Disease on Tomato Plants - Ask Extension
Today I went out to my garden to find my cherry and super sonic tomato plants "littered" with what looks like long dandruff. Can you please look at ...
Knowledgebase
Disease on Tomato Plants #886176
Asked September 23, 2024, 10:32 AM EDT
Today I went out to my garden to find my cherry and super sonic tomato plants "littered" with what looks like long dandruff. Can you please look at the pictures and tell me what it is, and how to fight it? thanks, Lance Stange
Lackawanna County Pennsylvania
Expert Response
Good morning Lance,
Thanks for the great pictures! Your tomatoes are being attacked by aphids, probably the green peach aphid which absolutely loves tomatoes. If left unchecked, they can do a number on your plants. Not only will they suck nutrients out of the leaves, but they can also transmit viruses.
The white "dandruff" you are seeing is the nymphs. Upon closer inspection, you can also see the adults. Their green pear shaped bodies, are almost the same color as the tomato leaves.
Usually a strong blast of water will wash them away and disperse them. You can also clip off badly infested leaves if that's easier.
Alternatively, you can spray with an insecticidal soap or Neem oil. Both of these may require multiple applications.
Here's some additional information you might find helpful:
https://hortsense.cahnrs.wsu.edu/fact-sheet/tomato-aphids/
Good luck Lance,
Here's hoping you get a good crop of tomatoes!
Bill k
Thanks for the great pictures! Your tomatoes are being attacked by aphids, probably the green peach aphid which absolutely loves tomatoes. If left unchecked, they can do a number on your plants. Not only will they suck nutrients out of the leaves, but they can also transmit viruses.
The white "dandruff" you are seeing is the nymphs. Upon closer inspection, you can also see the adults. Their green pear shaped bodies, are almost the same color as the tomato leaves.
Usually a strong blast of water will wash them away and disperse them. You can also clip off badly infested leaves if that's easier.
Alternatively, you can spray with an insecticidal soap or Neem oil. Both of these may require multiple applications.
Here's some additional information you might find helpful:
https://hortsense.cahnrs.wsu.edu/fact-sheet/tomato-aphids/
Good luck Lance,
Here's hoping you get a good crop of tomatoes!
Bill k
Thank you for the response - I probably acted to fast, but I pulled them all, and put them in the trash away from the garden.
Is there any danger to the soil, tomatoes, or future plants?
On Tuesday, September 24, 2024 at 11:42:18 AM EDT, Ask Extension wrote:
Hey again, Lance,
Yes, I think you may have overreacted. Aphids are one of our top ten insect pests, but usually fairly easy to control. Destroying the plants, while effective, was probably overkill.
There should be no long term effects. Just keep your eyes peeled for future infestations. They can infect a multitude of other plants besides tomatoes.
Bill k
Yes, I think you may have overreacted. Aphids are one of our top ten insect pests, but usually fairly easy to control. Destroying the plants, while effective, was probably overkill.
There should be no long term effects. Just keep your eyes peeled for future infestations. They can infect a multitude of other plants besides tomatoes.
Bill k
Thanks Bill, appreciate the "adult" supervision
On Tuesday, September 24, 2024 at 03:32:53 PM EDT, Ask Extension wrote:
Good Morning:
Something is damaging my Granny Smith Apple tree.
Please see attached photos.
Please let me know what to use to combat this.
thanks
Lance Stange
Good afternoon Lance,
It looks like you really do have a problem with your apple tree, possibly more than one.
It looks like something has eaten holes in your fruit, but I can't make it out for sure as the picture isn't quite as sharp as I'd like. If they are holes, slice one open and check the tunnel. If it is filled with frass ( a damp brownish sawdust material ) then it is likely the work of the Codling Moth larvae. They burrow into and feed on the flesh of the apple, then burrow back out, drop to the ground, pupate and start the whole process all over again. Here's a little more information:
https://extension.oregonstate.edu/news/how-safely-control-codling-moths-home-orchards
https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/codling-moths
If these are codling moths, they are not easy to control. I recommend calling in an ISA certified arborist to take a first hand look at your problem. You can find one here: https://www.treesaregood.org/ Just plug in your zip code and you'll get a list for your area. Typically there is no charge for the initial consult.
Hopefully this help, Lance. Good luck!
It looks like you really do have a problem with your apple tree, possibly more than one.
It looks like something has eaten holes in your fruit, but I can't make it out for sure as the picture isn't quite as sharp as I'd like. If they are holes, slice one open and check the tunnel. If it is filled with frass ( a damp brownish sawdust material ) then it is likely the work of the Codling Moth larvae. They burrow into and feed on the flesh of the apple, then burrow back out, drop to the ground, pupate and start the whole process all over again. Here's a little more information:
https://extension.oregonstate.edu/news/how-safely-control-codling-moths-home-orchards
https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/codling-moths
If these are codling moths, they are not easy to control. I recommend calling in an ISA certified arborist to take a first hand look at your problem. You can find one here: https://www.treesaregood.org/ Just plug in your zip code and you'll get a list for your area. Typically there is no charge for the initial consult.
Hopefully this help, Lance. Good luck!
