Numerous adult flies of the allium leafminer (ALM) have been found in field chives at an organic farm in Mercer County. The chives were near a high tunnel that had plant material where the flies had overwintered as pupae. Because of being in the high tunnel the flies emerged sooner than unprotected field populations. The adults apparently have been controlled by the farmer with an application of Pyganic.
Allium leafminer has spread from Pennsylvania into New Jersey, New York, and Maryland. At present, the main area of infestation in New Jersey is in the northern counties. Only one suspected fly has been caught (Fall, 2016) in southern New Jersey in East Vineland. We have set traps at several farms, mostly in the north, which will be checked this week. The Vegetable IPM Program will continue to track the spread and population levels of ALM in New Jersey.
