Implementing Trichogramma pretiosum, a parasitic wasp, in maize silage to control caterpillar pests, enhancing crop yield and quality through natural biological control. Quick reference guide from Notman Pasture Seeds for our Australian maize growers.
Target Pests
Heliothis Helicoverpa
Loopers Chrysodeixis spp.
Cabbage moth (diamondback moth) Plutella xylostell
Description
Trichogramma are minute wasps, less than 0.5 mm long. When the wasp eggs hatch, the larvae devour the developing caterpillar inside the moth egg. A female wasp can parasitise over fifty moth eggs during her lifespan of up to 2 weeks. Trichogramma are supplied as parasitized moth eggs.
Identifying Heliothis
Heliothis eggs are small, approx 1 mm in size, and creamy white. Typically found on the upper surfaces of young leaves. Get in touch with us for inspection.
Source: https://doi.org/10.1079/cabicompendium.26776s.
Timing
Typically December & early January – 2 releases 7 days apart
Release Trichogramma as soon as moth activity and egg-laying are detected. To establish a continuous Trichogramma population in the field, it is necessary to make two releases between 5-7 days apart. The wasps only live for that period in the field and it takes approximately nine days for any attacked eggs to produce a wasp. Thus seven days after the original release, all the original wasps will have died. A second release will ensure that there are still adults present while the first generation completes its development.
Application
Minimum 50,000 to 200,000 wasps per hectare.
Starting on the prevailing wind side, drop one capsule every 100m (approx 130 steps)
Each capsule should be dropped into the whorle of the plant
Chemical Withhold
Make sure there are no harmful chemical residues like Chlorpyrifos, Alpha Cypermethrin in the crop before releasing Trichogramma.
Optional Lures
OPTIONAL: Pheromone lures attract male moths by mimicking the scent of the female. Check traps weekly, and apply capsules as soon as egg-laying is detected
Storage
Capsules can be stored at 8 to 10°C for up to three days, depending on previous storage and how close they are to emergence.
Packaging
One Australian company has capsules are organized into sheets, with each sheet containing 60 capsules, and each capsule holding 1,000 parasitized eggs.
Source: Trichogramma kaykai. Duotone Wageningen, The Netherlands.
More information
Get in touch with our agronomy team on (03) 5659 2314
Disclaimer
This technical guide has been provided in good faith as a resource to assist farmers in their decision-making regarding Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in corn. While the information contained herein is designed to support effective pest management practices, it is important to note that we make no representations, warranties, or endorsements on behalf of any the company or their products and services.
The outcomes of implementing IPM strategies involving beneficial insects and mites can vary widely due to factors such as pest identification accuracy, plant species, pest density, release quantities, environmental conditions, and prior pesticide usage. We cannot guarantee specific results and encourage farmers to use this guide in conjunction with their own expertise and professional advice.
We also recognize that every farming situation is unique and encourage users to share feedback to support the continued improvement of pest management practices. However, we bear no responsibility for any decisions or outcomes arising from the use of this information.
