Introduction

Tomatoes are a popular vegetable grown in many home gardens and commercial farms. They are often subject to attacks by several pests and diseases, including various types of worms. One of the most common questions that gardeners and farmers ask is what worm eats tomato plants?

The Tomato Fruitworm

The tomato fruitworm is a common pest of tomato plants. Also known as the corn earworm, it is the larvae of the moth Helicoverpa zea. The tomato fruitworm is a pest throughout most of the United States and is known to cause significant damage to tomato plants. The adult moth lays its eggs on the foliage of the tomato plant, and the larvae feed on the fruit, often burrowing through the flesh and leaving behind an entry hole.

The Tomato Hornworm

The tomato hornworm is another common worm that eats tomato plants. It is the larvae of the hawk or sphinx moth and is easily recognized by its large size, green color, and the horn-like structure on its tail. The tomato hornworm feeds on the foliage of tomato plants and can cause significant defoliation. However, the most significant damage occurs when the larvae grow larger and start feeding on the fruit.

Preventing and Controlling Worm Damage

To prevent and control worm damage to tomato plants, growers can use several options. One is to use insecticide sprays that target the pests. However, this option presents a risk to beneficial insects and can also lead to the development of pesticide resistance. Another option is to use biological control agents such as parasitic wasps, which can control the population of tomato fruitworms without harming the beneficial insects.

Cultural control practices can also help prevent worm damage. These practices include crop rotation, planting resistant tomato varieties, and maintaining good soil fertility. Covering the plants with floating row covers can also prevent adult moths from laying eggs on the tomato plants.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the answer to the question of what worm eats tomato plants is the tomato fruitworm and the tomato hornworm. These pests can cause significant damage to tomato plants and lead to reduced yields. To prevent and control worm damage, growers can use several options, including insecticide sprays, biological control agents, and cultural control practices. Maintaining healthy tomato plants can go a long way in preventing worm damage and ensuring a successful harvest of ripe, juicy tomatoes.