Leafminers

by Nanette Londeree, Master Rosarian

SIGNS

Larvae dropping from foliage on silken threads
Small flies, moths or wasps near plants

SYMPTOMS

Meandering-looking trails on canes
Off-color patches, sinuous trails, or holes in leaves
Portions of a leaf or patches of foliage that turn yellow or brown and die back

CAUSE

Larvae of several families of small moths
Larvae of leaf mining flies, sawflies, and wasps

OPTIMAL CONDITIONS

Healthy thin-barked plants
Varied conditions and habitats depending on the type of insect miner

TREATMENT

Prevention:

Keep plants vigorous with proper care and irrigation

Elimination:

Elimination is not necessary
Prune out and dispose of foliage infested with larvae

GOOD GUY / BAD GUY?

This guy is just a nuisance and doesn’t usually cause significant damage

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