Pests Guide
Larvae burrowing into fruit near stem end and feeding on fruit interior causing decay
Fruit turn red prematurely and fall from plant causing reduced yield
Young caterpillars are cream-white in color with a black head and black hairs; older larvae may be yellow-green to almost black in color with fine white lines along their body and black spots at the base of hairs; eggs are laid singly on both upper and lower leaf surfaces and are initially creamy white but develop a brown-red ring after 24 hours and darken prior to hatching
Early treatment of tomato fruitworms is necessary as once they enter the fruit they are protected from sprays; monitor plants for eggs and young larvae and also natural enemies that could be damaged by chemicals
Bacillus thuringiensis may be applied to control insects on organically grown plants
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