Tomatillo - Insects or else punching through the fruit's husk

Discussion in 'Edible Gardening' started by Aldo, Jul 12, 2020.

  1. Aldo

    Aldo Super Gardener

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    I have a few tomatilloes (tomatilli?) growing quite happily in one section of the garden.
    They are fruiting and look healthy, but I realized that every and each outer layer of the fruits seem to be ripped at the bottom.
    Also, no other plants seem to be affected around them.
    This happened to some fruits last year too, pretty much in the same position, but it does not seem to affect the same variety in other parts of the garden.

    I cannot see any pest, beetle or else.

    Any idea what might cause it, and whether it will affect fruits formation inside the husk ?

    Thanks!

    [​IMG]
     
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    • pete

      pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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      Can't think it will affect the fruit @Aldo ,just looks like a small amount of insect attack on the husk.
       
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      • Aldo

        Aldo Super Gardener

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        @pete Thanks! I really hope so, the plants seem to be doing very well otherwise.
         
      • pete

        pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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        I've got some inca berries, cape gooseberries growing and they grow in a similar way.
        Never found anything that actually attacks the berry, I'm guessing the husk does a good job.
        You can peel it back a bit and have a look inside.
         
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        • Aldo

          Aldo Super Gardener

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          Tomorrow I'll give it a peek, hoping not to find any nasty surprises :)
           
        • Selleri

          Selleri Koala

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          I think Tomatill(i?) just grow like that, the swelling fruit pulls the husk open. I could well be wrong so wear gloves when investigating. :psnp:

          [​IMG]
           
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          • Aldo

            Aldo Super Gardener

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            Actually, looking again, I do not think it is some pest..
            I feel a bit silly, but it might just be the way the grow.
            Following formation of the fruit, the husk grow around it, as an extension of the sepal.
            It is supposed to seal completely at the end perhaps, but it is failing too. Looking at them again, the bottom is not ripped or chewed through, just unsealed.
            Last year, now that I think of it, it was different. There were holes at the sides, clearly made by some beetle or similar.
            So, well, hopefully just a false alarm :)

            @Selleri How are your cucamelons doing? I planted mine outdoor in two different positions, and one couple is doing ok, I can see the first tiny flowers and fruits.
            If I ever try them again I will let the plants develop inside until they are at least a few feet long, the ones I planted out earlier struggled, so I think they really like it warm to develop quickly.
             
          • Selleri

            Selleri Koala

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            I'm already harvesting my cucas :heehee:

            I literally lost them when high winds pushed the tomatoes on both sides over the young plants. When I finally remembered cucas and dug them towards the light, the small fruit that set indoors had fallen. The plants are however now recovering and growing well. We are in for a feast, provided that the fruit are actually tasty. :whistle:

            I must agree with the warmth, the plants were raving whilst still indoors and too steps back when they were moved out regardless that it was a mini heatwave.
            cuca2.jpg cucamelon1.jpg raisedbed.jpg
             
          • Aldo

            Aldo Super Gardener

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            @Selleri Mine are pretty much at the same development stage despite not having suffered any accident :)
            I think I should have brought some to my mum in Italy, given the temperature there is much higher, they could probably establish as perennials.
            But then my mum can go months without watering plants, so perhaps they stand a better chance in the UK :D

            [​IMG]

            I have, very optimistically, set 2,5m canes for them, but I doubt they will ever climb that high.
             
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