Question of the Week – Armyworm Egg Mass

This week, the question was: What is this on this tomato leaf?

This is an armyworm egg mass, possibly from the beet armyworm (Spodoptera exigua). The beet armyworm is a pest of vegetables across the Southern US. In warm weather, these eggs will hatch in only 2-3 days. Young caterpillars are slow to disperse and will skeletonize leaves as they feed. As they grow they will spread out and become solitary. In tomatoes, they are most problematic when they when plants are small, though they may also damage the fruit later on. Read more about beet armyworms here.

This week’s question is from Justin Ballew, Extension Fruit and Vegetable Research Associate.