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    Common Pests Affecting Tomatoes and Their Control Measures

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    raphungadaniel_62525

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    Common Pests Affecting Tomatoes and Their Control Measures

    Uploaded by

    raphungadaniel_62525
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    5 views2 pages

    Common Pests Affecting Tomatoes and Their Control Measures

    Uploaded by

    raphungadaniel_62525

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
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    Common Pests Affecting Tomatoes and Their Control Measures

    1. Aphids
    o Damage: Small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the plant, causing leaves
    to curl, yellow, and stunt growth. Can also transmit plant viruses.
    o Control Measures:
     Insecticidal Soap: Spray directly on aphids to kill them.
     Neem Oil: Effective for repelling and killing aphids.
     Beneficial Insects: Release ladybugs or lacewings that feed on aphids.
    2. Tomato Hornworms
    o Damage: Large, green caterpillars with white stripes and a horn-like projection.
    Chew large holes in leaves, stems, and fruit.
    o Control Measures:
     Hand-Picking: Remove and destroy caterpillars manually.
     Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt): Apply to kill caterpillars.
     Natural Predators: Encourage birds and parasitic wasps that prey on
    hornworms.
    3. Whiteflies
    o Damage: Small, white, moth-like insects that congregate on the undersides of
    leaves. Suck sap from the plant, leading to yellowing, wilting, and stunted growth.
    Can also spread diseases.
    o Control Measures:
     Yellow Sticky Traps: Use to capture adult whiteflies.
     Insecticidal Soap: Spray to kill whiteflies.
     Encourage Natural Predators: Introduce or attract predators like
    ladybugs and lacewings.
    4. Spider Mites
    o Damage: Tiny, spider-like insects that create fine webs on the undersides of
    leaves. Suck sap from the plant, causing speckled, yellow leaves and defoliation.
    o Control Measures:
     Miticide Sprays: Use to control severe infestations.
     Insecticidal Soap: Spray to reduce mite populations.
     Water Spray: Regularly hose down plants to remove mites and webs.
    5. Cutworms
    o Damage: Larvae of certain moth species, active mainly at night. Chew through
    stems at the base of young plants, causing them to topple over.
    o Control Measures:
     Collars: Place around the base of seedlings to protect them.
     Hand-Picking: Remove cutworms manually at night.
     Clean Garden Beds: Keep beds free of plant debris.
    6. Thrips
    o Damage: Tiny, slender insects that are often yellow or black. Scrape and suck
    plant tissues, leading to silvering or bronzing of leaves and potential virus
    transmission.
    o Control Measures:
     Blue Sticky Traps: Use to capture adult thrips.
    Insecticidal Soap: Apply to reduce thrip populations.
    Encourage Beneficial Insects: Attract or release predatory insects like
    minute pirate bugs.
    7. Slugs and Snails
    o Damage: Soft-bodied mollusks that are active at night and in wet conditions.
    Chew irregular holes in leaves and damage seedlings.
    o Control Measures:
     Hand-Picking: Remove slugs and snails manually.
     Beer Traps: Use to attract and drown slugs.
     Copper Barriers: Place around plants to deter slugs and snails.

    Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Strategies

     Crop Rotation: Rotate tomatoes with non-host crops to reduce pest buildup.
     Companion Planting: Grow tomatoes with plants like basil, marigolds, or nasturtiums
    that repel pests.
     Sanitation: Keep the garden clean and free of plant debris to reduce pest habitats.
     Healthy Soil: Maintain soil health with compost and proper fertilization to promote
    strong plants.
     Regular Monitoring: Inspect plants frequently for early signs of pests and take prompt
    action.
     Biological Controls: Use beneficial insects and natural predators to keep pest
    populations in check.
     Chemical Controls: Apply appropriate insecticides and miticides as a last resort,
    following label instructions and safety guidelines.

    Implementing these control measures can help protect your tomato plants from common pests,
    ensuring a healthy and productive harvest.

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