Second detection of serpentine leafminer in Tasmania

Serpentine leafminer (SLM) has been detected for the second time in Tasmania.

The pest, which is exotic to Tasmania, was first found in the state in June at a commercial grower site in the North-West.

It has now been detected at another site in the same region.

The recent detection was made during delimiting surveillance being undertaken by Biosecurity Tasmania (BT).

The organisation said it is not known how SLM entered Tasmania.

“BT is working with impacted properties to manage the detections and minimise the risk of spread of SLM from the sites. 

“BT is continuing with delimiting surveillance in the region as well as tracing activities to better understand the potential distribution of the pest.

“BT would like to thank all landholders that have engaged with us in support of these efforts.

“Surveillance activities are continuing in North West Tasmania to determine if SLM is present beyond the currently known detection sites.”

SLM has been present on mainland Australia since 2020 and is considered established in New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria.

High levels of infestations can reduce plant growth and yields.

They are known pests to more than 200 plant species, including potato, beans, peas, brassicas, lettuce, celery, tomato and cucurbits.

SLM can also affect ornamental plants such as chrysanthemums, gypsophila, ranunculus, and other nursery plants.

Numerous weed species can act as reservoir hosts, allowing populations to persist between crop cycles.