Tomato, Lycopersicon esculentum L., is infested most commonly, but eggplant, Solanum melongena L. var esculentum Nees, and potatoes, Solanum tuberosum L. also are attacked. Weeds such as S. carolinense L., S. xanthii Gray, and S. umbelliferum Esch. Tomato, potato, eggplant, and a weed, S. bahamese L., are recorded hosts in Florida. Economic Importance Damage to tomatoes results from the feeding of larvae on leaves, stems and fruit. Initial injury is slight and appears as a small leaf mine.
Later injury includes leaf folding and leaf tying.
Secondary damage results when plant tissues become infected by pathogens and the plant dies or the fruit rots. The precautions include use of transplants that are free of eggs and larvae when set in the field, and the destruction of all plant debris and fields after harvest. Consequently, chemical control is contingent upon frequent and accurate observations of fields for pinworm mines. Insect Management Guide for tomatoes Selected References Busck, A. 1928. Phthorimaea lycopersicella , N. sp.