First report of groundnut leafminer, Aproaerema modicella (Deventer) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) on groundnut, soybean and lucerne in South Africa

Abstract

The groundnut leafminer, Aproaerema modicella is an important pest of groundnut and soybean in South and South-East Asia. It has also been reported from Uganda, Malawi and Mozambique. During 2000, it was first noticed on groundnut in South Africa. Since then it has spread over the entire groundnut production area of the Free State, Northern Cape, North West and Mpumalanga provinces. Reduction in yield was observed under conditions of severe infestations. During 2001 A. modicella was also observed on soybean in Mpumalanga and lucerne in the Northern Cape province, respectively.