What's eating my tomatillo?

Tomatillo (Physalis philadelphica) shares pests with its nightshade relatives. Flea beetles are the top threat, riddling foliage with tiny holes early in the season. Colorado potato beetles, aphids, and tomato hornworms also attack. The papery husk protects fruit somewhat but does not prevent damage to leaves and stems. Scout from transplant onward.

Numerous tiny round holes ('shot-holes') across leaves; young plants can be severely weakened. Row covers at transplant; diatomaceous earth around stem base; kaolin clay spray on foliage; spinosad for heavy pressure.

Yellow-and-black striped adults and orange larvae rapidly skeletonize leaves. Hand-pick all life stages daily; Bt var. tenebrionis or spinosad spray; rotate solanaceous crops each year.

Sticky honeydew on foliage; stunted new growth; may transmit mosaic virus. Knock off with water; insecticidal soap spray; plant fennel or dill nearby to attract beneficial insects.

Rapid defoliation; large caterpillars; frass pellets on leaves and soil. Hand-pick; apply Bt kurstaki at dusk; companion-plant with basil or marigolds.