Two-spotted spider mites (TSSM) have begun to appear in some tomato plantings. This pest, if not controlled, can result in significant drying and loss of foliage. Early signs of building infestations are whitish pin spots called a “mite stipple”. Look for these spots on leaves that cup downward and are in the lower canopy. As mites progress, these spots will coalesce into broad yellow areas on the leaflets and will appear higher on the plant. Weekly scouting is necessary for TSSM, and control should be initiated early. Large infestations are difficult to manage.
IPM technicians have begun to find tomato hornworms (THW) in some high tunnel tomato plantings this week. These caterpillars can cause unacceptable levels of damage to foliage and green fruit in high tunnels, while they are rarely a significant problem in the field. If evidence (stripped leaves, droppings or actual hornworms) of these pests are found at multiple sites in the high tunnel, consider control.
More info: Plant & Pest Advisory (Kris Holmstrom)