Tomatoes are one of the most popular spring plants, but unfortunately they also attract many annoying insects and other pests. If you're prepared and know what signs to look out for, you can stop these unwanted guests before they cause too much damage. The most important factor in effective pest control is early detection. Take a look at the 5 most important pests that cause damage to tomatoes - we'll tell you how you can fight the tomato pests! You only need natural products and no chemicals.
Recognize and get rid of pests on tomatoes – aphids
Tomatoes are not immune to these microorganisms, which are known to affect a variety of plants. Aphids, which can be yellow, green or brownish-gray, are sucking insects. The leaves of your tomato plants will yellow and weaken as pests suck the sap from the plant. These pests gather in groups under the leaves and along the stems - in fact, you can find them everywhere. Aphids are an important attraction for ants. If you're not careful, you may find yourself dealing with two different types of pests at the same time.
Aphids are soft-bodied insects, and while that makes them easier for pest controllers to control, it also means that they reproduce so quickly that you should probably spray your plants more than once. You simply can't catch all pests on the first try. You can spray a stronger stream of water to eliminate the bugs. Introducing predatory insects (ladybugs and lacewings) as a natural form of pest control is a very successful strategy.
Fight tomato pests – spider mites
Spider mites are microscopic pests with a brownish-red appearance that feed on the leaves of tomato plants, causing the leaves to discolor, wilt and limit their development. They are difficult to see with the naked eye, but you can do a test to determine whether or not they are present if you observe a white, mottled discoloration on the top of your tomato leaves. Place a piece of white paper under the plant's leaves. Tap the sheets lightly on the table and observe the white paper to see if any brownish-red spots are now moving across the paper.
These pests can be repelled and deterred by spraying them with a stream of water from a hose several times a week at numerous intervals. Spider mites particularly like warm, dry weather and plants that are under a lot of stress, so you should take that into account too. It is important that you plant your tomato plantssufficient with nutrientsand provide water so that they stay healthy and are not attacked by spider mites.
Get Rid of Green Caterpillars on Tomato Plants
Since these harmful caterpillars are long enough, it seems easy to get rid of them by simply pulling them out one by one. And that's how it can be sometimes. The problem is that their bright green color makes them easy to hide, and the nymph and larval stages of the insect are much smaller and more inconspicuous than the adult species.
If there are only a handful, picking them out one at a time is an effective strategy.
Whiteflies on tomato plants
Whiteflies are very small insects that are closely related to aphids. They can be found in virtually any environment and often feed on the underside of plant leaves. Whitefly is a common pest on tomatoes, especially when they are grown in enclosed spaces such as greenhouses or indoors.
Both the nymphs and the adults damage the plants by depriving them of fluid, resulting in reduced yields, slowed development and yellowing of the leaves. Whiteflies are known to...transmit diseasesand make the plants more susceptible to a range of other problems. Therefore, it is important to eliminate an infestation as quickly as possible before the effects become unbearable.
Fight tomato pests – black fly (thrips)
The tiny, flying insects called thrips are capable of causing significant damage even before the pests are noticed. Firstly, these canblack fliesDamaging seedlings before they have developed the ability to withstand harsh conditions as they feed on immature flower buds, developing stems and new leaves. This can cause a young plant to lose strength and stagnate in its development.
The targeted cultivation of plants that attract predatory mites, ladybirds and predatory bugs is one of the most effective measures to combat an existing thrips infestation. There are many wonderful plants including yarrow, mullein, coriander and dill.
The most important control means and measures
- The plants can be sprayed with a powerful jet of water using a hose. This allows the insects, especially the smaller ones, to detach themselves and continue on their way. Spray plants over several days to destroy as many successive generations of rapidly reproducing insects as possible.
- Eliminate pests by hand and use gloves. After removing a pest from your garden, you can kill it by submerging it in a bucket of soapy water.
- Use potassium soap, which kills insects. It is most effective when administered to the insect while it is still on the plant on which it was found. Mix them with water and spray your plants. Potash soap is particularly effective against small pests such as aphids and spider mites.
- Make a DIY spray with horticultural oil. Neem oil, for example, is made by squeezing the seeds of the neem tree to extract the oil. Sprays made with oils can prevent insects from breathing by blocking their air holes, disrupting their metabolism or feeding, or inhibiting their development.
- You can also make a nettle decoction yourselfwith it your tomato plantSpray to get rid of the bugs. Simply pick a few nettles, then put them in a bucket of cold water and let them steep for a few days.
