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Tomato Pinworm Control Pinworm (Keiferia lycopersicella) infestations are not common in area greenhouses but recurring infestations can be a problem. This pest is tropical and can't overwinter under normal area conditions. The source of recurring infestations may be improper disposal of potting mixture, bags, and plants. The slow decay of organic matter can prevent freezing of the greenhouse debris piles from the previous year. The relatively long pupal stage is extended under cool conditions, and alternate solanaceous hosts allow survival during summer and fall. Trichogramma wasps have been used to attack the eggs. Nematodes could be useful in biocontrol of the pupae in the soil. Picture at left shows solanaceous weeds (nightshade) inside a greenhouse infested with tomato pinworm larvae. Nightshade in weedy areas near greenhouses provide an alternate host that allows moth populations to survive after greenhouses have been cleaned out for the summer. |
