What's eating my mortgage lifter tomato?

Tomato hornworm is the single most damaging pest of Mortgage Lifter and other beefsteak types — caterpillars can strip a plant in days. Aphids, whitefly, and spider mites attack foliage; slugs target low-hanging fruit. In deer country, the whole plant is at risk. Vigilant scouting and physical barriers are most reliable.

Large green caterpillars rapidly defoliate stems; black frass on leaves signals their presence Hand-pick caterpillars (check for white parasitoid wasp eggs before removing); Bt spray on young larvae

Dense colonies under leaves; distorted growth; sticky honeydew; potential virus vector Knock off with water; insecticidal soap; attract ladybirds with companion planting

Irregular holes in low-set or fallen fruit; silvery slime trails on soil and foliage Copper tape around containers; iron phosphate pellets (safe around wildlife); evening patrols to hand-pick

Clouds of tiny white insects rise from disturbed foliage; yellowing leaves and sooty mould Yellow sticky traps; insecticidal soap spray on leaf undersides; reflective mulch