Behavioural and biological management of endemic and exotic leafminers in protected cropping systems.

The project develops novel behavioural and biological management options for the control of serpentine leafminer (Liriomyza huidobrensis; Agromyzidae) in Australia and aids in the detection of exotic leafminers. The project expects to develop a range of coordinated and complementary management options to transform the way that leafminers and managed and detected including a trap that uses visual cues to attract the insect, investigating the effect of plant volatiles on the attractiveness of plants to the insect, as well as how beneficials exploit the same suite of volatiles, and developing mating disruption techniques that aim to break the reproductive cycle of the pest. The project is expected to focus on protected cropping systems and seedling nurseries, with recommendations to consider potential feasibility to other systems that host serpentine leafminer.