YOUR LEVY AT WORK
Serpentine leaf miner Photo courtesy of National Plant Protection Organization, the Netherlands (insectimages.org)
Emerging threat – serpentine leaf miner By Anna Rathé : Biosecurity Manager, HortNZ
The situation The serpentine leaf miner (Liriomyza huidobrensis) has recently been detected in Australia for the first time. A report from a market garden in Western Sydney was confirmed to be serpentine leaf miner in late October 2020. This was followed by a detection in Queensland in November 2020. Australian authorities are responding and have undertaken surveillance and tracing to determine the extent of the infestation. It appears that eradication in New South Wales is unlikely to be technically feasible due to the extent of the infestation, requiring a transition to management. Originally from South America, this pest has proven itself to be highly invasive, as demonstrated by its spread around the world. It is now present in a number of countries in Europe, Asia, North America (Canada only), Central America and Africa. Its presence in Australia means the pest is one step closer to New Zealand.
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The ORCHARDIST : FEBRUARY 2021
The threat Serpentine leaf miner feeds on over 300 plant species, including vegetables, legumes and ornamentals. Serpentine leaf miner has long been on the radar for both the fresh and processed vegetable industries, with the changing situation offshore closely watched. The insect is also on Biosecurity New Zealand’s priority pest and disease list, reinforcing the significant threat that it poses to plant health in New Zealand.
Originally from South America, this pest has proven itself to be highly invasive, as demonstrated by its spread around the world
