Compliance with the rules of agricultural technology cannot fully guarantee a high yield. Like other crops, tomatoes are exposed to pests that are not averse to feasting on young leaves or plant sap. The main task of the gardener is the timely implementation of preventive measures and an instant response to insect attacks.
The main pests of tomato seedlings
Many parasites are tiny, but that doesn't mean they are harmless. In just a few days, a voracious flock can destroy an entire tomato garden or all seedlings on a windowsill. Delay in processing sometimes robs the crop. Pests inhabit both young shoots and mature bushes. The stage of plant development in this case does not matter. Not only the upper part of the bush is at risk, but also the root system. Therefore, you should not relax until the end of the collection of vegetables.
When several insects attack tomatoes at once, it is recommended to use complex treatment with repeated procedures every 7-10 days.
Colorado potato beetle control methods
A potato lover does not deny himself the pleasure of moving to a tomato garden. It can be easily recognized by its characteristic color (alternating stripes of orange and black). Very quickly the parasite lays the larvae on the outside of the leaf. The intensity of eating greens is so high that in a few days only the remains of the stems can remain from the garden. The danger of a pest is also high due to the fact that it has no enemies in nature.
Control measures:
- assembling insects and larvae by hand (carried out daily, and preferably in the morning and evening);
- planting between beds of marigolds, garlic, marigolds;
- treatment of plants with special preparations (Aktara, Prestige, Mospilan).
Processing tomato against whitefly
A small insect with white wings settles in hordes on the underside of the leaf. A favorite delicacy is plant sap. In addition, parasites carry a number of diseases, infect tomato beds with waste products. Affected bushes begin to fade gradually.
Control measures:
- process the beds with garlic infusion;
- setting of traps (adhesive tape).
Medvedka
Getting rid of a pest is not so easy. Chemical preparations are used extremely rarely so as not to poison the crop. The gluttonous insect gnaws at the stems of the seedlings, damages the root system and fruits. Tomato is considered a real delicacy for an underground inhabitant.
There are cases when a bear destroyed entire tomato plantations in just a couple of nights.
Control measures:
- exclusion of the use of fresh mullein as fertilizer, which attracts a bear;
- filling holes with soapy water followed by catching insects (you can also use sunflower oil, crushed eggshells);
- digging a site in late autumn contributes to the destruction of burrows and the freezing of parasites;
- arrangement of traps (beer, manure, compost, etc.);
- the use of drugs (Granula, Rembek, Medvetox).
Spider mite
Small light dots and leaves tangled with cobwebs indicate a spider mite invasion. Inhabits whole populations on tomatoes, multiplies rapidly. The parasite is interested in sucking the juice out of the plant. Among other signs: perforated leaves, yellowness on the tops, which subsequently deforms the leaf and leads to the drying out of the bush.
Control measures:
- spraying the beds with garlic infusion with the addition of laundry soap;
- processing tomatoes with dandelion infusion;
- the use of special means (Karbofos, Iskra M, Fufanon).
Aphid
A dark green insect of microscopic size (about 2 mm) settles on the underside of leaves, intensively feeding on plant sap. Aphids attract ants to the place of settlement, which feed on their excrement. The parasite can also be recognized by the wilted appearance of the bush, yellowish drying leaves, fallen ovaries.
Control measures:
- spraying the affected plants with an infusion of onion peel or garlic;
- dusting the beds with wood ash;
- rinsing a bush with insects with a solution of laundry soap and flea shampoo;
- dusting tomatoes with tobacco dust;
- the use of insecticides (Fitoverm, Karate, Aktellik).
Thrips
Microscopic insect (about 1 mm), similar in appearance to a butterfly. It feeds on plant sap, disrupting the movement of nutrients through the vessels. As a result of the invasion of parasites, the culture is initially covered with small silvery spots, which then grow and combine with each other.
Thrips control measures:
- for preventive measures, weeds that attract insects should be promptly removed from the beds;
- before the first frosts, you need to dig up the ground in order to destroy the larvae;
- when pests are detected, special preparations are used (Vermitek, Akarin).
Wire worm
The wireworm is the larva of click beetles, easily recognizable by its orange color and tough to the touch frame. The parasites feed on the roots of tomatoes, as a result of which the plant weakens and dies.
Control methods:
- mechanical extraction of insects when digging up the soil;
- planting in the vicinity of tomatoes, radish, cabbage, turnip;
- mulching the beds with sawdust or straw soaked in urea;
- treatment of beds with drugs (Aktara, Antichrushch, Prestige).
Sprout fly
The appearance of insects practically does not differ from ordinary flies, but the interest of these pests is focused on vegetable crops. Parasites damage everything: seeds, root system, young shoots.
Control methods:
- digging a vegetable garden in late autumn, cleaning all plant residues;
- incorporating manure into the soil;
- treatment of beds with tobacco infusion;
- use of insecticides (Fitoverm, Strela, Bazudin).
Garden scoop
Nocturnal bicolor butterfly (later a caterpillar). The length of the insect reaches 3-4 cm, the color is light green with a bright yellow lateral stripe (caterpillar) and brown in different shades (butterfly). Gluttonous pests feed on leaves, perforating them through and through. Unripe fruits are also of interest.
Control method:
- as a preventive measure, it is necessary to dig up the site in late autumn, carefully removing plant residues from it;
- before the formation of fruits, insecticide treatment can be carried out in case of detection of a caterpillar (Inta-vir, Fas, Zeta).
During the fruiting period, insecticides cannot be used for pest control, toxic substances penetrate the tomatoes, which makes their use subsequently impossible.
Gall nematode
The parasite is a filamentous worm, about 2 mm in size. One of the signs of the presence of a nematode is the formation of modified overgrown tissue (galls) on the roots of a tomato. The affected cultures are significantly behind in development. Other symptoms indicate water and mineral deficiencies. In most cases, the plant cannot be saved.
Control measures:
- as a preventive measure, bleach is introduced into the ground before planting;
- it is better to plan a bed for tomatoes after garlic, onions or calendula;
- carry out treatment with Fitoverm.
To have knowledge means to be fully armed. Timely diagnosis of the problem will help you quickly find the necessary tool for treating the beds, thereby leaving no chance for pests.