Leaf Miner

Liriomyza brassicae

image of Leaf Miner Damage image of Leaf Miner Damage
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Symptoms:
Leaf miner larvae tunnel through the lamina of the tomato leaf eating the chlorophyll-rich mesophyll cells as they go. This leaves an irregular track of dead tissue that eventually causes the leaf to stop functioning. High levels of damage on vegetable crops cause stunted growth and reduced yield. High populations of adult flies can injure leaves by producing egg-laying and feeding scars called "stipples."

Control:
Consult the Vegetable IPM Web Site for recommended controls of this pest. Adult leaf miner flies are attracted to yellow cards coated with a sticky layer (yellow sticky cards).

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Educational programs of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service are open to all people without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age, or national origin.

Publication Revised August 2009