Unknown Pest

[HoustonHeat]

Need some help. In Houston and still have fall tomatoes..
Any large tomatoes are ok with no issues.
But my cherry tomatoes keep getting hit by something.

So far I have most all of my cherry matoes nibbled on.

Pretty sure it's not birds..

What is it?

Pics attached

[Labradors2]

Hornworms? You could look for frass......

Linda

[Worth1]

Could be a grasshopper.
Worth

[bower]

Little mouse. (I had rats this year, sorry, had to joke. )

[maxjohnson]

.....

[HoustonHeat]

I thought about a hornworm but there is no leaf damage on plant.
I will look for frass or other signs.

I find it interesting the culprit does not touch the inside flesh or seeds?
I would think a mouse would just take it back to its nest?
Grasshopper a good possibility..

Thanks!!

[HoustonHeat]

Update: 4AM check found the trouble maker...

[ginger2778]

Tomato fruitworm. I hate them.

[HoustonHeat]

Ginger

So first I have seen this worm. I just started gardening g this year..
I have encountered Hornworms, Squirrels, Birds, Mites, Whitefly, Stinkbugs, and LeafFooted bugs, and grasshoppers..

So does this fruit worm mean there are lots more around, or is it like a hornworm and solitary?

[ginger2778]

Originally Posted by HoustonHeat

Ginger

So first I have seen this worm. I just started gardening g this year..
I have encountered Hornworms, Squirrels, Birds, Mites, Whitefly, Stinkbugs, and LeafFooted bugs, and grasshoppers..

So does this fruit worm mean there are lots more around, or is it like a hornworm and solitary?

Lots but smaller, BTW, hornworms usually are more than 1, but smaller ones are elsewhere. That moth isn't going to lay just one egg, lol.

[maxjohnson]

For caterpillars, you want to use Bt sprays (aka Thuricide).

Whiteflies can be scary for me because they can carry \yellow leaf curl virus which is death sentence to tomatoes. They have their season and reduced or go away low humid and cooler. It also help if you don't grow things that attracts them, which includes all nightshades and morning glories unfortunately. More airflow help reduce their infestation, which is one reason I trim the bottom tomato leaves.

I don't have problem with birds pecking the tomatoes since they always have an alternative water source.

I don't know if there are root knot nematodes in Texas soil, but that is another big challenge in Florida, although as I continue to amend my soil with organic matter through mulching each year, it's less if a problem.

[HoustonHeat]

I have not encountered issues with nematodes but have heard of them.
My most difficult issue was during summer heat with mites and whitefly.
Next year I will focus on Spring and Fall crops and avoid the hard work in summer keep plants alive or setting fruit.. I probably will prep my soil during summer with compost and get it ready for fall.