Gardeners Tips

Leaf miners are the larvae of moths, beetles, maggots, flies or caterpillars that have hatched between the upper and lower epidermis of a leaf. They then burrow there way out eating part of the leaf and leaving a trail.

Common Types from 524 Leaf Miners

• Chrysanthemum leaf miner ‘Phytomyza chrysanthemi’ also known as the Margurite fly.
• Privet leaf miner ‘Gracilaria cuculipennella’
• Palm leaf miner ‘Homaledra sabelella’
• Other favourite indoor targets include Ficus species and African Violets.
• A few mining insects use other parts of a plant, such as the surface of a fruit.
• The horse chestnut leaf miner ‘Cameraria ohridella’

Damage and Control

• Deterioration of plants leaf by leaf results from the tunneling or mining activity.
• Some damage is linear some is serpentine.
• Blotches and circular ruptures may occur where the surface has been eaten away.
• Sprays are largely ineffective as the insect is protected under the surface of the leaf.
• Systemic insecticide is the only cure. Insecticides recommended for leaf miner control on farm crops include carbaryl, chlorfenvinphos, diazinon, dimethoate and trichlorphon.
• Infected leaves should be pruned off and destroyed.
• Farmers may reduce or prevent problems by planting trap or distraction crops near the plants to be protected

Sources Creative Commons
Top; by Martin LaBar, on Flickr’ leaf miners, insects that, generally as larvae, burrow between the upper and lower epidermis of leaves. An interesting ecological niche!’
Lower; leaf miners by tonrulkens, on Flickr

Read British Leaf Miners

A rest

Keep Plants and Pots Tidy to Prevent Disease

• Potential breeding places can be eliminated by sprucing up your plants,
• Deteriorating leaves and faded or dead blooms should be removed.
• Dead leaves and debris should be picked off the surface of the soil.
• Dust off any obstructions that can block the pores of the leaves. Some plants benefit from a damp sponge on the leaves.
• In the case of sick and infested plants disinfect/steralise saucers and containers.

Give Plants What They Need

• A rest may be all a plant needs if it been performing flowering miracles through summer
• Provide the right conditions to suit the type of plant.
• Do not over water or leave standing in water.
• Provide the right sort of soil for the plant. Special composts are now pre-formulated for Orchids, Cactus, acid lovers, Bonsai etc.
• Keep temperatures at a consistent and appropriate level.
• Give plants adequate light and avoid sun scorching

If All Else Fails

• Sick plants should be separated from healthy plants to avoid cross contamination
• Always wash your hands and tools after handling a sick plant.
• Develop a callous attitude to badly infested or diseased plants. Accept some failures and destroy them saving your time and energy for healthy specimens.