CHAPTER XIX 

 Insects Injurious to the Tomato 



By Dr. F. H. Chittenden 

 Bureau of Entomology. U. S. Department of Agriculture 



From the time tomato plants are set in the field 

 until the fruit has ripened they are subject to the 

 attacks of insects which frequently cause serious in- 

 jury. On the whole, however, the tomato is not so 

 susceptible to damage as are some related crops — 

 such as the potato. 



Cutworms. — Of insects most to be feared and of 

 those which attack the plants when they are first set 

 out are cutworms of various species. The grower is 

 as a rule quite too familiar with these insects, and no 

 description of their methods is necessary, beyond the 

 statement that they cut off and destroy more than 

 they eat and re-setting is frequently necessary. The 

 best remedy is a poisoned bait, prepared by dipping 

 bunches of clover, weeds, or other vegetation in a 

 solution of Paris green or other arsenical, i pound to 

 lOO gallons of water. These baits are distributed in 

 small lots over the ground before the plants are set, 

 the precaution being observed that the land is free 

 for two or three weeks from any form of vegetation. 

 This will force the hungry "worms" to feed on the 

 baits, to their prompt destruction. A bran-mash is 

 also used instead of weeds or clover, and is prepared 



123 



