Using mock surveillance to quantify pest detectability prior to establishment of exotic leafminers

Abstract

Quantifying detectability of exotic pests in local contexts is crucial for designing efficient and regionally relevant surveillance guidelines. Ironically, for areas most in need of preparedness advice, the study of detectability is hampered by the pest's absence. Here, we present a mock surveillance method whereby pest symptoms are simulated on plants, and the detection probability of visual inspection by practitioners is measured across a range of high priority regions at risk of incursions. Detectability of simulated leaf mining damage was found to be no different to real damage in surveillance trials conducted on the vegetable leafminer, Liriomyza sativae, a recently established pest in ..