Tomatoes are a common crop. But even with all the rules for planting and growing, plants are periodically attacked by pests. I am an experienced gardener, but sometimes I encounter such a problem. I want to tell you how I deal with it.
How to understand that tomatoes are affected by worms?
Timely detection of the problem will help to deal with it effectively. Therefore, I periodically examine the fruits. If there are small holes on the tomato itself or on the stalk, it means that worms have appeared inside.
The following factors indicate a pest attack:
- falling ovaries;
- wilting of buds;
- tissue damage on stems and leaves.
If the whole plant withers and dries up, then, most likely, the roots are damaged and the bush cannot eat and receive moisture fully.
Varieties of pests
Most often, tomatoes are attacked by such pests:
- scoops;
- wireworm;
- Khrushchev, including the May beetle;
- gall nematode.
Signs of the appearance of insects
Scoop caterpillars have a greenish, brown or black color. They affect the underground part of tomatoes, trunks and fruits. An adult lays eggs on stems and leaves in early spring.
Beetle larvae, wireworms, also wake up as soon as the upper layers of the soil have thawed and warmed up. They feed on the root system of tomatoes, adults prefer leaves and fruits. The best conditions for the appearance of an insect are high humidity and acidity of the soil.
The larvae of the May beetle are large in size and outwardly resemble white caterpillars. They actively feed on young tomato roots.
The gall nematode is found inside the root appendages. Gradually, such places thicken and resemble tubers. Such a plant lags behind in development, gradually withers and dies.
To understand the cause of the death of the plant, I recommend digging up the affected bushes, carefully inspecting the root system. If traces of a pest are found, immediately begin to fight it in order to save the remaining planting.
How to get rid of worms and caterpillars?
If I find a pest in fruits, then I don’t use them for food, but immediately dispose of them. The plant is starting to heal.
When found in the stems, I immediately start spraying until the worms get to the fruits. This measure allows you to save the crop.
If I find caterpillars in the roots, then I get rid of such a bush.
How to deal with insects?
There are several effective remedies. First of all, I collect the caterpillars with my hands. When few were found, I use biological compounds purchased at a specialized store. I dilute the drug according to the instructions and process the plant. I re-spray if necessary.
Biological agents are effective and non-toxic. Harvest can be used for food.
If such means did not give the desired result, I get chemical ones. I prepare them, strictly observing the dosage.
Processing is carried out only during the growing season. There must be at least 21 days before harvest.
In my practice, I often resort to folk remedies. Including in the fight against insects:
- I water the aisles in planting tomatoes with a solution of ammonia.
- Before planting seedlings in the wells, I add bleach, it helps to scare away the gall nematode.
- Onion peel protects against wireworm.
In addition, I use a strong salt solution or make spray infusions based on:
- garlic;
- wormwood;
- tobacco.
In conclusion, I want to say that insect pests on tomatoes must be dealt with in a timely manner. To do this, I periodically inspect the landings. I shoot some caterpillars with my hands. Then I do the processing by available means.
Have you encountered such a problem as the defeat of tomatoes by worms? Tell us about pest control methods in the comments.
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