What Will Eat Leaves on Tomato Plants

If you're a gardener, you know that tomatoes are a popular crop to grow. They're versatile, delicious, and relatively easy to take care of. However, tomato plants can fall victim to a number of pests and diseases. One of the most frustrating problems to deal with is when something starts eating the leaves on your tomato plants. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the common culprits and how to keep them under control.

Cutworms

One of the insects that often eats leaves on tomato plants is the cutworm. These pests are the larvae of various species of night-flying moths. They're called cutworms because they'll cut through the stem or leaves of young plants and feed on the foliage. If you notice that your tomato plants are being chewed at the base, it's likely that cutworms are the problem.

There are a few things that you can do to prevent cutworms from attacking your tomato plants. First, you can create a physical barrier by cutting a section of cardboard or plastic and placing it around the base of the plant. This will prevent the cutworms from reaching the plant. You can also sprinkle diatomaceous earth around the base of the plant, which will cut up the cutworms and prevent them from moving towards the plant.

Tobacco Hornworms

Another common culprit that may be eating the leaves on your tomato plants is the tobacco hornworm. These are large caterpillars that can grow up to 4 inches long. They have a distinctive horn on their rear end and can quickly strip a tomato plant of its foliage. If you notice that sections of leaves are missing or have large holes in them, it's likely that tobacco hornworms are the problem.

To keep tobacco hornworms under control, you can handpick them off the plants and drop them into soapy water. You can also introduce natural predators like braconid wasps or green lacewings. If you prefer to use insecticides, spinosad is an effective choice for controlling tobacco hornworms.

Whiteflies

Whiteflies are tiny, flying insects that are often found on tomato plants. They feed on the sap of the leaves and can cause them to yellow and die. They also excrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which can attract other pests like ants and sooty mold. If you notice that the leaves of your tomato plants are turning yellow and drooping, it's likely that whiteflies are the problem.

To control whiteflies, you can introduce natural predators like ladybugs or parasitic wasps. You can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the population. However, be careful when using these products as they can also harm beneficial insects like bees and butterflies.

Aphids

Aphids are another common pest that may be eating the leaves on your tomato plants. These small, pear-shaped insects insert their mouthparts into the leaves and suck out the sap. They reproduce quickly and can cause extensive damage to a plant. If you notice that the leaves of your tomato plants are curled or stunted, it's likely that aphids are the problem.

To control aphids, you can introduce natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings. You can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the population. If the infestation is severe, you may need to use a systemic insecticide that's applied to the soil and absorbed by the plant.

Conclusion

Tomato plants can be a tasty and rewarding addition to your garden, but they're not invincible. There are several pests that may be eating the leaves on your tomato plants. By identifying the culprit and taking steps to control its population, you can keep your plants healthy and productive. Remember to always use caution when using pesticides and try to rely on natural methods whenever possible. By doing so, you'll not only protect your tomato plants but also the ecosystem as a whole.