Biology and control of spinach and chard leafminers

Leafminers cause damage to chard and spinach crops by creating unsightly mines that reduce crop quality and value. A much worse scenario occurs when the leaf or stem mines go unnoticed and the larvae are able to feed for two weeks. Larvae develop into 6 mm long white maggots whose presence in speciality salad crops is unacceptable.

Read this factsheet, for details on:

• The identity of the pest and its biology
• The damage it causes
• Management strategies

This information was last updated in 2012