Serpentine leafminer update
Serpentine leafminer (SLM – Liriomyza huidobrensis) is a recently arrived exotic insect pest with the potential to significantly impact a wide range of commercial crops (vegetables, broadacre, ornamentals and non-commercial hosts). Leaf miners, including SLM, are in the top 20 of Australia’s Top 42 Exotic and Unwanted Plant Pests (see https://www.agriculture.gov.au/pests-diseases-weeds/plant) and is categorised as a high priority pest in the vegetable and potato industry biosecurity plans, highlighting the risk posed by SLM.
Serpentine leafminer was found infesting field-grown vegetables in western Sydney in late October 2020. Since then, there have been confirmed cases of serpentine leafminer in regional NSW as well as the Fassifern Valley region of Queensland.
Who should I get in contact with if I suspect serpentine leafminer on my property?
All growers are encouraged to report any signs of leaf-mining in vegetables to the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.
The one phone number will connect you with an automated system to allow you to choose the state or territory that your report relates to. You will then be connected to the relevant authority for that jurisdiction.
Who should I get in contact with for more information?
You can get in touch with a representative of the Hort Innovation Extension Team, and they'll point you in the right direction. You can find the contact details of your relevant Regional Extension Manager on our website here.
Resources for growers
There is a range of resources available to industry concerning serpentine leafminer outlined below.
- Hort Innovation funded project RD&E program for control, eradication and preparedness for vegetable leafminer (MT16004) produced a range of resources to prepare industry for a potential outbreak of vegetable leafminer (Liriomyza sativae) and updated host lists for SLM and trifolii (American serpentine leafminer). They are available on the Hort Innovation website here.
- The same project also created three contingency plans to provide background information on the pest and to assist in determining the appropriate initial response to a detection of this species in Australia. The plans were created for serpentine leafminer (Liriomyza huidobrensis), American serpentine leafminer (Liriomyza trifolii), and vegetable leafminer (Liriomyza sativae).
- An informational video outlining the leafminer, its arrival in Australia – the impact they can have, and the multi-industry approach to manage them, and what to do if you detect them: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-gRuC9TaO0.
- Easy to read documents including general surveillance plans, regional response plans, videos, and general information can be found on the AUSVEG website.
- Information on the pests’ lifecycle and feeding symptoms, how to identify serpentine leafminer, and its potential to establish and spread in Australia can be found on the Cesar Australia website.
- The NSW DPI website houses information on:
- The liaison team established specifically for serpentine leafminer
- How to report suspected serpentine leafminer
- Translated materials for other languages including simplified Chinese, Arabic, Khmer and Vietnamese
- They also have a recording of a webinar held in late 2020 which provides information on pest biology and chemistry, integrated pest management and regulatory requirements.
- Greenlife Industry Australia factsheet
- Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (QDAF) page on serpentine leafminer
- Plant Health Australia fact sheet on serpentine leaf miner
The importance of surveillance
In light of the recent incursion of SLM it is important to know what to look out for and how you can survey your crops for damage and detection.
The Hort innovation funded project RD&E program for control, eradication and preparedness for vegetable leafminer (MT16004), conducted by Cesar Australia, looked at surveillance of leafminers and the rates of detectability.
The research validated the challenge of visually detecting leafminers, with most surveyors only spotting about 20 per cent of the mines in a crop row. This means surveyors must spend enough time searching a given area to have a chance of detecting damage from leafminers.
A surveillance toolkit is being released shortly which will advise both government and industry stakeholders with answers to two very important questions: how do we survey for leafminers, and how do we diagnose suspicious damage?
To get more information and access resources visit the project page here or to learn more about surveillance detection and the toolkit read this short aricle on the Cesar Australia webiste.
What we're doing to help
Hort Innovation is keeping a close eye on the situation and is currently working with the relevant authorities to prepare and protect the horticulture sector against any potential spread of serpentine leafminer. This includes working with the other research and development corporations, the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) and chemical registrants on the response.
There are also investments underway that have been specially designed to prepare growers with strategies needed to manage the pest.
Management strategy for serpentine leafminer, Liriomyza huidobrensis (MT20005) has recently been contracted with a consortium of delivery partners. Queensland Department of Agriculture Fisheries will lead the project supported by NSW DPI, AUSVEG, Cesar Australia and the University of Melbourne.
This investment will build on the work completed by MT16004 by refining the development and validation of tools including surveillance and diagnostic protocols, and predictive forecasting for SLM risk assessment and management. It will also identify and monitor parasitoids, and deliver an industry communication program including the development of an industry management plan and grower guides and industry-focused workshops.
As part of this investment, a leafminer workshop is being held in conjunction with the Lockyer Valley Growers Expo in the Gatton Research Facility on June 6 and 7, from 10.30 am onwards. The workshop will provide information for growers on the recent serpentine leafminer incursion, spread and current management options available. For more information, email AUSVEG at info@ausveg.com.au.
Management of insecticide resistance in serpentine leafminer (Liriomyza huidobrensis) (AS20002) is currently being contracted. More information will be shared once a delivery partner is on board.
Minor use permits
Through Hort Innovation funded project National biosecurity and sustainable plant production program (NY20001) has secured a number of permits that can be used for serpentine leafminer. These are detailed below.
|
Permit No. |
Description |
Issued date |
Expiry date |
Permit Holder |
|
PER83506 |
CYROMAZINE / NURSERY STOCK / Larvae of: Leafminer flies and Sciarid flies Including, Fungus gnats and Shore flies |
24-Oct-17 |
31-Oct-22 |
Nursery & Garden Industry Australia |
|
PER88977 |
Various Products; Abamectin, Azadirachtin, Cyromazine, Emamectin, Chlorantraniliprole + Thiamethoxam (Durivo), Cyantraniliprole, Indoxacarb, Spinetoram / Nursery Stock / Leafminers (Liriomyza spp.) including Vegetable leafminer (Liriomyza sativae) |
11-Nov-20 |
30-Nov-22 |
Nursery & Garden Industry Australia |
|
PER88695 |
Abamectin (Voliam Targo Insecticide) / Various Nursery Stock / Various Pests including Leafminer (Liriomyza sativae) |
8-Feb-21 |
28-Feb-24 |
Greenlife Industry Australia Ltd |
|
PER89239 |
Cyclaniliprole (Teppan Insecticide) / Nursery Stock (Non-food) / Various Pests including Leafminers (Liriomyza spp.) |
5-May-21 |
31-May-23 |
Greenlife Industry Australia Ltd |
Below is a current list of minor use permits available as at 11 June 2021.
|
Permit No. |
Active |
Crop/s |
Pest |
Jurisdiction |
Issued |
Expiry |
Permit Holder |
|
PER81867 Version 2
|
Cyromazine (Diptex 150 WP) |
Broccoli, Fruiting vegetables – cucurbits, Fruiting vegetables – other than cucurbits (excluding mushrooms and corn), Head lettuce, Legume vegetables, Root and tuber vegetables, Stalk and stem vegetables (Field and Protected Cropping) Use on the following crops is not supported for food use: Brassicas (excluding Broccoli) Leafy vegetables (excluding Head lettuce) (Field and Protected Cropping) These crops must be destroyed if treated and must not be made available for human consumption |
Liriomyza species, including: Vegetable Leafminer (Liriomyza sativa) Serpentine Leafminer (Liriomyza huidobrensis |
All States and Territories |
2-Dec-19 |
30-Nov-23
|
Hort Innovation |
|
PER81876 Version 4
|
Abamectin (Various 18g/L & 36 g/L) |
Fruiting vegetables – cucurbits, Fruiting vegetables – other than cucurbits (except sweet corn and mushrooms), Leafy vegetables (except lettuce), Legume vegetables, Root and tuber vegetables, Bulb onions, Cabbage (head), Celery and Rhubarb Bulb Vegetables except Bulb onions (including leeks, spring onions) |
Leaf miners (Liriomyza spp.) Suppression only Including Vegetable Leafminer (Liriomyza sativae) and Serpentine Leafminer (Liriomyza huidobrensis) |
ALL States except VIC |
24-Jun-16 |
30-Apr-24 |
Hort Innovation |
|
PER87631 Version 2
|
Chlorantraniliprole Coragen plus other 200 g/L registered products |
Spinach and Silverbeet |
Leaf miners (Liriomyza spp.) including: Cabbage leaf miner (Liriomyza brassicae) Vegetable leaf miner (Liriomyza sativae) Serpentine leaf miner (Liriomyza huidobrensis) (suppression only)
|
All States and Territories except Vic |
21-Jun-19 |
30-Jun-24 |
Hort Innovation |
|
PER90387 |
Cyantraniliprole (Benevia) |
As per the Benevia label Bulb vegetables, Fruiting vegetables (all) Potatoes
|
Leaf miners (Liriomyza spp.) Including: Vegetable leaf miner (Liriomyza sativae) Pea leaf miner/Serpentine leaf miner (Liriomyza huidobrensis) American serpentine leaf miner (Liriomyza trifolii) |
All States and Territories, except VIC. |
3-Dec-20 |
31-Dec-23 |
Hort Innovation |
|
PER87563
|
Emamectin (Various 17g/L & 44g/kg products) |
BRASSICA VEGETABLES (including broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower) |
LEAFMINERS (Liriomyza species) Including Vegetable Leafminer (Liriomyza sativae) Suppression Only |
All States & Territories, except VIC |
6-Jun-19 |
30-Jun-24 |
Hort Innovation |
|
PER87878 Version 2
|
Spinetoram (Success Neo & Delegate only)
|
Snow Peas Sugar Snap Peas Green beans |
Liriomyza Leafminers (Liriomyza spp.) |
All States and Territories except Vic |
11-Feb-20 |
28-Feb-23 |
Hort Innovation |
|
PER91155 |
Spinetoram (Success Neo) |
Brassica vegetables; including Broccoli Brussels sprouts Cabbage Cauliflower Brassica leafy vegetables Cucurbits; including Cucumber, Melon, Squash, Zucchini, Culinary Herbs Fruiting vegetables; including Eggplant, Okra, Peppers (Capsicums & Chillies) Sweet corn, Tomato Leafy vegetables; including Lettuce, Endive, Silverbeet, Spinach & Brassica leafy vegetables Root and tuber vegetables; including Beetroot, Carrot, Celeriac, Galangal, Parsnip Potato, Radish (incl. Daikon), Sweet potato, Swede, Turnip Stalk & Stem vegetables; including Celery Rhubarb |
Leaf miners (Liriomyza spp.) Including: Vegetable leaf miner (Liriomyza sativae) Pea leaf miner/Serpentine leaf miner (Liriomyza huidobrensis) American serpentine leaf miner (Liriomyza trifolii) |
All States and Territories except Vic |
9-Jun-21 |
30-Jun-24 |
Hort Innovation |
|
PER88640
|
Spirotetramat (Movento 240 SC) |
Snow Peas, Sugar Snap Peas, Lettuce (Head lettuce and Leafy lettuce), Parsley, Eggplant, Capsicums, Chilies, Tomatoes (Field and protected cropping systems) Green Beans, Celery, Rhubarb (Field cropping systems)
|
Liriomyza leafminers (Liriomyza spp.) (including Vegetable leafminers, Pea leafminer and American serpentine leafminer) Suppression only |
All States and Territories except Vic |
18-May-20 |
31-May-23 |
Hort Innovation |
|
PER90928
|
Spinosad (Entrust Organic Insecticide) |
Cucurbits including cucumber, melon, squash, zucchini Culinary Herbs Fruiting vegetables Leafy vegetables including, Lettuce, Endive, Silverbeet, Spinach & Brassica leafy vegetables Legume vegetables (succulent seeds and immature pods only); including bean pea snow pea & sugar snap pea Root and tuber vegetables; including Beetroot, Carrot, Celeriac, Galangal Parsnip, Potato Radish (incl. Daikon) Sweet potato, Swede, Turnip Stalk & Stem vegetables; including Celery Rhubarb ORNAMENTALS - Nursery (Non-Bearing) |
Leafminers (Liriomyza spp.) Including: Vegetable leaf miner (Liriomyza sativae) Pea leaf miner/Serpentine leaf miner (Liriomyza huidobrensis) American serpentine leaf miner (Liriomyza trifolii) |
All States and Territories except Vic |
23-Apr-21 |
30-Apr-24 |
Hort Innovation |
|
PER90927 |
Cyantraniliprole (Benevia Insecticide) |
Celery |
Leafminers (Liriomyza spp.) Including: Vegetable leaf miner (Liriomyza sativae) Pea leaf miner/Serpentine leaf miner (Liriomyza huidobrensis) American serpentine leaf miner (Liriomyza trifolii) |
All States and Territories except Vic |
5-May-21 |
31-Dec-23 |
Hort Innovation |
|
PER91161 |
Chlorantraniliprole + Thiamethoxam (Durivo Insecticide) |
Brassica leafy vegetables Including: Chinese broccoli, Chinese cabbage, Garden cress, Kale and Rocket Leafy vegetables Including: Lettuce, Endive, Silverbeet, Spinach, Chard |
Leaf miners (Liriomyza spp.) Including: Vegetable leaf miner (Liriomyza sativae) Pea leaf miner/Serpentine leaf miner (Liriomyza huidobrensis) American serpentine leaf miner (Liriomyza trifolii) |
All States and Territories except Vic |
9-Jun-21 |
30-Jun-24 |
Hort Innovation |
All efforts have been made to provide the most current, complete and accurate information on these permits, however you should always confirm all details on the APVMA website at https://portal.apvma.gov.au/permits. Details of the conditions of use associated with these permits can also be found on the APVMA site.
You can also access the Non-Performance Reporting Form for Horticultural Pesticides here. This form should be completed when an adverse experience occurs as a result of using a permit. A 'non-performance' is an unintended or unexpected effect on plants, plant products, animals, human beings or the environment, including injury, sensitivity reactions or lack of efficacy associated with the use of an agricultural chemical product(s) when used according to label (or permit) directions.
Users are advised that while the pesticide can be applied legally under the APVMA minor use permit, there can be a significant delay until the MRL gazetted by the APVMA is adopted in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. Until this occurs the MRL may not be recognised and a zero tolerance may be imposed for residues of the pesticide resulting from its use according to the APVMA permit.
Please be aware that in the absence of an MRL in the Food Standards Code, the use of the pesticide according to the permit may result in the suspension of the produce in the marketplace. Please check the FSANZ website or the Australian Government ComLaw website (https://www.legislation.gov.au/Series/F2015L00468) to confirm if there are MRL established by the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.