Leaf miners
leaf-mining insects
CLASSIFICATION
Animalia, Insecta, feeding damage by insects
ABOUT
Larval stages of leaf-mining insects are feeding on the leaf tissue of plants, building little tunnels under the leaf surface.
How to treat?
- Biological
Remove pests mechanically. Pick and destroy mined leaves and egg clusters or squeeze the mined leaf to crush any larvae.
Apply ecological products for plant protection (e.g. neem oil).
Introduce natural enemies - predators, parasites, or diseases (e.g. parasitic wasp Diglyphus isaea, bacterium Bacillus thurigiensis, beneficial nematodes).
Clean the area of infestation. Remove nearby dock or lamb's-quarters.
- Chemical
If necessary, apply insecticide containing abamectin (GHS02: Flammable, GHS05: Corrosive, GHS07: Harmful, GHS08: Health hazard).
If necessary, apply insecticide containing cyromazine (GHS07: Harmful, GHS09: Environmental hazard).
If necessary, apply insecticide containing chlorantraniliprole (GHS07: Harmful, GHS09: Environmental hazard).
- Disease prevention
Prevent plant stress by optimal watering, fertilizing and protection from sun and frost.
Cover seedlings with floating row cover (garden fabric).
Use sticky or pheromone traps.
Avoid growing plants that attract leaf miners (green leafy plantain, chickweed).