chewed through the stem.

Look for Tunnels in the Soil

As cutworms feed on tomato plant stems, they may tunnel beneath the soil surface. This can cause the soil to become soft and crumbly. When looking for cutworms, check the soil around the base of tomato plants for signs of tunnels. If you suspect cutworm damage in your tomato plants, gently dig away the soil around the plant to reveal the roots and see if there are any visible signs of damage or tunnels.

Inspect Tomato Plant Foliage

Cutworms can also cause damage to tomato plant foliage. They may chew large holes in the leaves or eat entire foliage sections. When inspecting your tomato plants, look for any signs of damage to the leaves. If you notice any holes or missing plant sections, check the soil surface and base of the plant for cutworms. Effective control of cutworms involves breaking their life cycle, so it's essential to identify and remove them as soon as possible.

Conclusion

Knowing where to watch for cutworm on tomato plants is crucial to prevent damage to your garden. By carefully examining the soil surface, base of the plant, and foliage, you can identify early signs of cutworm infestation and take immediate steps to remove them. Good garden hygiene, such as removing garden debris and rotating tomato plant positions, can also help prevent cutworms from becoming established in your garden.