Question of the Week – Leafminers

This week, the question was: What is wrong with these muscadines?

These muscadines have been fed on by the larvae of a leafminer (a species of fly (Diptera)). Adults lay their eggs on the surface of a fruit, stem, or leaf of a plant and the larvae tunnel in the tissue of the plant forming a distinct-looking pattern where they have fed. Leafminers affect a wide range of fruits, vegetables, and native plants. Their “designs” or feeding damage can be quite beautiful and in my tenure as an extension agent, rarely, if ever, have they caused damage that warranted a treatment. Read more about leafminers here.

This week’s question is from Zack Snipes, Coastal Region Fruit and Vegetable Agent.