Lookout for Leek Moth
Amy Ivy, Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
Early leek moth damage to garlic. Unfold the youngestleaves near the emerging scape to find the damage
and young caterpillars
Leek moth is a pest of all allium crops: onions, garlic, leeks, shallots and chives. It is widespread through the southern parts of Ontario and Quebec in Canada, northern NY and in recent years, most of Vermont (see map).
Leek moth overwinters as an adult and begins flying in mid-April. This year the first adults were caught in Essex on April 21, in spite of very cold weather the week prior. The adults seek out alliums on which to lay eggs; emerging garlic and onion seedlings are known to be popular sites. Overwintering onions and emerging chives could be likely hosts for these first egg laying efforts as well. Larvae should be hatching in a couple of weeks.
Be cautious when buying and selling onion transplants between growers in the infested areas. We have seen leek moth appear in new locations when infested plants were brought in from other farms. It is not known in the southern US so seedlings from there should not be a concern for leek moth but caution is advised when buying any northern grown seedlings.
Leek moth larvae can do considerable damage to garlic scapes and this is a good first place to look for them when scouting. Look inside folded leaves near the developing scapes as well. There are 2ee labels for Entrust (organic), Radiant, Lannate and Warrior II w/Zeon. Controlling this first emergence of larvae can help protect onions from the second generation of leek moth which is more difficult to control since the larvae are more protected because they feed inside the hollow onion leaves.
Damage to garlic scape as it emerges
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Upcoming Events
I thought I was covered for that! Farm Insurance Webinar Series, Jan-Feb 2026
January 13, 2026 : Session 1: Insurance and Risk Management 101
Insurance and Risk Management 101. This first webinar will cover many of the general provisions found in insurance policies and describe some of the terms to be aware of when you are considering your options. Steve Hadcock, Capital District Hort Team and Greg Murk, FarmNet.
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January 21, 2026 : 2026 Greenhouse Growers School
Voorheesville, NY
This event is in-person but the speakers in the morning session will present virtually. The cost to attend this event is $60 per person. $10 discount for members of New York State Flower Industries. A discount of 50% will be given to additional attendees from the same greenhouse/farm. Lunch is included. Pre-registration is required. Walk-ins will NOT be allowed. Please register by January 16, 2026.
2026 Cornell Winter Fruit Webinar Series
January 22, 2026 : Blueberry Pruning and Soil Health to Minimize Pests and Maximize Yield
Week 1: Blueberry Pruning and Soil Health to Minimize Pests and Maximize Yield
January 29, 2026 : Cost of Production for Fruit Crops
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February 12, 2026 : Fire Blight Management Updates
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February 19, 2026 : Pink and Petal Fall Insecticides- Can We Strike the Right Balance?
Week 4: Pink and Petal Fall Insecticides - Can We Strike the Right Balance?
March 12, 2026 : Inoculating Orchards with Mycorrhizal Fungi
Week 5: Inoculating Orchards with Mycorrhizal Fungi
March 19, 2026 : St. Peachtrick's Day - Cherry Pruning Strategies and Plum Varieties for the Northeast
Week 6: St. Peachtrick's Day - Cherry Pruning Strategies and Plum Varieties for the Northeast