It's a two question post so I don't need 'spam' without separate ones, I'm sorry.
Firstly we'd like to know who these little critters are. They almost look like ladybugs but they're not I'm all but certain. We had them on our melons last year too but they don't seem to cause harm, but nobody could tell us what they are. Friend or foe?
Secondly, our round and plum tomatoes did TERRIBLE this year and we can't quite place why (super depressed about it). The special verities are doing quite well and they got the same care and treatments so we're inclined to think bad seeds. Anyway, BER is getting them all despite our best efforts but then we noticed these bruise like markings… are they indicative of anything?
(I know the soil probably looks bad/bare please ignore, they do have compost, they're under shade and they have new mulch on the way after a storm.)
by SentenceAggressive22
3 Comments
Sorry I don’t know my Argentinian bugs, but those look like stink bug nymphs.
3rd/4th instar green stink bugs is my guess
How far into the season are you? I have found some varieties will have issues with the first few sets of fruit like this, then I get good production through to the end of the season. IIRC it’s related to nutrient deficiency but you can’t do much about it, the plants are just less able to deliver the right nutrients at that stage. I could well be wrong on this, just sharing what I have experienced.