What Will Lay Eggs on Tomato Plants

Tomato plants are beloved by many gardeners due to their delicious fruit and ease of growing. However, there are some pests that can wreak havoc on tomato plants, including those that lay their eggs on them. In this article, we will take a look at some of the common insects that lay eggs on tomato plants.

Tobacco Hornworms

The tobacco hornworm is a large green caterpillar that can often be found on tomato plants. It lays its eggs on the undersides of leaves or on the stem of the plant. The eggs are pale green and are often clustered together.

Once the eggs hatch, the larvae will begin to feed on the tomato plant. They can strip the leaves and eat the fruit, causing significant damage. One way to control tobacco hornworms is to manually remove them from the plant, but this can be time-consuming.

Tomato Fruitworms

The tomato fruitworm is a small caterpillar that lays its eggs on the fruit of the tomato plant. The eggs are laid in small clusters and are pale yellow in color. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae will burrow into the fruit and feed on the inside, causing significant damage.

One way to control tomato fruitworms is to regularly inspect the fruit of the tomato plant for signs of damage. If you notice any fruit that has a small hole or is discolored, it may be infected. You can then remove the infected fruit and dispose of it.

Spider Mites

Spider mites are tiny pests that lay their eggs on the undersides of leaves. The eggs are often difficult to see and are laid in large numbers. Once the eggs hatch, the spider mites will begin to feed on the tomato plant, sucking the sap out of the leaves and causing discoloration.

One way to control spider mites is to spray the tomato plant with water. This will dislodge the pests and make it difficult for them to feed. You can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control spider mites.

Aphids

Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that can lay their eggs on tomato plants. The eggs are often laid on the undersides of leaves and are difficult to see. Once the eggs hatch, the aphids will begin to feed on the tomato plant, sucking the sap out of the leaves and causing them to yellow and wilt.

One way to control aphids is to spray the tomato plant with water. This will dislodge the pests and make it difficult for them to feed. You can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control aphids.

Conclusion

Tomato plants are a favorite among gardeners, but they can be susceptible to pests that lay their eggs on them. By keeping an eye out for signs of infestation and taking preventative measures, you can ensure that your tomato plants stay healthy and produce delicious fruit.