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.
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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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Coverage for the risk that your business will cause harm to someone. Are you having people on your farm or selling a food product? You might need liability insurance. Robert Hadad, Cornell Vegetable Program, Elizabeth Higgins, Eastern NY Commercial Hort Program.
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Options for health insurance, life insurance and disability insurance, and how they can help farmers and their employees. Maire Ullrich, CCE Orange County and Lucas Smith, Cornell Ag Workforce Development
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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
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February 19, 2026 : Pink and Petal Fall Insecticides- Can We Strike the Right Balance?
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How to Diversify or Scale Up with Confidence for Profitability - Inspired by Annie's Project
February 4, 2026
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Do you have an idea for a new enterprise to add value to your farm? Maybe you're considering scaling up for a potential market opportunity but just aren't sure if it's a good fit for your business. Join Cornell Cooperative Extensions of Allegany County, Broome County, Madison County, Onondaga County, Niagara County, Tioga County, the Niagara Small Business Development Center, and the Eastern NY Commercial Horticulture Team for a hybrid series on Wednesdays in February, starting on February 4th that will answer these questions and more. Annie's Project seeks to empower farm women through education, networks and resources. We welcome, and encourage, learning and sharing amongst farm women as we help you grow as decision-makers and leaders on your farm.