Agriculture: Tomato Pest Management Guidelines

Bloom to Early Fruit Set

This year-round IPM program covers the major pests of California tomatoes grown for processing.

About Bloom to Early Fruit Set (up to 1-inch-diameter fruit)

  • Special issues of concern related to water quality: Fertilizer application, fungicide application, drift, runoff due to irrigation.

What should you be doing during this time?

Start monitoring for consperse stink bugs by placing stink bug pheromone traps in the field at flowering, especially in fields with a history of damage.

Take petiole and leaf tissue samples for nutrient analysis and apply nutrients as necessary.

Irrigate as required for plant growth.

Look for diseases such as:

Clean equipment to reduce transfer of diseases to non-infected fields. Keep records for next year's management practices.

Monitor weekly for signs and symptoms of powdery mildew.

Sporadic or minor pests you may see:

  • Aphids (green peach and other early season aphids, potato)
  • Armyworms
  • Hornworms
  • Loopers
  • Lygus bugs
  • Thrips
  • Tomato pinworm
  • Tomato bug
  • Tomato fruitworm
  • Virus symptoms
  • Whiteflies
Text Updated: 12/13
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