Aphids on Tomato Plants

Every gardener knows that dealing with pest, insects and fungus can be quite a pain. Not only do these pest damage one plant, but multiply fast enough and reach almost every plant. While some plants are natural pest repellent, most aren't. Aphid is one such life sucking pest that can cause extensive damage to your tomato plants. It is important to tackle them before they take over the whole plant and damage its yield.

Aphids on Tomatoes

Aphids are commonly known as plant lice and are soft bodied insects, generally less than 1/8 inch in length. Their color varies as per their type; red, brown, green, yellow or black. Their slender mouth has needle like parts which are very strong and are used for effectively piercing stems, leaves, fruits of the plant to suck out plant fluids, and two small tubes projecting from their hind end known as cornicles.

One will always find a couple of them stuck on the tomato plants, which is quite harmless, until they multiply and spread. Aphids multiply only when the conditions are conducive for them to do so, mostly during the spring and summer. Only a couple of aphids are required to colonize an entire plant, and when it gets too crowded for them, winged offspring are produced, facilitating them to move on and infect other plants.

Unchecked aphids on tomatoes cause curling and yellowing (decay) of leaves and tomatoes, and in extreme conditions they even cause stunting of the overall growth of the plant. Aphids secrete a sticky fluid, honeydew, that turns black with time promoting the growth of mold fungus. Certain horticulture studies also indicate that aphids are capable of injecting toxins into tomato plants. These do not restrict themselves to just other tomato plants, but may transmit viruses to different vegetables, fruit plants and trees.

How to Get Rid of Aphids

Aphids on tomato leaves, fruits or plant can be very well managed with some basic precautions and application of certain fungicide and insecticides. Aphids should be removed physically, if you find them in lesser numbers. One can usually find them on the underside of leaves or stems from where tomato flowers sprout. If one is purchasing tomato seedlings from nurseries, check thoroughly for any infected part.

If the plant is badly infected, prune the infected parts away. Although pruning will not get rid of them, it will slow down their growth. Spray insecticide as directed on their packs, straight onto the infected part. A strong flush of water will dislodge them. Another way of controlling the spread of aphids is to avoid over fertilizing the plant, instead use slow releasing Organic fertilizers. Sunlight also helps in eliminating aphids. There should be enough air and sunlight for your plants. Pruning tomato plants well, will save you quite a headache from aphids.

Try out this simple home remedy for aphids, and a lot of other plant pests. Make a soapy solution using a hand wash, dish soap or detergent, and spray the aphids with it. Soak them completely. The soap in the water irritates them and kills them too. Do it at least twice a week until you notice a reduction in their numbers, and then bring the frequency down by 'one spray once in a week'.

As said earlier aphids do not kill the plants, unless they are in huge numbers. In most cases, just a regular check on your tomato plant will ensure that your plant does not get bogged down with them. Aphids on tomatoes can invite a whole lot of other insects too, slightly larger insects and birds prey on them, which could lead to tomato plant damage. So, make sure you get rid of all those aphids on time.