Tomato Issues

The Farmers Exchange Community has kept us busy the past week with common tomato issues here in north Georgia this time of year.  Here are a couple of the most common issues we have been seeing this past week.  

Issue #1 ... Tomato Hornworm 

Hornworms are the some of the largest caterpillars and measure up to 4" long.  While tomatoes are their favorite host, they may also be found on potatoes, eggplants, peppers, and some weeds including horsenettle and nightshade. 

Hornworms start to feed on the leaves on the upper part of the plant and can destroy several leaves as well as the fruit. 

Picking hornworms off the plant is generally the most effective way to manage them and dropping them in to soapy water to kill them.  Bacillius Thuringiensis (BT) is also effective. 

For more information on the Tomato Hornworm

Issue #2 ...  Cracks in Tomatoes 

Tomato cracks occur as a result of growing conditions.  Basically, when dry whether occurs, the skin of the tomato hardens.  If a rainy period or excessive watering occurs, the interior of the tomato grows quickly as it absorbs the extra water.  The skin cannot accommodate the extra fluid and growth so it cracks to alleviate pressure.  

For more information about tomato cracking, check out this website.  

If you have further questions or concerns with your tomatoes, take pictures and/or bring a sample and drop by the store.  We will come up with a solution!