How to Control Tomato Pinworm

Tomato pinworm is a common pest that can damage tomato plants. The larvae of the tomato pinworm feed on the leaves and fruit of tomatoes, causing small brown spots that eventually develop into holes. In severe infestations, the tomato plants may be completely defoliated, resulting in a loss of yield.

There are a number of ways to control tomato pinworm. Here are some tips:

• Use pheromone traps. Pheromone traps can be used to attract and trap male tomato pinworms. This will help to reduce the number of adults that are able to mate and lay eggs.
• Inspect your plants regularly. Look for signs of tomato pinworm damage, such as small brown spots or holes in the leaves and fruit. If you see any damage, take action immediately to control the pest.
• Remove infested leaves and fruit. If you find any infested leaves or fruit, remove them from the plant and destroy them. This will help to prevent the spread of the pest.
• Apply insecticides. If the infestation is severe, you may need to apply insecticides to control the pest. Be sure to use an insecticide that is labeled for use on tomatoes and that is safe for use in gardens.

Here are some additional tips for controlling tomato pinworm:

• Rotate your crops. Do not plant tomatoes in the same area year after year. This will help to break the pest’s life cycle and reduce the chances of an infestation.
• Plant resistant varieties. There are a number of tomato varieties that are resistant to tomato pinworm. Planting these varieties can help to reduce your risk of an infestation.
• Keep your garden clean. Remove any weeds or debris from your garden. This will help to create a less favorable environment for tomato pinworm.
• Use Insect Growing Degree Day Model to track pest lifecycle. Using the Pest Prophet app can help use models combined with localized weather data to predict when different lifecycle stages will occur. Learn more about this model.

By following these tips, you can help to control tomato pinworm and protect your tomato plants.