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Hornworms on Beefsteak Tomato
How to identify and get rid of hornworms on Beefsteak Tomato. Size: 70–100mm.
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Identifying hornworms on Beefsteak Tomato
Large green caterpillars with diagonal white stripes and a distinctive horn-like tail spike, found on tomato and related plants.
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Life cycle
Overwinter as pupae in soil; moths emerge in early summer to lay eggs on leaf undersides; one to two generations per year.
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Damage to Beefsteak Tomato
Voracious feeders that can strip a plant of leaves and chew into green fruit within days due to their large size.
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How to treat hornworms on Beefsteak Tomato
Hand-pick caterpillars, especially effective since they are large and easy to spot once located. Apply Bacillus thuringiensis for heavier infestations.
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Preventing hornworms on Beefsteak Tomato
Till soil after harvest to expose overwintering pupae to predators and cold. Encourage parasitic wasps.