University of Vermont: Plugging a “Leek” in the Local Food System

2016 Co-op Patronage Seedling Grants

University of Vermont: Plugging a "Leek" in the Local Food System - Initial Grant Award: $2,777 (actual check: $3,873.97)

This UVM project works to create innovative strategies for managing the invasive leek moth. Leek month (LM) is a relatively new invasive pest currently expanding its range through Vermont. Endemic to Europe, invasive moth populations within North America can inflict significant damage to a diversity of allium crops including onions, leeks and garlic. As leaf miners, the larvae of the moth feed upon leaf tissue of allium plants. Because leek moth larvae feed internally on host plants, organic control of the pest can be problematic, as the window for application of certain measures must be timed precisely for effective control.