Leek is a hardy plant that requires little maintenance. However, some diseases and pests bother the leek. The plants must be closely observed so that possible damage is noticed in good time.

Pests and diseases of leeks

Despite the best care, diseases and pests cannot always be prevented. Regular checking of the leaves and stalks of the leek after sowing is therefore the best way to prevent the infestation from spreading further. The most important leek diseases and pests are:

  • leek rust
  • Wrong mildew
  • yellow stripe virus
  • Leek Moth and Leek Leafminer
  • thrips

leek rust

Leek rust is the most common disease of leeks. It can be recognized by the bright orange rusty pustules that appear on the leaves. When leek rust occurs, all that remains is to dispose of all affected plants.

Wrong mildew

A whitish coating on the upper side of the leaves and brown undersides of the leaves are signs of downy mildew. It occurs mainly in very humid weather. Cut off all affected parts of the plant and treat the remaining leek plants with horsetail manure.

yellow stripe virus

Yellow streaks on leek leaves are caused by the yellow streak virus. If the virus has appeared, the plant must be disposed of. For prevention, choose resistant varieties to plant leeks.

Leek Moth and Leek Leafminer

If veins and black spots appear in the leeks, leek moths and leek leafminers were at work. The pests lay their eggs in the leek. After hatching, the larvae eat through the stalks and reduce the leek harvest. Stretch a close-meshed net over the bed as soon as the first leek plants have sprouted. This prevents the pests from laying eggs.

thrips

White-grey speckled spots on the leek indicate thrips. These pests are very small and usually only recognized when the plant can no longer be saved. As soon as the spots are visible, you can try rinsing the plant with lukewarm water. Most of the time, however, any help comes too late.

tips and tricks

Leek plants affected by diseases and pests should never be disposed of in the compost. Otherwise the pathogens will spread further. Throw the sticks in the garbage can or burn them.

Category:

Vegetable garden