BT question, tomato horn worms?

Question

I have very limited experience with BT(bacillus thuringiensis), I was reading the label today and noticed that tomato horn worm isn't listed. So does BT effectively control tomato worms, the ones that get big and fat like a giant green finger? Or am I better to stick with my sevin dust? 
Also I could use everyone's opinion on a good basic organic fertilizer mix, for a small plot(4x12) that has only ever had composted leaves(6" every winter) and some miracle gro added as amendments in the last 5 years. I'm thinking that at this point based on production over the last few years that it's lacking most nutrients,and I plant things intensively so I'm sure the soil is lacking. There's also been the odd bag of potting soil, rotted manure, old dirt from indoor pots added.

sciencegravy · Accepted Answer

Technically, yes, bt will kill tomato hornworms.  But you have to spray the hornworm itself for it to work.  And if you have a hornworm, it can strip a tomato plant in a couple days.  So spraying it and waiting for the bt (or even Sevin) to work is just silly.  Hornworms usually only show up in very small groups.  Like 2-6 individuals.  If you find one, just carefully go over every branch of every tomato plant, and find and pick them off and kill them.

It's definitely a good idea to add compost to your garden every year.  My favorite fertilizer, if I use store-bought, is Espoma's Tomato-Tone, or even Holly-Tone (because my soil is a bit alkaline, and I have to work to keep it more acid).  I add a handful to the hole when I plant each tomato, then side dress with more 2 months later.

Johnny · Answer

Hi Steve

Here is an ad for Bonide BT that I copied off of a web page.

"BT Kurstaki 15% A liquid formulation of bacteria. Controls caterpillars, loopers, cabbage worms, horn worms, leaf folders and leaf rollers. One pint treats up to 10,875 sq. ft. Won’t harm beneficial insects."

I don't know why your label doesn't specify horn worms but it definitely does control them.

For my 2 cents worth if you want to improve your soil, find a horse farm near you and get some aged composted stable bedding ( they are dumping it somewhere around, find the spot).
Add about 4 to 5 inches and mix it in with your soil.  You'll be pleasantly surprised with the results.

Hope this helps

Johnny

visick · Answer

were given a number of recommendations for you besides the former handpicking technique. First use your sprinkler and moist the leaves of your tomatoes and pepper vegetation. once they are fairly damp sprinkle some dry cornmeal on the leaves. This causes the hornworms to blow up even as they conflict to devour the leaves. very last 12 months we did not honestly see one explode yet we did observe a help of their numbers after the cornmeal replaced into utilized. next, use paper towel or lavatory paper rolls that are about to be trashed. reduce a line down the middle and then wrap gently around the bottom of the tomato. the second one technique i have in no way tried before this 12 months, I merely heard of it lately. finally attempt to encourage constructive insects on your backyard. Wasp, eco-friendly Lacewings and woman Beetles are predators of hornworms.

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BT question, tomato horn worms?

3 Answers