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Growing Tomatoes

What are these pests killing my tomatoes?!?

12 years ago

I am growing red tomatoes in my backyard and have found some pests killing them. These bugs get into the tomato flower before they blossom and stops it from growing. I've already tried using dishwasher soap and water in a spray bottle and it has done nothing to stop them. I have taken a few pictures of them so if someone could help me identify them/Give any suggestions on killing these little pains! I would prefer not to use pesticides. Thanks!

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Comments (5)

jean001a
12 years ago
I doubt they're killing your tomato flowers. What have the temps been at your place?
planatus
12 years ago
The pictures aren't convincing, but the most likely culprit is some species of flower thrip (several can feed in tomato flowers). The best organic control is a spray containing spinosad, a biological pesticide. Most garden centers have it these days, among the natural gardening supplies. Take action asap, because thrips can transmit Tomato Spotted Wilt virus.
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Hi, I have no clue what the bug is. If you could get a pic. That would be great. I do suggest re-posting what you wrote over on the Tomato forum since this one does not get a lot of traffic. Some one there might have an idea. If no one does there, you could visit another site, tomato ville dot com. (GW does not allow writing their name out properly.) Remy Here is a link that might be useful: Tomato Forum
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Hi, Is this just occurring on the stems or is it on the leaves too? Is there any wilting? Did you buy the plant or grow it yourself from seed? The plant looks like it's in a pot, so what kind of soil was used? How often is it watered? I know, lots of questions. Let us know what state you live in so that we can narrow down possible diseases and pests. Some parts of the country have more of a problem with some diseases, while other parts of the country have a problem with different diseases. It's the same with pests, so knowing where you live would be helpful.
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I wipe them off by hand. What I've read is that horticultural oil works, but I'm not willing to use that on my toms. I've used soap and neem and I don't know if either one works. My real problem is the source, their host plant is the tree mallow and my neighbors have 3 of those that are 15 feet from my plants and are just covered with insects so I have to do an every two day check of my plants and wipe them off by hand. Is this anal or what!!! It's been a tough tomato season!!! I think the soap may be helpful. I have bees buzzing around so have to be very careful what I use. Good luck (sorry took so long to reply) Janet
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digdirt2
12 years ago
Here are a bunch of thrip pics to compare to your insect but from what I can see from your photos I don't think they are thrips.

I'm more inclined to agree with Jean that the insects are just coincidence and more likely just one of the group often called 'sweat bees' which are good pollinators. And that the real problem is a case of "blossom drop". Blossom Drop this time of year is about 100x more likely than thrips.

Dave

Here is a link that might be useful: Blossom Drop FAQ
jean001a
12 years ago
OP's insects definitely *not* thrips, nor are they sweat bees.

For the most part, tomatoes are self-pollinating. Lack of pollination typically due to environmental challenges.
jean001a
12 years ago
Nope, not an aphid either.

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