Damaged leeks - slug attack or the dreaded leek moth?

[strawberryzoe]

Hi all!

I'm looking for some advice on my leek problem! I planted out my leeks maybe 6 weeks ago and they were all doing so well until I spotted damage on the majority of them. I looks like something has eaten the central leaf/stem - is this slug damage or leek moth? The damaged leaves are a bit slimy and could be mouldy? but lower down the plants seem fine?!

I've attached a couple of photos - any advice greatly appreciated (apart from "do a better job weeding!!")

Many thanks,
Zoe

[Two_Sheds]

Almost certainly leek moth. Look inside the leaves and you'll find either a maggot or pupa

[strawberryzoe]

thanks for the reply - is there anything I can do or should I pull the affected plants?

[Two_Sheds]

Slice them off about 1cm beneath the soil: they'll regrow

Next year, cover them with fine mesh/net

[rana]

You have my sympathies. Having also lost most of my leeks to the dreaded leek moth in the past I now keep the leeks in the greenhouse until September before planting out. It means a later crop of smaller leeks but at least there is a crop.

I will also try out the mesh cover approach to see if it keeps them off.

[gillian62]

Thank you - that's what happened to mine last year, and I couldn't work out what the problem was. Must get mine covered over this year now.

[taff]

same thing happened to me last ear too, cut them down, they re-grew, they got attacked again, so I'd cover them afte you cut them as well.

[Tattie-muncher]

I wish I knew what I'd done wrong with my leeks, mine look just like spring onions

[taff]

give them time, and a feed