Imagine getting ready to make a delicious sandwich, only to discover that your tomatoes are covered in strange holes. Some have large, round openings, while others show dark edges or discolored patches. At first, you might wonder whether insects have attacked them, whether a plant disease is responsible, or whether the tomatoes are still safe to eat.
The good news is that holes in tomatoes do not automatically mean the fruit is dangerous. However, the size of the holes, the condition of the flesh, and the possible cause of the damage all matter when deciding whether to keep or discard them.
In this article, we will explore the most common reasons tomatoes develop holes, how to identify possible pests, what food-safety precautions to follow, and how to protect your future harvest.
1. What Causes Strange Holes in Tomatoes?
Several different problems can cause holes in tomatoes. Looking closely at the shape of the opening, the surrounding skin, and the inside of the fruit can help you identify the likely cause.
A. Tomato Fruitworms and Other Caterpillars
One possible cause is a tomato fruitworm or another caterpillar that feeds on developing fruit.
These larvae can chew through the tomato skin and eat the flesh underneath. Depending on the species and the stage of the infestation, the damage may appear as a small opening, a deep cavity, or a larger irregular hole.
You may also notice dark droppings near the opening or inside the damaged tomato. Sometimes, a caterpillar can be found hiding within the fruit.
What to look for:
- Holes that extend into the flesh.
- Small dark deposits around the damaged area.
- Irregular feeding marks.
- Caterpillars on the fruit, leaves, or stems.
Not every hole is caused by a caterpillar, so examine the plant for additional evidence before deciding how to treat it.
B. Large Green Caterpillars
Some caterpillars, including tomato hornworms, can cause significant damage to tomato plants. They are particularly noticeable because of their size and their ability to consume large amounts of foliage.
Look for missing sections of leaves, stripped stems, droppings, and occasionally damaged fruit.
Hornworms are often easier to detect by examining the plant rather than looking only at the tomatoes. Check the undersides of leaves and the stems carefully.
C. Slugs and Snails
Slugs and snails can also damage tomatoes, especially in damp gardens and areas with dense vegetation.
They typically leave irregular feeding marks rather than perfectly shaped holes. Their activity may increase during rainy weather or when the soil remains consistently moist.
Signs of slug or snail damage include:
- Uneven holes or scraped areas.
- Shiny slime trails on nearby surfaces.
- Damage to leaves close to the ground.
- Slugs or snails hiding beneath pots, boards, mulch, or fallen leaves.
Reducing hiding places and avoiding excessive moisture around the plants can help limit their activity.
D. Birds and Other Garden Animals
Birds and other animals may peck or bite into ripe tomatoes. These injuries can resemble insect damage, especially when the fruit has been attacked repeatedly.
Bird damage often appears as pecked, torn, or partially eaten sections. Larger animals may leave more obvious bite marks.
Protective garden netting can help, provided it is appropriate for the animals involved and installed safely.
2. Could the Holes Be Caused by a Tomato Disease?
Yes. Not every hole or deep indentation is caused by an insect.
One possible explanation is a condition known as catfacing, a developmental disorder that can produce misshapen tomatoes with deep grooves, scars, and irregular openings. It is often associated with unfavorable temperatures during flower and fruit development.
Another possibility is secondary decay. Once the tomato skin is damaged, microorganisms can enter the exposed tissue, potentially causing soft spots, discoloration, and rot.
Here are some clues that may help distinguish the possibilities:
- Holes with obvious chewing marks: Possible insect or animal damage.
- Deep grooves and distorted fruit: Possible catfacing or another developmental problem.
- Soft, dark, slimy tissue: Possible decay.
- Small entry holes with tunnels inside: Possible feeding by larvae.
These signs are useful clues, but they cannot establish the exact cause on their own.
3. Would You Still Eat Tomatoes With These Holes?
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