Tomato Tops Vanishing in Western NY: ID Before Spraying

Don’t Guess

Whole leaves gone = vertebrate (deer, rabbit, groundhog), not insect. Sevin won’t stop a deer.

Diagnose

1. Check under leaves for insects anyway.
2. Snip damaged stem, bag, take to local nursery for ID.

IPM First

Identify pest → target control. Indiscriminate spraying kills beneficials (99% of insects are helpful).

If You Must Spray

Sevin is labeled for tomato insects. Wash fruit well.