The tomato pinworm , with the scientific name Keiferia lycopersicella , is actually a small caterpillar produced by midget nocturnal moths . craw losses can reach up to 80 percent in the tender climates where the disease thrive , observe the University of Hawaii Extension . The pest is most severe on greenhouse - grown plant , according to the University of Florida IFAS Extension .

Identification

threadworm moths lay testis on the low open of bottom leaves of the tomato plant . The caterpillars are about 1/4 column inch long and gray or wan red ink to purpurate in coloring . They give leaf a ragged appearance and enter the yield just below the stem attachment . They spread upward , roll up the leaf around them as they progress a cocoon , where they change to the pupae stage . The manner in which the pinworm ties together the leaf hint get it difficult to place using lotion of insect powder .

Types

discourse type include mating disturbance using a product such as NoMate TPW , which exhaust pheromone that confuse tomato plant threadworm male and make it difficult for them to find females . Place plastic laminate snip - ons or whorled rings containing the pheromone on the tomato stem , recommends North Carolina State University . B thuringiensis ( Dipel , Thuricide ) , a biological agent that kill caterpillars , can also be used as a dust or spray to kill the pinworms ; bT reach the Enterobius vermicularis stop eat and die . Kenneth A. Sorensen , denotation entomologist at North Carolina State , also recommends spinosad , an substitute biological agent , as well as insecticides including methomyl , endosulfan , esfenvalerate , abamectin , cyfluthrin , emamectin benzoate , indoxacarb , zeta - cypermethrin or lambda - cyhalothrin to kill the pest .

Time Frame

go for insect powder based on Bacillus thuringiensis as soon as the immature larvae are detected , ideally before they begin boring into fruit , the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service advises . Spray bT every seven to 10 day beginning at the remainder of May or former June in temperate areas . institute in previous wintertime can also work the plague trouble , agree to the University of California Extension .

Geography

The tomato plant threadworm is a serious pest in California , Texas , Florida , Hawaii and Mexico because of ardent winters , permitting populations to establish . The dirt ball does n’t overwinter northward of Florida , according to North Carolina State University , but universe bought into the Carolinas on transplants can increase speedily .

Considerations

To monitor pinworms , survey your garden weekly looking for nut , larva and fruit damage . you could also advert trap kit on your stakes , trellis or cages with pheromone lures to conquer and count pinworms . Apply insecticides when counts are above 0.25 per plant .

Prevention

Clear skinny area close to your garden , recommend the University of Hawaii . Inspect plants and ignore off any leaf displaying pinhole terms , bag them and discombobulate them away . Dispose of the plant after harvest , and if you are a commercial-grade cultivator , establish crop - free stop and harrow your fields to lay to rest many of the pinworm pupa under 2 inches or more of soil , where they can not survive . buy only pest - free transplants

References

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