Trichogramma spp. - an egg parasite

Biological control of sugarcane early shoot borer with the use of Trichogramma chilonis, an egg parasite

About Trichogramma chilonis, An egg parasite

Trichogramma chilonis Ishii (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) destroys the eggs of over 200 species of lepidopterous pests..

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Laboratory multiplication of Trichogramma chilonis

VSI has developed mass multiplication technology of Trichogramma chilonis on host eggs of Corcyra cephalonica Staint (Lepidoptera: Galleridae)..

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Release method in the field

Staple the pieces of Tricho cards at lower side of sugarcane leaves. Tricho card of 18 X 9 cm contains approximately 18000- 20000 parasitised eggs. About 0.3 to 0.5 million parasitised eggs (15 to 25 Trich-cards) are required to be released in one hectare sugarcane area in suitable installments..

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Precautions to be taken during field release

Release the parasites preferably at evening or morning hours. Avoid insecticide spraying, dusting etc. before and after release..

How pest is killed?

The tiny adult of parasite search the host (pest) eggs in the field and parasitize them by laying their eggs within the eggs of the pest. The parasitoid larvae feed on the embryonic contents of the pest eggs and complete the development inside the host eggs. The parasitised eggs turn black in 3 to 4 days and parasite adults emerge in 7 to 8 days..
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Advantages of Trichogramma parasite:
1) Efficient host searching ability of adults.
2) Kill the pest in egg stage before it could cause damage.
3) Ability to multiply themselves while destroying the pest in the field.
4) Easy to release in the field.
5) Densely grown cane can be cared.
6) Can be combined with cultural and mechanical control methods.
7) Safe for environment.
8) Reduce expenditure on insecticides, if Tricogramma is used.
9) No adverse effect on other beneficial insects.
10) Not harmful to human and pet animals