When released into fields of sweet corn, the tiny wasp Trichogramma ostriniae is very effective at suppressing infestations of the European corn borer a serious pest of the crop. A single inoculative release made early in the season is generally all that is needed to reduce damage by 50% or more. This often results in a reduction in the need for insecticide treatments, thus minimizing risks to health and the environment. The technique is effective in sweet corn and also peppers and potatoes. The inoculative release technique that we have developed has gained considerable interest, is cost-effective and is soon to be marketed by a New York biological control company.

The European corn borer is a major pest of sweet corn, peppers and other crops in New York. The current strategy used to control this pest is generally with multiple applications of insecticide and this is expensive and poses environmental and health risks. To address these risks we have developed a biological control technique that poses few, if any, health and environmental risks. Farmers are interested in this biological control tactic because they are seeking less expensive and less environmentally risky ways to manage pests.

We have optimized a tactic for release of Trichogramma ostriniae, a tiny wasp that attacks the egg stage of the European corn borer. Releases are relative inexpensive and typically reduce damage by 50%. The technique has been demonstrated on many farms in New York and several other states. We continue to conduct demonstrations to promote this new pest management option. The wasp also looks promising in peppers and potatoes. Thus its potential extends over thousands of acres of cropland in New York and other states.

Because this is a new pest management tactic, the adoption rate among sweet corn growers is still low. Growers who do not have spray equipment or use organic production methods however are more likely to be interested and use this biological control tool. Growers using the wasp have seen a significant reduction in damage and for those marketing direct, the improved quality has impressed customers.

• USDA, CSREES, Northeast Regional Integrated Pest Management Grants Program
• USDA, CSREES, Pest Management Alternative Program
• New York State Integrated Pest Management Program

• Abby Seaman (NYS IPM)
• Tom Kuhar (Virginia Tech)
• Ruth Hazzard (University of Massachusetts)
• Shelby Fleischer (Penn State)