How to treat Tomato plants with fruit cracked and attacked by pests?

Question

I have been successful in growing some Tasmanian tomatoes until yesterday I found they were destroyed by pests. I took a picture today. Is this a mealy bug ? How can I treat and save my tomatoes? Also they appear to be cracked ? What could be the cause ?

JacobZ · Answer

Hi @Sofia26,

Thanks for sharing those photos.

The cracking on the tomato looks like growth cracking, which is usually caused by fluctuations in moisture levels. This can happen when the plant receives inconsistent watering or after periods of rain. As the fruit swells quickly, the skin can split. Once the fruit splits, slugs and other pests are attracted to the damaged area and can quickly start feeding.

The culprit seems more likely to be a slug or snail rather than a mealybug. Slugs and snails are often more active during cool, damp weather, so they're a common problem in winter gardens.

I'd remove any damaged fruit and check around the base of the plant, pots and nearby hiding spots for more slugs and snails. You can hand-pick them in the evening, or consider snail and slug control products such as

https://www.bunnings.com.au/ocp-600g-eco-shield-organic-snail-slug-killer_p0273520

if the problem is widespread.

As we're now in winter, tomato plants can be more susceptible to pest and disease issues due to the cooler, wetter conditions. If you still have healthy fruit developing, try to keep watering consistent and harvest fruit as soon as it begins to ripen.