Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade
The Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade is working with national experts following confirmation of a leaf-mining fly in the Greater Darwin region.
The Plant Biosecurity team had increased surveillance for the plant pest after suspected samples were found in Western Australia and Queensland. This led to the detection of a single fly on traps located in the Katherine region last week.
This week, the team detected Liriomyza trifolii in the Greater Darwin region, which was confirmed through DNA testing late yesterday afternoon.
These samples have been discovered as part of increased surveillance, industry reporting, and community engagement about this biosecurity threat.
There have been multiple detections of this pest across northern Australia. Surveillance is still being conducted to determine the distribution of this pest.
Members of the public and growers are being encouraged to help the department's Plant Biosecurity team by reporting suspected leafminer flies or damage. The damage will look like silver squiggly tracks on the leaves of plants. Reports from the community will lead to increased knowledge of the distribution of the pest, while also informing management efforts.
There are many species of Liriomyza, including a native Australian species and other Australian flies which can appear to be similar in appearance. DNA testing is needed to confirm whether the type of leafminer is 1 of the 4 considered to be a plant pest.
Leaf miners are small flies whose larvae feed internally on plants. Severe infestations of American serpentine leafminer may result in premature leaf drop, poor growth, and reduced crop yields, so it is considered a National Priority Plant Pest in Australia.
