Tomato Plant Pests: Cutworms

Cutworms can cause damage to tomato plants.

Cutworms are the larvae of several species of night-flying moths. They are called "cutworms" because they cut down young plants by feeding on stems near or below the soil surface, causing the plant to topple.

Identifying

The cutworm ranges from one to two inches in length. It may appear in different colors and patterns but the skin appears to be smooth. It will curl up into a "C" shape if disturbed.

Activity of Cutworms

Cutworms are most active at night. They feed on new transplants and their foliage. As the fruit develops, climbing cutworms may feed on the tomato flesh, creating irregular-sized holes, or feed off tomatoes lying on the ground.

Preventiion/Treatment

You can prevent cutworms from feeding on tomato plants by creating a barrier. Place either a cardboard or aluminum foil collar around transplants. Insert the barrier at least two inches into the soil; the collar should rise several inches above the soil surface to protect the plant. A heavy infestation of cutworms can be treated with insecticides.

References

• University of Minnesota Extension: Cutworms in the Home Garden
• North Carolina State University: Tomato Cutworms
• University of California Davis: Tomato Cutworms