What Do Aphids Do to Tomato Plants? (And How to Get Rid of Them)

Aphids: The Silent Killers of Tomato Plants

Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects that can quickly infest tomato plants and cause significant damage. While they may not seem like a major threat, aphids can actually spread diseases, stunt growth, and even kill tomato plants.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at aphids and their impact on tomato plants. We’ll discuss the different types of aphids that can affect tomatoes, the signs of an aphid infestation, and the best ways to control aphids on tomato plants.

By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of aphids and the steps you can take to protect your tomato plants from these pests.

What Do Aphids Do To Tomato Plants?

| Aphid Damage | Symptoms | Treatment |
|—|—|—|
| Leaves | Leaves become yellow and wilted. | Spray plants with insecticidal soap or neem oil. |
| Stems | Aphids can suck sap from stems, causing them to become weak and stunted. | Prune affected stems. |
| Fruit | Aphids can transmit diseases to tomatoes. | Discard infected fruit. |

Aphids and Tomato Plants

What are aphids?

Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of plants. They are one of the most common pests of tomato plants, and can cause significant damage.

What do aphids do to tomato plants?

Aphids feed on the sap of tomato plants, which can weaken the plants and make them more susceptible to disease. They also secrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which can attract ants and other pests.

How do aphids damage tomato plants?

Aphids can damage tomato plants in several ways:

• They suck sap from the leaves and stems, which can weaken the plants and make them more susceptible to disease.
• They secrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which can attract ants and other pests.
• They can spread plant diseases, such as tomato yellow leaf curl virus and tomato mosaic virus.

How to identify aphids on tomato plants?

Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that are typically green, brown, or black. They are about the size of a pinhead, and they can be found clustered on the leaves and stems of tomato plants.

Aphids can be difficult to see, but there are a few things you can look for to help you identify them:

• Small, green, brown, or black insects clustered on the leaves and stems of tomato plants.
• A sticky substance called honeydew on the leaves and stems of tomato plants.
• Ants crawling on the leaves and stems of tomato plants.

If you see any of these signs, it is likely that you have aphids on your tomato plants.

Impact of Aphids on Tomato Plants

Aphids can cause significant damage to tomato plants. They can reduce yields by up to 50%, and they can also spread diseases to tomato plants.

Aphids can reduce yields by up to 50%

Aphids feed on the sap of tomato plants, which can weaken the plants and make them more susceptible to disease. This can lead to a reduction in yield. In some cases, aphids can cause so much damage that the plants will not produce any fruit.

Aphids can spread diseases to tomato plants

Aphids can spread plant diseases, such as tomato yellow leaf curl virus and tomato mosaic virus. These diseases can cause serious damage to tomato plants, and they can even kill the plants.

Aphids are a serious pest of tomato plants. They can cause significant damage to tomato plants, and they can also spread diseases to tomato plants. It is important to take steps to control aphids on tomato plants in order to protect your crop.

What Do Aphids Do To Tomato Plants?

Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of plants. They can be found on a wide variety of plants, including tomatoes. Aphids can cause damage to tomato plants by sucking sap from the leaves, stems, and flowers. This can lead to stunted growth, wilting, and yellowing of the leaves. In severe cases, aphid infestations can cause the leaves to die and the plant to wilt and die.

Aphids can also transmit plant diseases, such as tomato mosaic virus. This disease can cause yellow or green streaks on the leaves of tomato plants. It can also cause the leaves to curl and the plant to produce fewer tomatoes.

Signs of Aphids on Tomato Plants

There are a few signs that can indicate that your tomato plants are infested with aphids. These include:

• Small, green or brown insects clustered on the leaves, stems, or flowers of the plant
• Leaves that are wilted, yellow, or curled
• Yellow or green streaks on the leaves
• Fewer tomatoes produced by the plant

How to Control Aphids on Tomato Plants

There are a number of ways to control aphids on tomato plants. These include:

• Cultural controls: such as removing weeds, rotating crops, and pruning plants.
• Chemical controls: such as using insecticides or horticultural oils.
• Biological controls: such as using predators or parasites to control aphids.

Cultural Controls for Aphids

Cultural controls are non-chemical methods that can be used to control aphids on tomato plants. These methods include:

• Removing weeds: Weeds can harbor aphids and other pests. By removing weeds from your garden, you can help to reduce the number of aphids that are present.
• Rotating crops: Rotating crops can help to break the life cycle of aphids. Aphids overwinter on weeds and other plants. By rotating crops, you can help to reduce the number of weeds in your garden and prevent aphids from returning.
• Pruning plants: Pruning plants can help to improve air circulation and reduce the number of aphids that are present. By pruning your plants, you can help to create a less hospitable environment for aphids.

Chemical Controls for Aphids

Chemical controls can be used to kill aphids on tomato plants. These controls include:

• Insecticides: Insecticides are chemicals that are used to kill insects. Insecticides can be effective at killing aphids, but they can also be harmful to the environment and to human health.
• Horticultural oils: Horticultural oils are used to smother aphids. Horticultural oils can be effective at killing aphids, but they can also damage plants.

Biological Controls for Aphids

Biological controls are natural predators or parasites that can be used to control aphids on tomato plants. These controls include:

• Predators: Predators are animals that eat other animals. Predators, such as ladybugs and lacewings, can be used to control aphid populations.
• Parasites: Parasites are organisms that live on or in other organisms and cause them harm. Aphids can be parasitized by a variety of organisms, including aphid wasps and parasitic flies.

Prevention of Aphids on Tomato Plants

There are a number of things you can do to prevent aphids from infesting your tomato plants. These include:

• Plant resistant varieties: of tomato plants. Some tomato varieties are resistant to aphids. By planting resistant varieties, you can reduce the risk of your plants being infested with aphids.
• Use row covers: Row covers can be used to protect young tomato plants from aphids. Row covers are made of a lightweight fabric that blocks aphids from entering the garden.
• Water your plants regularly: Watering your plants regularly can help to keep them healthy and strong. Healthy plants are less likely to be infested with aphids.

Aphids can be a serious problem for tomato plants. However, there are a number of ways to control aphids on tomato plants. By using cultural controls, chemical controls, and biological controls, you can help to keep your tomato plants healthy and free of aphids.

Additional Resources

• [Aphids on Tomato Plants](https://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/insects/pests/aphids-on-tomato-plants/)
• [How to Control Aphids on Tomato Plants](https://www.thespruceeats.com/how-to-control-aphids

  What are aphids?

Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects that can damage a variety of plants, including tomatoes. They are typically green or black in color and have pear-shaped bodies. Aphids reproduce rapidly and can quickly infest a tomato plant, causing it to wilt, yellow, and eventually die.

What do aphids do to tomato plants?

Aphids feed on the sap of tomato plants, which can weaken the plant and make it more susceptible to disease. They also secrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which can attract ants and other pests. Aphids can also transmit plant viruses, which can cause serious damage to tomato plants.

How can I tell if my tomato plants have aphids?

Aphids are small insects, so they can be difficult to see. However, there are a few signs that can indicate that your tomato plants have aphids. These include:

• Small, green or black insects clustered on the leaves, stems, or flowers of the plant
• Yellow or wilted leaves
• Honeydew on the leaves or stems of the plant
• Ants crawling on the plant

How can I get rid of aphids on my tomato plants?

There are a number of ways to get rid of aphids on tomato plants. These include:

• Handpicking: Aphids can be handpicked off of tomato plants. This is a time-consuming process, but it is effective for small infestations.
• Spraying with water: Aphids can be sprayed off of tomato plants with a strong stream of water. This is a quick and easy way to remove aphids, but it is not as effective as other methods.
• Using insecticidal soap: Insecticidal soap can be used to kill aphids on tomato plants. Insecticidal soap is a safe and effective way to control aphids, but it should be used with caution, as it can also harm beneficial insects.
• Using neem oil: Neem oil is a natural insecticide that can be used to kill aphids on tomato plants. Neem oil is safe to use around people and pets, and it is effective against a variety of pests.
• Using a biological control: A biological control is a natural predator of aphids. Ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps are all effective biological controls for aphids.

How can I prevent aphids from infesting my tomato plants?

There are a number of things you can do to prevent aphids from infesting your tomato plants. These include:

• Planting resistant varieties: Some varieties of tomatoes are more resistant to aphids than others. Choose tomato varieties that are resistant to aphids to reduce the risk of infestation.
• Keeping your garden clean: Aphids can overwinter in garden debris, so it is important to clean up your garden regularly to remove any potential aphid habitats.
• Watering your plants properly: Aphids are more likely to infest stressed plants. Make sure to water your tomato plants regularly to keep them healthy and strong.
• Using row covers: Row covers can be used to protect tomato plants from aphids. Row covers are lightweight sheets of fabric that are placed over tomato plants to create a barrier that aphids cannot penetrate.

By following these tips, you can help to protect your tomato plants from aphids.

Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects that can cause significant damage to tomato plants. They can transmit diseases, weaken plants, and reduce yields. By understanding the signs of an aphid infestation and taking steps to control them, you can help protect your tomato plants from these pests.

Here are some key takeaways from this article:

• Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that feed on the sap of plants.
• They can transmit diseases, weaken plants, and reduce yields.
• Aphids are attracted to plants that are healthy and growing vigorously.
• The most common signs of an aphid infestation are small, green or brown insects clustered on the leaves, stems, or flowers of plants.
• There are a number of ways to control aphids, including:
• Hand-picking aphids off plants
• Using insecticidal soaps or oils
• Applying horticultural oils
• Releasing beneficial insects
• Growing resistant varieties of tomatoes

By following these tips, you can help protect your tomato plants from aphids and enjoy a bountiful harvest.