Leafmining flies (leafminers)

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Ana's notes: It is important to differentiate leafmining flies and leafmining caterpillars, since the management of the two groups of pests is different. The leafminers attacking coffee, cotton, groundnut, soybean and citrus are caterpillars, not leafmining flies. Some work was done on neem for control of leafminers on tomatoes some years back, but it was not published. I am looking for it; it should be added when available.

feaured_photo_co
A.M. Varela
Is this a Minor Pest?
Yes
Minor Pest Title

Leafmining flies (<i>Lyriomyza</i> spp)

Minor Pest Description

Feeding and egg laying by leafmining flies cause stippling of leaves. This can kill seedlings and in older plants allows entry of disease-causing microorganisms. Feeding by maggots causes mining (tunnelling) of leaves reducing the productive leaf area. Heavily attacked leaves may drop off, and may lead to yield losses.

 

Minor Pest What to do.
  • Control by natural enemies is important.
  • Ploughing can help in exposing pupae to desiccation and natural enemies.
  • Neem products are effective for controlling leafminers.
Minor Pest Position
4
Minor Pest Firstcontent
199
Pest Type
insect
Host Plants
Passion fruit (Revised)