Trichogramma are supplied as parasitised moth eggs in

capsules or as loose parasitised eggs.

Capsules come in sheets of 60 capsules which are simply broken into individual capsules.

Each capsule yields over 1,000 wasps and is about 30 mm x 30 mm and 3 mm thick.

The wasps emerge via tiny escape holes about 4 to 5 days after despatch from the insectary.

The capsules are made of cardboard and usually fall from the trees after a month or so and will degrade in time in the weather.

Place capsules evenly through the crop when moths are laying eggs.

Use the crops history or pheromone traps to determine the best time for release.

In tree and vine crops staple the capsules through the corner onto a leaf or branch.

Trichogramma are best used in conjunction with other compatible and complimentary control measures e.g. Biological insecticides (B.t.), pheromone mating disruption, selective chemical insecticides and other biocontrol agents - for instance, lacewings, local parasitoids and predatory beetles and bugs.

Loose parasitised eggs applied in liquid
Trichogramma can supplied as loose parasitied pupae (right) and can be applied in water with a special thickener added. The mixture can then be dosed onto foliage. A dosing device that is soft on the eggs is necessary.

This method of application is fast and is suited to larger area but needs to be better timed than the capsules for best results.

Mechanical devices are available for dosing Trichogramma over larger areas. These simply mechanise the pump action mentioned above and have larger supply tanks:

Unit pictured has a 30 litre tank and 12v DC motor driven pump. Suitable for mounting onto a four wheeler or tractor. Trichogramma can be distributeds at the same time as applying "soft" products like Dipel® and Mimic®.