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
Ag Labor Road Show IX
December 1, 2025 : Save the Date! - Ag Labor Roadshow Webinar 1
In addition to the in-person Ag Labor Roadshow program in our region on December 9, two webinars are scheduled for December 1 and December 22. Each webinar will focus on different program content that is different from the in-person sessions. These webinars are an added benefit to program registration.
December 9, 2025 : Save the Date - Ag Labor Road Show In-Person Event (Greenwich, NY)
Greenwich, NY
The Roadshow delivers essential updates on labor law, regulations, and workforce best practices—tailored for farm owners, managers, and ag service providers. Sessions also focus on practical strategies to boost communication, strengthen retention, and build a positive workplace culture.
The in-person session for Eastern NY is December 9 - Elks Lodge, Greenwich, NY - full day in person session
Additional in-person sessions are:
December 10 - Hilton Garden Inn, Watertown, NY, December 17 - Cornell AgriTech, Geneva, NY, December 18 - Genesee Community College, Batavia, NY
December 22, 2025 : Save the Date! - Ag Labor Roadshow Webinar 2
In addition to the in-person Ag Labor Roadshow program in our region on December 9, two webinars are scheduled for December 1 and December 22. Each webinar will focus on different program content that is different from the in-person sessions. These webinars are an added benefit to program registration.
2026 Winter Cut Flower Webinar Series
January 6, 2026
The fifth annual CCE Cut Flower Webinar Series begins on January 6, 2026 and continues over 5 weeks on Tuesdays. This is a very popular series of online events you won't want to miss, with topflight speakers, a wide variety of subjects concerning growing cut flowers and plenty of interaction between speakers and attendees.
Tuesdays 1pm-3pm January 6, 2026 - February 3, 2026 (The webinar held on February 3 will run 1pm-4pm)
Cost: $60.00 for all five sessions, $20 for single sessions
Webinars will be recorded, and all the recordings will be sent to registrants for future review.
Expanding Farm Sales: Markets, Profits, and Branding Series
January 10, 2026
Looking to diversify where you sell your farm products? This four-part workshop series helps farmers explore new opportunities in direct-to-consumer, wholesale, and institutional markets. Learn how to meet buyer expectations, price for profitability, and build lasting relationships that support your business goals. Participants will strengthen marketing and communication skills, evaluate which sales channels best fit their farm, and connect with buyers, distributors, and local partners who can help expand their reach. Whether you're just starting out or ready to grow your market presence, this program will help you chart the right path for your farm's future.
Four Session Series: Saturdays from 10AM to Noon, January 10-January 31, 2026
Attend at one of three locations: Schoharie Extension Center - Cobleskill, NY; Otsego Education Center - Cooperstown, NY; Via Zoom
Pre-registration is requested! Fee: $25 Register Here
Any questions can be directed to Kelley Doolin at kmd322@cornell.edu