Allium Leafminer Spring Flight Has Begun
Ethan Grundberg, Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
On Friday, April 27th, Teresa Rusinek confirmed the first signs of adult allium leafminer (ALM) activity on garlic in Ulster County. We anticipate adults will continue to mate and lay eggs on allium crops through the month of May. As the larvae feed on tissue inside of the leaf, they can cause considerable damage to crops like scallions and chives that are marketed with green tops. The physical damage caused by adult oviposition and larval feeding also opens wounds in the leaf tissue that can serve as entry points for other pathogens that cause botrytis leaf blight and soft rot.
We are conducting insecticide efficacy trials this year in conjunction with Cornell entomologist Dr. Brian Nault to better understand which active ingredients are most effective at reducing damage from ALM and also how many applications are necessary for acceptable ALM control. There are a number of insecticides labeled for leafminer control on bulb vegetables: the insect growth regulator cyromazine (Trigard), spinosyns (Radiant, Entrust (OMRI)), and several pyrethroids (Mustang Maxx, Warrior). Note that abamectin products (Agri-Mek), neonicotinoids (Assail, Admire Pro), and cyantraniliprole formulations (Exirel) are labeled ONLY for Liriomyza leafminers and/or thrips, but may be effective at managing ALM. Since allium species have a waxy leaf cuticle, it is highly recommended that insecticides be mixed with a compatible penetrating adjuvant (LI 700, M-Pede (OMRI), etc.) As always, follow the labeled directions for use for any pesticide.
This article is from the May 3, 2018 edition of ENYCHP Vegetable News. To read the full newsletter,CLICK HERE.
Apples
Apricots
Asparagus
Beets
Blueberries
Broccoli
Brussels Sprouts
Cabbage
Carrots
Cauliflower
Cherries
Cucumbers
Dry Beans
Eggplant
Ethnic Vegetables
Garlic
Grapes
Horseradish
Kohlrabi
Leeks
Lettuce / Leafy Greens
Melons
Nectarines
Onions
Parsnips
Peaches
Pears
Peas
Peppers
Plums
Potatoes
Pumpkins / Gourds
Radishes
Raspberries / Blackberries
Rhubarb
Rutabaga
Snap Beans
Squash - Summer
Squash- Winter
Strawberries
Sweet Corn
Sweet Potatoes
Tomatoes
Turnips
Upcoming Events
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
Pesticide Applicator Certification Exam Prep Course
January 13 - January 14, 2026
Join ENYCHP specialists for an in-depth review of topics covered on the NYS DEC pesticide applicator certification exam. This two-day virtual course includes explanation of key concepts on the core exam, test-taking tips for the core and category exam, practice questions, and Q&A with instructors. Course materials, including program recordings, practice exams, and DEC materials will be available to registrants after the program. This training is geared toward certification categories 1A (agricultural plant), 21 (field and forage), 22 (fruit), and 23 (vegetable).