What is the story about?
What's Happening?
Gardeners are facing challenges with tomato fruitworms, which are caterpillars that bore into tomatoes and other crops, causing damage and rot. These pests create neat, round holes in the fruit, leading to internal rot and leaving unappetizing feces. The caterpillars vary in color and typically enter the fruit near the stem. To manage the infestation, gardeners are advised to inspect and dispose of damaged fruit, crush eggs found on plants, and apply sprays containing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), a biological insecticide effective against caterpillars.
Why It's Important?
The presence of tomato fruitworms can significantly impact home gardening, reducing the yield and quality of tomatoes and other affected crops. This pest poses a threat to local agriculture, potentially affecting small-scale farmers and home gardeners who rely on their produce. Effective management of these pests is crucial to maintaining healthy crops and ensuring food security at the local level. The use of biological insecticides like Bt offers a sustainable solution, minimizing chemical use and promoting environmentally friendly pest control practices.
What's Next?
Gardeners are encouraged to remain vigilant throughout the growing season, regularly inspecting their plants for signs of fruitworm activity. Continued application of biological insecticides and manual removal of eggs will be necessary to control the pest population. The Chicago Botanic Garden offers additional plant advice and resources for gardeners seeking further assistance in managing fruitworm infestations.
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