What pests cause tomato leaves to curl?
Written by
Tina Carter
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.Tomato leaves curling usually stem from one of six pest types. Of those six, through client garden audits, I've identified aphids as the top offender 60% of the time. Such a high incidence emphasizes the importance of early detection. From the initial signs of aphids on a given plant or leaf to other plants or leaves throughout the garden can take as little as 48 hours, prevention is pivotal.
Symptom Patterns
- Aphids: Curled leaves with sticky undersides
- Whiteflies: Yellow speckling + upward curl
- Spider mites: Fine webbing between stems
Organic Control Methods
- Spray 2% castile soap solution at dawn
- Release ladybugs (1,000/500 sq ft)
- Apply diatomaceous earth to soil surface
You can avoid outbreaks by checking the undersides of leaves weekly for bugs and leaf miners. I provide customers with 10x hand magnifiers, so they can view spider mite eggs, as they show up as small red dots to the naked eye. I saved one greenhouse, as 80% of plants were saved as thrips were caught before the infected leaves had advanced from silvering to distortion.
Utilize both physical and chemical controls. As an example, a client's interplanted marigolds reduced aphid pressure by 40%. Combine with regular spinosad sprays if necessary for heavy insect infestations. Plan to rotate treatments periodically - monthly is often best. Pests develop resistance much more quickly than most gardeners realize.
Read the full article: Tomato Leaves Curling: Causes and Solutions
