South Australia’s vegetable industry is taking a proactive approach against a potential threat to its valuable trade with Western Australia. AUSVEG SA, in partnership with the AUSVEG Farm Biosecurity project, is spearheading an industry-led surveillance plan to demonstrate area freedom from the serpentine leafminer (SLM), Liriomyza huidobrensis.

The tiny pest poses a significant risk to crops, and this initiative is vital to ensure continued market access to Western Australia under WA condition 98.

Figure 2. Yellow sticky trap deployed in-field of leafy vegetables as a part of the industry-led surveillance program. Image courtesy AUSVEG SA.

What is serpentine leafminer?

The SLM is a small leaf-mining fly whose larvae burrow into leaves, creating distinctive serpentine tunnels (Figure 1). These tunnels disrupt the plant’s ability to photosynthesise, impacting growth and yield. Early detection is crucial to prevent the pest from establishing and spreading, causing significant damage to a wide range of vegetable crops.

Industry-led surveillance: a collaborative approach

Recognising the importance of protecting South Australia’s vegetable industry, AUSVEG SA has developed a comprehensive surveillance plan. This plan involves a two-pronged approach:

• Yellow sticky traps: AUSVEG SA is deploying yellow sticky traps on participating properties (Figure 2). These traps capture the adult SLM, allowing for early detection of the pest. Collected traps are sent to South Australia’s Research and Development Institute (SARDI) for diagnostics and results reporting.
• Visual surveillance: growers and agronomists play a key role in the plan, conducting regular visual inspections of their crops. This involves looking for the characteristic leaf mines created by the SLM larvae.

Empowering growers through workshops

To support the visual surveillance component, AUSVEG SA delivered workshops in collaboration with AUSVEG Biosecurity Coordinator Shakira Johnson. These workshops aimed to:

• Educate: provide detailed information about the SLM surveillance plan, its importance, and the biology of the pest.
• Train: equip growers and advisers with the knowledge and skills to effectively conduct visual monitoring, identify SLM damage, and collect samples if necessary.
• Collaborate: facilitate discussions on current crop monitoring practices and data collection, fostering a unified approach to surveillance.
• Standardise: establish a consistent process for collecting and reporting visual observations data, ensuring accuracy and efficiency

Safeguarding our future

This industry-led initiative demonstrates the commitment of South Australian growers to protect their livelihoods and maintain access to crucial markets. By working together, AUSVEG SA, AUSVEG Biosecurity, PIRSA and growers are creating a robust defence against the SLM, safeguarding the future of the state’s vegetable industry.

Get involved

Growers and industry stakeholders are encouraged to actively participate in the SLM surveillance plan and attend the workshops. For more information, contact Peta Coughlin at AUSVEG SA or Shakira Johnson at AUSVEG.

The AUSVEG Farm Biosecurity Project is funded by Plant Health Australia using the Plant Health Levy.