What is eating the leaves on my tomato? - Ask Extension
I could not find anything on your website that matched what I am seeing.
Some leaves have slits in them and others are partially eaten.
I could...
Knowledgebase
What is eating the leaves on my tomato? #797084
Asked June 21, 2022, 3:52 PM EDT
I could not find anything on your website that matched what I am seeing.
Some leaves have slits in them and others are partially eaten.
I couldn't find any insects on the plant, but when I looked at the pictures I saw that I had captured a small fly on a leaf. You can't see the fly well but I included the picture in case it's helpful.
The plant seems to be doing well otherwise.
Thanks!
Olmsted County Minnesota
Expert Response
Thank you for the question.
Slits in tomato leaves may be caused by heavy rain or hail, pest infestation, and poor growing conditions. Chewed holes in leaves are usually made by tomato hornworms. Look for green caterpillars with a horn-like tail that blend in with the leaves so well that they are easily not noticed until most of the damage is done. It is often easier to their for their dark green or black droppings. Pick hornworms off plants and drop in soapy water. Snail and slugs also chew on tomato leaves at night. https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/tomato-hornworms
Slits in tomato leaves may be caused by heavy rain or hail, pest infestation, and poor growing conditions. Chewed holes in leaves are usually made by tomato hornworms. Look for green caterpillars with a horn-like tail that blend in with the leaves so well that they are easily not noticed until most of the damage is done. It is often easier to their for their dark green or black droppings. Pick hornworms off plants and drop in soapy water. Snail and slugs also chew on tomato leaves at night. https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/tomato-hornworms
