Tomato pests to look out for
The following are some of the main tomato pests encountered in South Africa:
• African bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera)
The bollworm is a major pest of many crops. On tomatoes, the larvae feed mainly on the flowers and fruit, and can cause huge losses if not controlled.
AVOID USING PESTICIDES THAT HARM BENEFICIAL INSECTS
The moth lays creamy-white eggs of about 0,5mm in diameter singly on the flowers and leaves. They hatch within three to five days under good conditions. The young caterpillars are hairy, and vary from black to dark beige in colour. When fully grown (after two to three weeks), the larvae are up to
