Which pest is known to affect tomatoes through mining?

The correct answer is Liriomyza sativae, which is commonly known as the vegetable leaf miner. This pest affects tomatoes by creating mines in the leaves. As the larvae feed within the leaf tissue, they create visible tunnels or "mines" that disrupt photosynthesis and overall plant health. These mining activities can lead to reduced growth, diminished fruit quality, and increased susceptibility to other diseases.

Fusarium oxysporum is a pathogenic fungus that causes vascular wilt diseases rather than mining damage. Hydrellia griseola is also a leaf miner but is more associated with other crops like rice than tomatoes. Rhizoctonia oryzae-sativae is another fungal pathogen known to affect various plants but does not specifically engage in leaf mining. Understanding the specific pest behaviors and their impacts on crops is crucial for effective pest management strategies in agriculture.