Why does your Lycopersicon esculentum mini have tiny black flies? Diagnose the cause and fix it with our step-by-step guide.
The tiny black flies are likely fungus gnat adults, whose larvae live in the upper layers of moist soil and feed on organic matter or plant roots. In mini tomatoes, high humidity and frequent watering provide the ideal breeding ground for these pests.
While often associated with rotting fruit, these flies are attracted to the fermenting sugars of overripe or damaged mini tomatoes. They can lay eggs in small cracks in the tomato skin, leading to secondary rot.
The presence of flies often indicates an underlying issue with decaying organic matter in the potting mix. As fungi break down dead roots or excess compost, they release CO2 and moisture that attract fungus gnats to your mini tomato.
Your plant might also be experiencing one of these issues:
English
Italiano
