Corn earworm
A caterpillar that feeds on the tips of corn cobs and bores into tomato, pepper, chickpea and pigeon pea fruit and pods.
Also known as: Tomato fruitworm, Gram pod borer, Cotton bollworm
Symptoms and identification
In corn, caterpillars chew the silks and feed on kernels at the tip of the cob, leaving frass behind. In tomatoes and peppers, round holes lead into hollowed, rotting fruit. In pulses, holes appear in pods and seeds are eaten.
Causes
Moths lay single eggs on silks, fruit and flower buds. The caterpillars are many-coloured, green, pink or brown, and move between plants. Several generations occur each season in warm areas.
Organic treatment
Hand-pick caterpillars and damaged fruit. Apply a few drops of mineral oil to corn silks about 5 days after they first appear, and spray Bt or spinosad on young larvae.
Prevention
Plant early, choose varieties with tight husks, and check plants regularly for eggs. Use pheromone traps to monitor moths, and attract natural enemies.
Chemical treatment (use with care)
Use an insecticide labelled for corn earworm or pod borers on that crop, following the label for timing and harvest wait.