Bug Pest Control for Home-Grown Tomatoes Cultural techniques may be very useful in reducing the risk of many different types of insect infestations. Tomatoes should be planted in beds that have been thoroughly prepared, fertilized, and mulched before being given the appropriate amount of water and fertilizer to encourage robust development.
Plants that are under stress have a greater propensity to attract insect pests than plants that are not under stress. Handpicking and killing a large number of garden pests is an efficient method of pest management that may be used in a home garden. In addition, beneficial insects are of great use in the management of pests like aphids, leafminers, and hornworms.
These insects are highly useful. Only apply pesticides when absolutely essential to prevent killing off any beneficial insects. It is possible to get rid of stink bugs, leaf-footed bugs, aphids, fruitworms, and hornworms with the use of contact insecticides like bifenthrin, cypermethrin, cyhalothrin, permethrin, and esfenvalerate.
These pesticides are quite efficient (See Tables 1 and 2). Permethrin should not be used on tomato cultivars that produce fruit that is less than one inch in diameter. Bacillus thuringiensis (B.t.) products are natural pesticides that include spores of this bacteria. These products are used to control caterpillars (the smaller the caterpillar, the better), but only when the caterpillars feed on leaves that contain the spores.
Products containing b.t., such as the dust Dipel and the liquid concentrate Thuricide, have proven to be efficient in the management of hornworms and tomato fruitworms. Sprays provide better coverage than dust, and they remain on the plants for a longer period of time.
Spinosad is an all-natural pesticide that may be used to get rid of caterpillars as well as thrips. Pyrethrin is a natural substance that may be used to manage pests like caterpillars and aphids. Neem oil extract and insecticidal soap are two methods for controlling aphids and whiteflies that have a lower potential for toxicity.
Horticultural oil is a more environmentally friendly alternative to other pesticides for controlling spider mites, whiteflies, and aphids. It is essential for effective pest management to ensure that these pesticides are applied to a sufficient amount of the top and lower leaf surfaces.
- Caution is advised while using pesticides, as these chemicals can have a negative impact on pollinating insects such as honey bees and bumble bees.
- Unless it is absolutely required, you should avoid using spray pesticides, which include fungicides and insecticides.
- You should also avoid using soil-applied, systemic insecticides.
In the event that spraying is necessary, it should only be done in the late evening in order to minimize the direct influence on pollinating insects. Always begin by testing out alternate sprays that have less dangerous ingredients before moving on to more harmful options.
Sprays containing insecticidal soap, horticultural oil, neem oil extract, spinosad, Bacillus thuringiensis (B.t.), or botanical oils, for instance, can assist in the management of a wide variety of tiny insect pests and mites that cause damage to garden and landscape plants. Sprays made from botanical oils or neem oil extract may help prevent plant damage by discouraging the presence of various insect pests.
Implementing cultural practices, such as pre-plant soil improvement, proper plant spacing, crop rotation, applying mulch, applying lime and fertilizer based on the results of soil tests, and avoiding overhead irrigation and frequent watering of established plants, can help prevent or reduce the incidence of plant diseases.
These cultural practices include the following: avoiding overhead irrigation and watering established plants frequently. In addition, there are spray fungicides that contain sulfur or copper soap, as well as biological control sprays for plant diseases that contain Bacillus subtilis. Both of these options are less hazardous than traditional fungicides.
Having said that, it is of the utmost need to always read and adhere to the guidelines that are printed on the labels of all products. Get in touch with the Clemson Extension Home & Garden Information Center for any further details you may want. Table 1.
| Insect Pest | Natural, Less Toxic Insecticides | Contact Insecticides for Tomatoes | Contact Insecticides for Grape & Cherry Tomatoes |
| Aphids | insecticidal soap neem oil extract | permethrin bifenthrin cyhalothrin malathion esfenvalerate cypermethrin | bifenthrin cyhalothrin malathion esfenvalerate cypermethrin |
| Tomato Fruitworms & Hornworms | Bacillus thuringiensis (B.t.) spinosad pyrethrin neem oil extract | permethrin bifenthrin cyfluthrin esfenvalerate cypermethrin | bifenthrin cyfluthrin esfenvalerate cypermethrin |
| Leaf-footed Bugs & Stink Bugs | horticultural oil | permethrin bifenthrin cyfluthrin malathion esfenvalerate cypermethrin | bifenthrin cyfluthrin malathion esfenvalerate cypermethrin |
| Flea Beetles | insecticidal soap neem oil extract horticultural oil pyrethrin | permethrin bifenthrin cyfluthrin cyhalothrin esfenvalerate cypermethrin | bifenthrin cyfluthrin cyhalothrin esfenvalerate cypermethrin |
| Whiteflies | insecticidal soap neem oil extract pyrethrin horticultural oil | cyfluthrin bifenthrin cyhalothrin esfenvalerate cypermethrin | cyfluthrin bifenthrin cyhalothrin esfenvalerate cypermethrin |
| Thrips | spinosad | cyhalothrin esfenvalerate cypermethrin | cyhalothrin esfenvalerate cypermethrin |
| Spider Mites | insecticidal soap horticultural oil | malathion | malathion |
| Cutworms | protective collars or B.t. mixed with molasses & grain as a bait | cyhalothrin esfenvalerate cypermethrin | cyhalothrin esfenvalerate cypermethrin |
Table 2. Products containing insecticides that have been approved for use against insect pests of tomatoes.
| Insecticides & Fungicides | Days PHI | Examples of Brand Names & Products |
| Bacillus thuringiensis (B.t.) | Bonide Thuricide B.t. Concentrate Garden Safe Bt Worm & Caterpillar Killer Concentrate Monterey B.t. Concentrate; & RTU Natural Guard Caterpillar Killer Spray with Bt Conc.; & RTU Safer Brand Caterpillar Killer Concentrate Southern Ag Thuricide B.t. Caterpillar Control Tiger Brand Worm Killer Concentrate | |
| Bifenthrin | 1 | Ferti-lome Broad Spectrum Insecticide Concentrate Monterey Mite & Insect Control Concentrate |
| Cyhalothrin | 5 | Martin’s Cyonara Lawn & Garden Insect Control Concentrate; & RTS 2 Spectracide Triazicide Insect Killer for Lawns & Landscapes Conc.; & RTS 2 |
| Cypermethrin | 1 | GardenTech Sevin Insect Killer Concentrate; RTS 2 Gordon’s Bug-No-More Lawn & Garden Insect Control Concentrate |
| Esfenvalerate | 1 | Monterey Bug Buster II Concentrate |
| Horticultural Oil | Bonide All Seasons Spray Oil Concentrate Ferti-lome Horticultural Oil Spray Concentrate Monterey Horticultural Oil Concentrate Southern Ag Parafine Horticultural Oil Summit Year Round Spray Oil Concentrate | |
| Insecticidal Soap | Bonide Insecticidal Soap Multi-Purpose Insect Control RTU 1 Espoma Organic Insect Soap RTU 1 Garden Safe Insecticidal Soap Insect Killer RTU 1 Miracle Gro Nature’s Care Insecticidal Soap RTU 1 Natria Insecticidal Soap RTU 1 Natural Guard Insecticidal Soap Concentrate Safer Brand Insect Killing Soap Concentrate; & RTU 1 Safer Brand Fruit & Vegetable Insect Killer RTU 1 Whitney Farms Insecticidal Soap RTU 1 | |
| Malathion | 1 | Bonide Malathion Concentrate Gordon’s Malathion 50% Spray Concentrate Hi-Yield 55% Malathion Insect Spray Concentrate Martin’s Malathion 57% Concentrate Ortho Max Malathion Insect Spray Concentrate Spectracide Malathion 50% Insect Spray Concentrate Southern Ag Malathion 50% EC |
| Neem Oil Extract | Bonide Neem Oil Fungicide, Miticide & Insecticide Conc.; & RTU 1 Bonide Rose Rx 3-in-1 Concentrate; & RTU 1 Concern Garden Defense Multi-Purpose Spray Concentrate Espoma Neem Oil 3-in-1 RTU 1 Ferti-lome Rose, Flower & Vegetable Spray Concentrate Garden Safe Fungicide 3 Concentrate; & RTU 1 Monterey 70% Neem Oil Fungicide, Insecticide & Miticide Concentrate; & RTS 2 Natria Neem Oil Concentrate; & RTU 1 Safer Brand Neem Oil RTU 1 Southern Ag Triple Action Neem Oil Concentrate | |
| Permethrin | 1 | Bonide Eight Insect Control Vegetable Fruit & Flower Concentrate Bonide Eight Insect Control Yard & Garden RTS 2 Hi-Yield Indoor/Outdoor Broad Use Insecticide |
| Pyrethrin | Monterey Bug Buster-O (Concentrate) Monterey Pyganic Gardening Southern Ag Natural Pyrethrin Concentrate | |
| Spinosad | 1 | Bonide Captain Jack’s Dead Bug Brew Conc.; & RTU 1 Ferti-lome Borer, Bagworm & Leafminer Spray Concentrate Monterey Garden Insect Spray Concentrate Natural Guard Spinosad Landscape & Garden Insecticide RTS 2 Southern Ag Conserve Naturalyte Insect Control Concentrate |
| Notes: The PHI (pre-harvest interval) is time to wait in days between spraying and harvesting, and is listed after each active ingredient above. Apply soaps or oils in the evening or early morning.1 RTU = Ready to use (pre-mixed spray bottle) 2 RTS = Ready to spray (hose-end applicator) |
Source: Sorensen, K.A. & J.R. Baker.1983. Pests of Vegetables that are Insects and Others Related to Them The Agricultural Extension Service of the State of North Carolina.2014 Vegetable Crop Handbook for the Southeastern United States, which is published as AG-295 and has 173 pages.
What should I spray my tomatoes with?
Almost everyone who gardens has at least one tomato plant on their plot of land. This article was written by People’s Garden Intern Kayla Harless on February 21, 2017. We take great pride in our tomatoes and enjoy the flavor of this perfectly ripe and fresh fruit.
- On the other hand, our tomato plants are susceptible to a number of illnesses, even if we adore tomatoes.
- The topic of discussion at this week’s People’s Garden Workshop was tomato blights and spots, and Dr.
- Martin Draper, a plant pathologist from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, instructed us on how to recognize them as well as how to treat and avoid them.
He went into great depth on three diseases that were harmful to the plant: septoria leaf spot, early blight, and late blight. Don’t be fooled by the labels early blight and late blight; both of these diseases can strike at any point throughout the growing season.
- Septoria leaf spot is characterized by tiny, black circular spots that frequently have yellow halos surrounding them; the spots form on the lower leaves of the plant initially.
- Septoria leaf spot can be transmitted from plant to plant.
- The stems and leaves are both susceptible to early blight, which can be recognized by the appearance of legions that resemble target rings.
A significant section of the leaf surface has been affected by late blight. On the underside of the leaf, it has the appearance of white and fuzzy fuzz, and it swiftly kills crops. Both early and late blight have an effect on potatoes; in actuality, late blight was the cause of the potato famine in Ireland.
- These illnesses may be transmitted in a variety of ways, and having an understanding of those transmission mechanisms can provide straightforward treatments.
- The presence of moisture, particularly on the leaves, creates ideal circumstances for the spores that cause these illnesses to establish a foothold and multiply.
It is possible to assist prevent this by only watering the soil around the base of the plant. If you do decide to use a sprinkler system or another similar method to water your tomatoes, do it in the morning so that the plant has time to dry out throughout the course of the day.
In addition to this, it is advised that you stake your tomato plants rather than enclosing them in a cage and that you spread them out adequately. Because there will be more room, it will be slightly more difficult for illnesses to spread fast, and the airflow will ensure that the plants remain dry. Maintain vigilance over your garden and remove any plants or leaves that exhibit symptoms of disease.
Also, remove any plants that are contaminated. Some fungicides have the potential to be highly successful; nonetheless, it is essential to read and follow the instructions on the label. The use of a fungicide that is designed for other plants and not veggies will not make a difference and may even cause difficulties.
Compost extracts or teas added to an organic garden can be used as a cure for a variety of plant ailments. Spray the tomato plants with the solution made by adding one heaping tablespoon of baking soda, one teaspoon of vegetable oil, and a tiny quantity of mild detergent to one gallon of water. This will make a solution that both prevents and cures illness.
In order to keep its effectiveness, this needs to be used on a consistent basis. The spores of the illnesses can survive the winter on plants that have been left in the garden from the previous year, therefore it is important to clean up your garden regularly.
How do I protect my tomato plants from insects?
What exactly are flea beetles (Alticini) and where do they live? Imagine the offspring of a flea and a beetle to be insects that are flea-like in appearance yet look exactly like miniature beetles and are approximately 1/16 of an inch in length. These beetles have a glossy appearance and lengthy hind legs; also, when they feel threatened, they leap about like fleas.
Flea beetles are known to feed on a variety of plant species, including some that are not vegetables. However, vegetable crops, notably tomatoes, are particularly susceptible to attack by these insects. They are recognizable by the “shotholes” they leave behind in the leaves of the plants that they consume.
Keeping flea beetles away from tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, and other plants can be accomplished by dusting the plants with talcum powder in its purest form. Both catnip and basil are effective in driving them away.
When should you spray tomatoes?
Fungicide Application Frequently Asked Questions: How can I tell whether I need to apply fungicide to my tomato plants? Your plants are susceptible to early blight, late blight, and Septoria leaf spot if you are aware that either your garden or a garden that you share a fence with has a history of these diseases.
Use a spray program. When is the appropriate time to begin spraying the fungicide? Start the treatment before the symptoms show, particularly if your plants have already been infected with tomato fungus or if you reside in a warm and humid environment where early blight, late blight, and Septoria leaf spot thrive.
As soon as you get the garden prepared for the plants, you may get started. Where exactly should I spray the plant to get the best results? Spray the upper and lower surfaces of the leaf, as well as the stems and flowers. What dose should I use of the spray? It is necessary to cover everything in depth.
Spray until the point when it starts to run off. How frequently am I supposed to apply the fungicide? Spray the area at intervals ranging from 7 to 14 days. Apply again after it has rained. More Information Regarding Tomato Fungus and Tomato Blight The many types of tomato blight and how to differentiate between them.
How to recognize and remedy the early stages of blight. How to recognize and remedy the effects of late blight. How to recognize and remedy the Septoria leaf spot. How to recognize and remedy the gray leaf spot. How to pick the lawn sprayer that will serve your needs the best.
How often do you spray tomato plants for bugs?
Castile Soap Repellent –
- 1 gallon of water to be exact
- 2 ½ teaspoons Castile liquid soap
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Tb1234 Place all of the pest control ingredients in a spray bottle made of glass and shake the bottle vigorously to mix the ingredients. If you are growing tomatoes in 5 gallon buckets, use the soap spray on any plant in your garden that is afflicted with hornworms or aphids. You may also use it on tomatoes. We suggest spraying your tomato plants once every four days with the liquid fertilizer.
Will baking soda help tomato plants?
This easy gardening tip is effective, despite the fact that it seems ridiculous. The baking soda will permeate into the soil, lowering the acidity levels in the soil, which will result in tomatoes that are sweeter than they are sour.
What can I spray on my plants to keep bugs off?
In order to prevent damage caused by Japanese beetles, you should begin your prevention efforts by shaking the insects off of the plants in the early morning, when they are at their least active. Spraying the plants with homemade insecticidal soap should be done once the insects have been removed for the time being.
What is eating holes in my tomato leaves?
Insects that Attack Tomato Plants Flea beetles, which get their name from the fact that they can hop using their rear limbs like fleas do, are likely to blame if you discover small holes in the leaves of your tomato plants. Adult flea beetles, which can be as little as 0.2 centimeters (0.12 inches) in length, eat irregular holes in the leaves of tomato plants.
According to research conducted by the University of California’s Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program, flea beetles provide the highest risk to plants that are in the 4- and -5 leaf stages or earlier in their life cycles. In the spring, when tomato plants are just starting to grow, they pose the greatest threat to the crop.
On the other hand, the huge caterpillars that are often known as tomato hornworms do not simply make holes in leaves; rather, they are capable of stripping a whole tomato plant of its foliage in the blink of an eye. According to the University of Minnesota Extension, it may be difficult to notice them until it is too late since their green hue enables them to blend in with the leaves of the tomato plant, which enables them to conceal themselves.
What is the best time to spray tomatoes?
Answer: If you want the greatest results, you should apply the Monterey Tomato Blosson Spray RTU either in the early morning or in the late evening during the cooling hours. Answer most recently updated on: 07/23/2015 Did you find this answer to be helpful? Yes No Twenty-one out of twenty-four people found this answer to be helpful.
How often should tomato plants be sprayed?
Spraying: If you are cultivating a number of plants and some of them get afflicted with a disease, spray liquid copper on all of your plants. You should not spray the crop more than three times in a season. Even while this can be done as a preventative measure, it is usually not essential if you have planted and cared for your plants in such a way that you have a good chance of success.
Do tomato plants like being misted?
RESPONSE: While there is some evidence that spraying certain indoor plants may be beneficial to their health, you should not apply the same principles to tomato plants or any other plants that are grown in an outdoor garden. The leaves of these plants, if misted, would absorb an excessive amount of water, which might lead to the development of fungi illnesses, rot, and other possibly deadly difficulties.
