Tobacco Hornworm

A Complex Story: Disappearing Tomato Leaves, a Tiny Wasp, and a Virus.

At some point along the gardening learning curve, most backyard vegetable gardeners will confront a head-scratching tomato conundrum. Leaves are eaten and green fruit is nibbled high up on the plants. Tiny, black droppings litter the leaves and ground. A thorough search of the plants yields no culprits. Tiny flying rabbits?
Published on
Authors
Joe Boggs

Hidden Hornworms

While watering the two tomato plants in my great expectations garden, I noticed a few missing leaves and some black, barrel-shaped frass (insect excrement) beneath the plants. Certain I'd quickly find the hornworm culprits, I looked, and looked, and … I'm always amazed at how well these large caterpillars can remain hidden from our probing eyes!
Published on
Authors
Joe Boggs