|
 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. |
