Hornworms—Manduca spp.
Hornworms of all sizes have a distinctive horn at the rear end. Mature caterpillars are very large --
up to 4 inches long.
Identification of species | Life
cycle
Damage
Entire leaves and small stems may be consumed. Large pieces from green fruit may also be chewed.
Solutions
Handpick or snip hornworms with shears. Natural
enemies normally keep populations under control. Hornworm
eggs are attacked by Trichogramma parasites
and the larvae by Hyposoter
exigua. There are
also several general
predators to keep populations under control. Bacillus
thuringiensis
or spinosad are effective against smaller larvae.
Discing or rototilling after harvest destroys pupae in soil
and prevents adults from developing.
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