Do Woodlice Eat Tomato Plants?

Tomatoes are a popular crop for home gardeners because of their delicious taste, versatility, and easy cultivation. However, growing tomatoes also comes with its fair share of challenges, including pest management. One pest that might concern gardeners is the woodlouse, also known as pillbug or sowbug. But do woodlice actually eat tomato plants?

What are Woodlice?

Woodlice are small crustaceans that belong to the order Isopoda. They are known for their ability to roll into a ball when disturbed, which gives them their common name "pillbug". Woodlice can be found in damp environments, such as under rocks, in leaf litter, and in soil.

Do Woodlice Eat Tomato Plants?

Woodlice are primarily herbivores and feed on decaying organic matter, such as dead leaves, fungi, and plant debris. However, they are also known to eat young and tender plant material, which includes seedlings, soft shoots, and roots. In some cases, they may also feed on fruits that are close to the ground, such as strawberries and raspberries.

How Do Woodlice Cause Damage?

While woodlice may not be a major pest of tomato plants, they can still cause damage. They tend to feed on the youngest and most tender parts of the plants, which can stunt their growth and reduce their overall health. In severe cases, the feeding damage may even cause the plants to die. Additionally, woodlice can be carriers of plant diseases and fungal spores, which can result in further damage to the plants.

How to Prevent Woodlice Damage to Tomato Plants?

Preventing woodlice damage to tomato plants can be achieved through a combination of cultural, mechanical, and chemical methods. Cultural methods involve practices such as removing plant debris and mulch around the plants, as well as promoting good soil drainage to reduce dampness. Mechanical methods include handpicking the woodlice off the plants or creating barriers using insect netting. Chemical methods involve using insecticides that are labeled for use on tomato plants, such as pyrethrin-based sprays.

Conclusion

While woodlice may not be the biggest threat to tomato plants, they can still cause damage and health problems. Gardeners should be proactive in preventing woodlice damage by implementing a combination of cultural, mechanical, and chemical methods. Protecting tomato plants against all pests and diseases will help ensure a healthy and productive harvest.Not only should gardeners be aware of woodlice, but also of other pests that may damage the health of the plants.