How to Get Rid of Borers on Heirloom Tomato Plant

Introduction

Heirloom tomatoes are prized for their exceptional flavor and unique characteristics. However, these plants are not immune to pests, and one common problem that gardeners often face is borers. Borers are invasive insects that can cause significant damage to your heirloom tomato plants if left unchecked. In this article, we will explore effective ways to get rid of borers and protect your precious heirlooms.

Identifying Borers

Before we delve into the methods of eliminating borers, it is important to identify them correctly. The two most common types of borers that attack tomato plants are the tomato stem borer and the tomato fruit borer.

Tomato Stem Borer: The adult form of the tomato stem borer is a clear-winged moth resembling a wasp. The larvae are cream-colored with a brown head, and they tunnel into the stem of the plant, causing wilting and eventual death.

Tomato Fruit Borer: The tomato fruit borer is a small moth with grayish-brown wings. The larvae are pinkish with black heads and feed on the fruit, causing extensive damage.

Prevention is Key

Preventing borers from infesting your heirloom tomato plants is the best approach. Here are some preventive measures you can take:

Plant resistant varieties: Some heirloom tomato varieties are naturally resistant to borers. Look for varieties such as ‘Iron Lady’ or ‘Mountain Magic’ which have been bred for their resistance.
Rotate crops: Avoid planting tomatoes in the same spot year after year as this can increase the likelihood of borer infestation. Rotate your crops every year to disrupt their life cycle.
Keep the garden clean: Remove any plant debris from the garden, including fallen leaves, decaying fruits, and stems. These can provide hiding places for borers and their eggs.
Use floating row covers: When transplanting your heirloom tomato plants, consider covering them with floating row covers. These lightweight fabrics will protect the plants from adult borers and prevent them from laying eggs.

Natural Remedies

If prevention measures fail and borers have already infested your heirloom tomato plants, there are several natural remedies you can try:

Handpicking: Carefully inspect your plants and remove any visible larvae or eggs by hand. This method is time-consuming but can be effective if done consistently.
Beneficial nematodes: These microscopic worms are natural predators of borers. Apply them to the soil around the base of your tomato plants to control borer populations.
Neem oil: Neem oil is a natural insecticide derived from the neem tree. Dilute it according to the instructions on the packaging and spray it on your plants, focusing on the stems and fruit.
Diatomaceous earth: Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth around the base of your tomato plants. This fine powder damages the exoskeleton of insects, including borers, causing them to dehydrate and die.

Chemical Control

If natural remedies do not provide satisfactory results, you may need to resort to chemical control methods. However, it is important to use pesticides responsibly and follow all safety precautions. Here are some options:

Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis): Bt is a naturally occurring bacterium that produces proteins toxic to certain insects, including borers. Apply Bt-based insecticides according to the instructions on the label.
Insecticidal soap: Insecticidal soaps are safe to use on edible crops like tomatoes and can effectively control borers. Follow the directions on the product label for application.
Pyrethrin-based insecticides: Pyrethrin is a botanical insecticide derived from chrysanthemum flowers. It provides effective control against borers but should be used judiciously, as it can harm beneficial insects.

Conclusion

Dealing with borers on your heirloom tomato plants can be a frustrating experience, but with the right preventive measures and control methods, you can protect your plants and enjoy a bountiful harvest. Remember to stay vigilant, regularly inspect your plants, and take action at the first sign of infestation. By implementing these strategies, your heirloom tomatoes will thrive and provide you with delightful flavors all summer long.