(Lyriomyza spp)
Credits:Biovision-Infonet
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.
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.