Pest identification
What's eating my paul robeson tomato?
Tomato hornworm (Manduca quinquemaculata)
Signs: Rapid defoliation of stems; large pale green caterpillars with white stripes; black frass
Control: Hand-pick; Bt spray targeting caterpillars under 2.5 cm; avoid disturbing larvae with parasitoid wasp eggs
Flea beetles
Signs: Numerous small round holes (shot-hole pattern) in young leaves, especially on transplants
Control: Row cover over transplants; diatomaceous earth around the base; kaolin clay spray
Aphids
Signs: Colonies under leaves and on growing tips; sticky honeydew; wilting new growth
Control: Strong water spray; insecticidal soap; companion-plant with basil or marigolds
Keep paul robeson tomato pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Paul Robeson Tomato pests — FAQ
What is eating my paul robeson tomato?
Paul Robeson, a rich dark-fruited Russian heirloom, attracts the same pests as other tomatoes. Hornworms are the most destructive, while flea beetles pepper leaves with tiny holes early in the season. Aphids and whitefly colonize foliage. The dark fruit coloration makes slug damage harder to spot — check fruit on the soil surface regularly.
How do I get rid of tomato hornworm (manduca quinquemaculata) on paul robeson tomato?
Rapid defoliation of stems; large pale green caterpillars with white stripes; black frass Hand-pick; Bt spray targeting caterpillars under 2.5 cm; avoid disturbing larvae with parasitoid wasp eggs
How do I get rid of flea beetles on paul robeson tomato?
Numerous small round holes (shot-hole pattern) in young leaves, especially on transplants Row cover over transplants; diatomaceous earth around the base; kaolin clay spray
How do I get rid of aphids on paul robeson tomato?
Colonies under leaves and on growing tips; sticky honeydew; wilting new growth Strong water spray; insecticidal soap; companion-plant with basil or marigolds