Trichogramma wasps are tiny parasites that attack the eggs of over 200 species of moths and caterpillars. They are extremely small - 4 or 5 will fit on the head of a pin. Trichogramma lays its eggs inside the eggs of moths preventing the moth egg from hatching into a caterpillar. This prevents the damage caused by the feeding caterpillars, and also breaks the life cycle of the pest, effectively preventing the pest from reproducing. In some species of moth up to 5 parasite eggs may be laid in each moth egg. As the parasite develops within the egg, it turns black, and after about 10 days, an adult Trichogramma emerges. Adult Trichogramma can live up to 14 days after emergence.
Some of the common pests Trichogramma combat are: Cabbageworm, Tomato Hornworm, Corn Earworm, Codling Moth, Cutworm, Armyworm, Webworm, Cabbage Looper, Corn Borer, Fruitworms, and Cane Borers.
Nature is brutal, but very effective. Trichogramma wasps are probably the most widely released beneficial insect in the southwestern United States. It is used by smart growers of fruit, vegetables and ornamentals to control caterpillar and worm pests on their crops. The real beauty of this method of pest control is that the targeted pests can not develop a resistance to trichogramma like it could when a chemical pesticide is used. Trichogramma eats the pests there's no defense against that. Chemicals are as toxic to you as they are to the pests, and often ineffective against the targeted pest due to resistance. Instead of coating the garden with toxic substances, it seems logical to this goddess to have trichogramma working round the clock. The bad guys don't stand a chance.
When releasing trichogramma into your garden, it is good to wait until the first signs of a caterpillar or worm doing their business. This will ensure that you have a food source for the wasps when they are released.
Releasing trichogramma is very simple. When you purchase the insects, they come to you as parasitized moth eggs. You just hang the little strips on a branch in the vicinity of your caterpillar problem and forget about it. Trichogramma is on the job!
The wasp larvae kill pests before they damage plants by consuming their eggs. They are shipped while still parasitized in the host egg. You receive what looks like a small piece of sandpaper that has been inoculated with approximately 5,000 eggs. Trichogramma wasps protect plants throughout the growing season. In general, regular releases of Trichogramma ensures generations of mated females ready to attack moth eggs, and improves levels of control. Releases should be started when moths are first detected. Although the Trichogramma is minute, it can seasrch for moth eggs over considerable distances. 12,000 Trichogramma will treat up to 500 sq. ft. For orchards, field crops, etc. use 40,000 - 200,000 per acre on a weekly basis for 2-6 weeks during peak seasons. Release at peak egg laying, when adult moths are seen flying. Visual inspection are necessary for maximum effectiveness. Choose the species that suits your needs. Availability year-round. |
