Question
Whatis the large green caterpillar that eats tomato plants in Wilmington, NC

Answer
Jane, this common tomato pest is called a green hornworm. Tomato hornworms are actually caterpillars that chew large holes in the leaves of tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, and potatoes. Their young larvae are white but they eventually mature into a deep green that blends in with the foliage making them hard to detect.

You can control them by hand-picking them or using an organic control called BT (bacillus thuringiensis) commonly sold under the product name Dipel or MVP. BT is non-toxic to humans, pets, and the environment, and can be applied right up to the time you harvest. You can purchase these products at a local garden center or through an on-line catalog such as Gardens Alive at:

http://www.gardensalive.com

I would recommend rotating your crop next year to prevent future generations of these insects from infesting next year抯 crop. Also, be sure to thoroughly till the garden every fall to destroy pupae, the offspring of the tomato worm.

I hope this answered your question. Good luck, and please write again if I can ever be of assistance.

Regards,

Mike