Tomato fruitworm also referred to as Helicoverpa zea is one of the hardest nuts to crack for the tomato growers who are keen on practicing organic agriculture. We shall learn how to differentiate tomato fruitworm damage, its life cycle, and ways on how to control it through bio-fungicides and insecticides. The example of the farmer and information from the latest research on biologic products will be useful. When you read it, you can understand this post is beneficial for farmers and researchers to tackle tomato fruitworm along with how to get rid of tomato fruitworm very easily! It will help them to understand how they can manage tomato fruitworm without stressing a lot! Just as a farmer know what is eating holes in my tomatoes.
This pest is a common and destructive pest of tomatoes that attacks the fruits by eating the insides of them. The losses are usually severe. It reduces the yield significantly. When the pests are present significantly, you need to be alert about it. The development of tomato fruitworm includes the egg, the larval stage, the pupal stage and the adult stage and the larval stage is the most destructive stage. It is important to understand the pest life cycle so that the affected commodity can be treated at a tender age hence minimizing the effect of the pests.
This is true as pointed out by Dr. Linda Smith in her work as an expert of Entomology focusing on Pest Management in Cornell University where she emphasizes on higher level of monitoring and intervention in the war against tomato fruitworm. “One has to be more conscious when scouting tomatoes for the sign of tomato fruitworm larvae infestation. Since there are a variety of options available if the larvae are identified, I advise the use of biological methods especially Bt Insecticide for tomato fruitworm.”
In 2023, an organic farmer in Southern California faced a pest infestation that threatened the entire crop. The farmer first noticed the pest at the start of summer when small, round black holes appeared on the fruits, indicating larval penetration and significant damage. Since the farmer believed in organic farming, he wanted to eliminate the pest without using synthetic chemicals.
The farmer started with the inspection of the crop with a view of ascertaining the level of the attack and what causes holes in tomatoes. The actual identification of the pest species was rather easy because the larvae are green or brown with light stripes almost along the entire length of their body. These damages would have gone unnoticed had the farmer not learnt the indicators of a pest attack in advance. The pest damage can be dangerous when left unattended. Knowing what is eating holes in my tomatoes can always be helpful the farmer says.
To deal with the problem, the farmer followed measures that are normally considered as an effective way of solving the problem. The farmer used a biological control agent called (Bt) Thuricide with its active ingredient Bacillus thuringiensis. It never affects beneficial insects at all while doing the right activity to do pest control! You do not need to worry about how to get rid of tomato fruitworm at all when you know about Novobac and its bt for for tomato fruitworm insecticide product. Throughout the whole pest life cycle it is helpful.
Tomato fruitworm remains a challenge for organic farmers, but there are effective ways to control it without chemicals. Identifying key stages of the pest life cycle, especially its larval stage, is essential for control. Dr. Linda Smith’s research highlights how monitoring and using biologically sourced controls, like Bt insecticide, can control the pest.
Safe, beneficial insects and Novobac’s tomato fruitworm insecticide offer tested solutions to combat the pest effectively and safely. Integrating bio-control methods into the Integrated Pest Management system helps farmers protect crops, ensuring organic farming success. Knowing what causes holes in tomatoes is crucial for farmers in identifying and managing tomato fruitworm infestations.
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