More on Hornworms

The green caterpillar, that some of us are familiar with, is the larval stage of the Five Spotted Hawk Moth or Sphinx Moth. These caterpillars feed on members of the group of plants, the Solanaceae, that include eggplants, tobacco, peppers, and tomatoes. The eggs are laid on leaves during the night and within a short amount of time the small caterpillars start eating leaves and fruit. Usually bare stems at the top of the plant are the first sign that the gardener has a problem. The larvae are masters of camouflage. Often they are detected by the piles of frass, or poop, that they leave on the leaves. Quick detection is necessary because the rascals can defoliate a mature plant in short order. BT is an effective spray, but more satisfying to a gardener is to pluck them off and drop the caterpillar into a container of soapy water or drop them to the ground and stomp them. 

 

After the first hornworm has been detected, daily close inspection is necessary. Weeks of hard work raising tomatoes can be wiped out in several days of neglect. After all, what's a BLT without the T? Happy Gardening.

 

 

Marty Toll, Mountain View