Tomatoes

[seekeerz]

We're growing some a couple of different varieties this year and they are fruiting well, however something is 'attacking' them, there's a small hole drilled into the fruit, something is having a feed then exiting.

The fruit is not completely ruined but doesn't do much for it .....any ideas what is doing the damage ?

[Buenchico]

Blackbirds?
http://www.urbanfoodgarden.org/main/vegetable-growing-techniques/vegetable-growing-techniques-tomatoes-harvesting.htm

[seekeerz]

Thanks Chris, but I think its more along the lines of a wasp or something similar, the fruit looks as if its been stung. I don't think its fruit fly, too early in the season, plus the insides aren't pulped, but something has made its way in, had a bit of a feast, then ticked off.

Tried Googling, but couldn't get any sense, I'll try again tomorrow.

HNY to you and Patches [and any other waifs and strays]

[tamborine]

Caterpillars ? Avoid insecticide in favour of diluted washing up liquid spray. Wasps & ladybirds repel most insects. Try a night vigil to identify culprit.

http://www.almanac.com/content/tomato-hornworms

[Buenchico]

Happy New Year, Seekerz!
(You must be close to that time now; I can't remember which part of Oz you're in though, So I'm not sure how far ahead of us you are)

[tamborine]

Happy New Year from Windsor - Sydney webcam

http://www.earthcam.com/world/australia/sydney/

[seekeerz]

Ok I've identified the culprits, they're shield/ stink bugs.....never seen them in the garden but they must be there somewhere.

Chris...I'm in South Oz and the new year is just over 13 hours old here.

Tambo .... So you ARE in Oz, I thought so, but sometime wondered, I sort of know where Windsor is.