Tomato fruitworm

Tomato Fruitworm (Helicoverpa zea), also known as the Corn Earworm or Cotton Bollworm, is a species of moth in the family Noctuidae. It is a major agricultural pest that affects a variety of crops, most notably tomato, corn, and cotton.

Description

The adult tomato fruitworm is a medium-sized moth with a wingspan of approximately 1.5 inches. The color of the moth can vary from yellowish to dark brown. The larvae, which are the damaging stage of the pest, are also variable in color, ranging from light green to nearly black.

Life Cycle

The tomato fruitworm undergoes a complete metamorphosis with four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The female moth lays her eggs on the leaves or fruit of the host plant. After hatching, the larvae feed on the plant, causing significant damage. The larvae then drop to the ground to pupate in the soil. The adult moths emerge and the cycle begins again.

Damage

Tomato fruitworms are a significant pest in agriculture due to their wide host range and the damage they cause to crops. The larvae feed on the fruit and foliage of the host plant, often boring into the fruit and causing it to rot. This not only reduces the yield of the crop, but also affects the quality of the produce.

Control

Control of the tomato fruitworm involves a combination of cultural, biological, and chemical methods. Crop rotation and sanitation can help to reduce the population of the pest. Biological control agents such as parasitic wasps and predatory beetles can also be effective. Chemical control involves the use of insecticides, but should be used as a last resort due to the potential for resistance development.

See Also

• List of tomato pests
• Integrated pest management