Acrolepiopsis assectella. [Distribution map].

A new distribution map is provided for Acrolepiopsis assectella Zeller. Lepidoptera: Plutellidae. Hosts: Allium spp. Information is given on the geographical distribution in Europe (Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Corsica, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Moldova, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Central Russia, Eastern Siberia, Far East, Northern Russia, Western Siberia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Mainland Spain, Balearic Islands, Canary Islands, Mainland Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, Channel Islands, England Wales, Ukraine), Asia (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Republic of Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia), Africa (Algeria), North America (Canada, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, USA, New York, Vermont).

Actual and potential distribution of Acrolepiopsis assectella (Lepidoptera: Acrolepiidae), an invasive alien pest of Allium spp. in Canada

Acrolepiopsis assectella (Zeller), leek moth, is a widespread and common pest of species of Allium L. (Liliaceae) in the western Palaearctic subregion. The establishment of A. assectella in eastern North America has resulted in economic losses to garlic (Allium sativum L.), leek (Allium porrum L.), and onion (Allium cepa L.) growers, especially to organic producers in eastern Ontario and southern Quebec. Acrolepiopsis assectella was first recorded in the Ottawa area in 1993. By 2010, A. assectella had expanded its range into eastern Ontario, southwestern Quebec, Prince Edward Island, and New York. A bioclimate model, using CLIMEX simulation software, was developed to produce mapped results that closely approximated known distributions for A. assectella in central Europe. This model was then validated with recorded distribution records in eastern Europe, Asia, and North America. Model output predicted that A. assectella will readily survive in southeastern Canada and the eastern United States of America. Other areas potentially suitable for A. assectella include coastal regions of the Pacific Northwest, the interior of southern British Columbia, and north-central Mexico. The continued range expansion of A. assectella into other Allium-growing areas of eastern North America appears to be inevitable. Establishment in these areas presents the risk of substantial production losses to Allium spp. producers.

Biology and development of Acrolepiopsis assectella (Lepidoptera: Acrolepiidae) in eastern Ontario

Leek moth, Acrolepiopsis assectella, recently became established in the Ottawa Valley, where it significantly damages garlic, leek, and onion (Allium L., Liliaceae) crops. At a threshold of 7 °C, populations in eastern Ontario require 444.6 day-degrees to develop from egg to adult. Pheromone-trap data identify spring, early-summer, and late-summer flight periods of overwintered 1st- and 2nd-generation adults, respectively. Depending on ambient temperatures, the life cycle takes 3–6 weeks in the field, with three generations possible. Management strategies such as application of reduced-risk foliar insecticides and use of row covers require precise timing to target appropriate life-cycle stages. Implementation windows can be determined by incorporating pheromone-trap data and ambient air temperature into a life-cycle development model. A proposed integrated pest management program will involve the use of pesticides, mechanical barriers, and classical biological control.

Comparative life tables of leek moth, Acrolepiopsis assectella (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Acrolepiidae), in its native range

Leek moth, Acrolepiopsis assectella (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Acrolepiidae), is an invasive alien species in eastern Canada, the larvae of which mine the green tissues of Allium spp. This study was designed to construct and analyse life tables for leek moth within its native range. Stage-specific mortality rates were estimated for the third leek moth generation at three sites in Switzerland from 2004 to 2006 to identify some of the principle factors that inhibit leek moth population growth in areas of low pest density. The contribution of natural enemies to leek moth mortality was measured by comparing mortality on caged and uncaged leeks. Total pre-imaginal mortality on uncaged plants was 99.6%, 99.1% and 96.4% in 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively. Variation in mortality was greater among years than among sites. Total larval mortality was greater than that in the eggs and pupae. This was due largely to the high mortality (up to 83.3%) of neonates during the brief period between egg hatch and establishment of the feeding mine. Leek moth pupal mortality was significantly greater on uncaged than on caged leeks, indicating an impact by natural enemies, and this pattern was consistent over all three years of study. In contrast, the other life stages did not show consistently higher mortality rates on uncaged plants. This observation suggests that the pupal stage may be particularly vulnerable to natural enemies and, therefore, may be the best target for classical biological control in Canada.

Acrolepiopsis assectella. [Distribution map].

A new distribution map is provided for Acrolepiopsis assectella (Zell.). Lepidoptera: Yponomeutoidea. Hosts: Allium spp. Information is given on the geographical distribution in Europe (Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Corsica, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Sardinia, Sicily, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Central Russia, Eastern Siberia, Far East, Northern Russia, Southern Russia, Western Siberia, Serbia and Montenegro, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Balearic Islands, Mainland Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, England and Wales, Ukraine), Asia (Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia), Africa (Algeria), and North America (Canada, Ontario, Quebec).