Tasmania on alert as invasive serpentine leafminer detected on farms

Tasmania is investigating its first confirmed detection of the invasive serpentine leafminer, a pest that poses a significant threat to the state's horticultural and vegetable production systems. The insect has been present in mainland Australia since at least 2020.

Biosecurity Tasmania confirmed the pest was found at a commercial grower in the state's northwest. The serpentine leafminer is known to affect more than 200 host plant species. It damages plant leaves, creating distinctive squiggly white lines as the larvae feed, which impairs the plant's ability to photosynthesize. This damage leads to reduced growth and lower crop yields.

Major crops susceptible to the pest include potatoes, beans, peas, brassicas, lettuce, celery, tomatoes, pumpkins, and other gourds, as well as some ornamental plants. Biosecurity Tasmania has implemented site-specific directions to control and minimize the spread of the pest and is conducting surveillance and tracing activities.

The agency is urging the public to assist in monitoring efforts by reporting any unusual or heavy leafminer infestations, particularly on plants not typically affected by known leafminer species in Tasmania. Accurate diagnosis often requires rearing larvae to the adult stage or molecular testing, as other leafminer species are common in the state. Reports can be made by contacting Biosecurity Tasmania.

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Leafminers, including SLM (serpentine leafminer), create tunnels in plant leaves as they feed, leaving distinctive squiggly white lines on the leaf surface.