There has been a suspected detection of serpentine leafminer (also known as Pea leafminer) Liriomyza huidobrensis on field grown vegetables in Western Sydney.

The seven infested properties are situated in a peri-urban area of the Sydney basin and there are seven additional suspected infested properties.

Serpentine leafminer is an exotic leafminer species that poses a significant economic threat to Australia’s horticulture and nursery production plant industries.

It has a wide host range of plant species, which includes broccoli, beet, spinach, peas, beans, potatoes and cut flowers.

The pest is wind-borne and eggs, larvae and pupae can be spread through the movement of plant material, soil, clothing and equipment.

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