Leafminer Control

The term "leafminer" is used to refer to the larvae of Lepidoptera that develops and feeds inside the leaves of plants. Growers usually observe uneven lines appearing on leaves, sometimes with frass evident inside the discolored lines. However, pay special attention to which plants are being attacked as it might be helpful in identifying the pest. The pattern created by the feeding tunnel can be indicative of the individual pest infecting your plants. 

Leafminers prefer to consume plant parts with lower quantities of cellulose and tannins in their tissues. The majority of the time, leafminer damage is just superficial, leaving the plants unaffected otherwise healthy. However, if damage is left uncontrolled, it can produce excessive leaf drop and other symptoms, which might have more detrimental impacts on the plants. Therefore, after leafminer damage has been discovered, it is crucial that you continuously monitor.

What works best for Leafminers?...

Early season monitoring of leafminer numbers enables any necessary early season intervention. Blue Sticky Traps draw in adults and capture them before they can deposit eggs that will hatch and harm the surrounding vegetation. Think preventative!

Diglyphus isaea is a beneficial parasitic wasp attacks leafminer larvae, killing them before they can reproduce. Best results are achieved when releases of D. isaea are made early in the season.

The Triple Blend Mix Nematodes will help target the larvae and the eggs that are on the soil.