White spots showing on leaves and leaves wilt

by Bob L.
(Tampa, Fl )

There are white spots showing on tomato leaves. Also the leaves are wilting. I have seen some small flies on the plants. Can this be the problem?

Dear Bob,

Sounds like you've got some whiteflies lurking around your tomato plants!

Here are some ways to identify whiteflies for sure

• Shake your tomato plant. If dozens of tiny white or light-colored insects break free, they are likely whiteflies.
  
• Look for whiteflies’ telltale trail of sticky white dew (called “honeydew”) on leaves, stems, and fruit.
  
• Check leaves for circular or spiral light-colored designs, which are actually strings of whitefly eggs.
  
• Check leaves for wilt, brown patches, or other damage.
  

What whiteflies do to tomatoes
Whiteflies suck juices from leaves, causing wilting, leaf damage, brown leaves, and stunted growth. If left unchecked, whiteflies can quickly defoliate your tomato crop.

Ways to control whiteflies

• Drown them: spray plants with a steady stream from the garden hose.
  
• Apply an organic insecticidal soap, such as Safer®.
  
• Apply horticultural oil, like neem oil, to control whiteflies.
  
• Introduce or encourage insects that feed on aphids, such as ladybugs.
  

Happy gardening!
Your friends at Tomato Dirt