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Leek Moth and onions/chives #877322

Asked July 15, 2024, 2:15 PM EDT

I have 50 storage onions and 50 red wing onions that have leek moth infestation. in checking chives grown in barrels I see that they are also infected. The onions could be harvested now. When I do that should I remove all greens before drying the onions to avoid the pests growing in the stored onions. should I discard the chive plants at the end of the season and plant new chives in a pot. I grow in raised beds and rotate crops every year. Does this mean that I should not grow onions next year. Thanks

Chittenden County Vermont

Expert Response

Hi Kate,

Thank you for reaching out to the UVM Extension Master Gardener helpline.

You can find some great information on managing for leek moths here: 

- https://www.uvm.edu/extension/leek-moth-control

- https://www.uvm.edu/sites/default/files/Extension-Community-Horticulture/2022_Leek_Moth_Fact_Sheet.pdf

You'll want to carefully consider preparation for curing the onions to avoid further damage. As you mention, you can "top" the onions, or remove as much foliage as possible on site before bringing them into to cure to minimize risk of transporting larvae into the storage area. Remove this and any other debris (as well as remaining chives) from the site to minimize adult overwintering.

Rotating out to non-allium crops for a time can be an effective cultural control as well. If you want to try planting alliums in a different bed, you might try using row cover next year, which can be quite effective in preventing female moths from laying eggs on the plants.

I hope this helps, and all the best with your garden!

Best,

Chase Novello, UVM Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Replied July 17, 2024, 9:41 PM EDT

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