By implementing integrated pest management (IPM) practices and maintaining good cultural practices, you can effectively manage pests and diseases that commonly affect tomatillos. Regular monitoring, early detection, and prompt action are key to preventing widespread infestations and minimizing crop damage. Additionally, choosing disease-resistant varieties and practicing proper crop rotation can further reduce the risk of pest and disease problems in your tomatillo garden. With diligence and proactive management, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of healthy tomatillos year after year.

Tomatillos, also known as husk tomatoes or Mexican husk tomatoes, are a staple in many cuisines, especially in Mexican dishes like salsa verde. These small, green fruits are members of the nightshade family and are relatively easy to grow. However, like any plant, tomatillos are susceptible to pests and diseases that can damage or destroy your crop if left unchecked. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore common pests and diseases that affect tomatillos and provide strategies for managing them effectively.

Common Pests:

1. Tomato Hornworms: These large, green caterpillars can quickly defoliate a tomatillo plant if left unchecked. Handpicking them off the plant is one effective method of control. Additionally, you can introduce natural predators like parasitic wasps or apply organic insecticides containing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) to target hornworms specifically.

2. Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of tomatillo plants, causing stunted growth and distorted leaves. Regularly inspecting your plants and using a strong blast of water to dislodge aphids can help control small infestations. Alternatively, insecticidal soap or neem oil can be applied to eliminate aphids without harming beneficial insects.

3. Flea Beetles: Flea beetles are tiny, jumping insects that chew small holes in tomatillo leaves, giving them a stippled appearance. Floating row covers can be used as a physical barrier to prevent flea beetles from accessing your plants. Insecticidal sprays containing pyrethrin or spinosad can also be effective against flea beetles.

4. Whiteflies: These tiny, moth-like insects feed on the undersides of tomatillo leaves, causing them to yellow and eventually die. Yellow sticky traps can be used to monitor and trap adult whiteflies, while insecticidal soap or neem oil can be applied to control nymphs and adults.

Common Diseases:

1. Early Blight (Alternaria solani): Early blight appears as dark, concentric rings on the leaves of tomatillo plants, eventually causing them to yellow and die. To prevent early blight, practice crop rotation, avoid overhead watering, and remove infected plant debris promptly. Fungicides containing copper or chlorothalonil can be used to manage early blight in severe cases.

2. Late Blight (Phytophthora infestans): Late blight is a devastating fungal disease that can quickly spread in wet, humid conditions. Symptoms include dark lesions on leaves, stems, and fruits, often accompanied by a fuzzy white mold. To manage late blight, improve air circulation around plants, avoid overhead watering, and apply fungicides preventatively if necessary.

3. Septoria Leaf Spot (Septoria lycopersici): Septoria leaf spot presents as small, dark lesions with a white center on tomatillo leaves, eventually leading to defoliation if left untreated. Remove and destroy infected leaves, avoid overhead watering, and apply fungicides containing chlorothalonil or copper to manage septoria leaf spot effectively.

4. Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew appears as a white, powdery coating on tomatillo leaves, stems, and fruits, inhibiting photosynthesis and reducing yield. To prevent powdery mildew, maintain good air circulation, space plants adequately, and avoid overhead watering. Fungicides containing sulfur or potassium bicarbonate can be used to manage powdery mildew outbreaks.