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Tomato Hornworm

tomato hornworm
tomato hornworm

Searcy, Ark. –

Two species of Hornworm attack tomato and other solanaceous crops. The Tomato hornworm, Manduca quinquemaculata and the Tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta.

The adult of both species is a large, robust-bodied moth, commonly known as a hawk moth or sphinx moth. The adult moth feeds on the nectar of flowers and, is most active from dusk until dawn. Although very similar in appearance the caterpillars can be identified by small differences. The tomato hornworm has V-shaped yellow-white markings on the body and the tobacco hornworm has white diagonal lines. Additionally, the horn, that gives the hornworm its name, is darker on the tomato hornworm.

The caterpillars are voracious eaters and can strip a tomato plant in just a few days. That said, they are not difficult to control. Handpicking is effective but spotting them can be difficult as they blend so well with stems and foliage. Another effective control is the application of a Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) product. This is a biological that the caterpillars have to ingest so it must be applied when they are present and reapplied per label as it breaks down in sunlight and can also be washed off by rain.

For more information you can contact your local county extension service, you can also follow Sherri Sanders on Facebook @UADA.WhiteCountyAgriculture . The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action institution.

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By Sherri Sanders
County Extension Agent - Agriculture
The Cooperative Extension Service
U of A System Division of Agriculture

Media Contact: Sherri Sanders
County Extension Agent - Agriculture
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
2400 Old Searcy Landing Road Searcy AR 72143
(501) 268-5394
ssanders@uada.edu

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    The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action institution. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate or need materials in another format, please contact your County Extension office (or other appropriate office) as soon as possible. Dial 711 for Arkansas Relay.

    The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

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