Cineraria Leafminer

19 Jan Cineraria Leafminer

Description:

This pest is more easily identified by the damage it causes than the insect itself.  The adult form of this pest is a small fly of about 2mm that lays its eggs into the underside of leaves of plants such as Cineraria, Chrysanthemums, Nasturtiums and lettuce varieties. The larvae that hatch eat inside the leaf between its upper and lower surfaces creating a silver track that wonders the leafs surface, gradually widening as the larvae grows.

Damage Caused:

Affected leaves show a silver track that wonders around the leaf, widening as the larvae inside grows in size. The leaves appear disfigured and the plant is weakened.

Control:

Affected leaves can be picked off and destroyed by hand or by collecting damaged materials and placing in a bag out in the sun to destroy the larvae inside.  Healthy plants are less susceptible to attack so keep water, light and fertiliser to a reasonable level to increase natural resistance.

Green: Botanical oils (eg. Eco-OilÒ) sprayed at regular intervals may be useful in convincing the adult flies to lay their eggs elsewhere.

NB Do not apply oil sprays in temperatures exceeding 25°C as this will likely burn foliage.

Orange: Not required for this pest

Red: Not required for this pest.