Trichogramma spp., a genus within the family Trichogrammatidae, includes about 200 described species worldwide, with approximately 30 natives to North America. Despite being smaller than a pinhead (1 mm), their ecological role is massive. "An adult Trichogramma female will locate a pest egg, inject her own egg inside, and let her larva consume the host from within," explains Dr. Joharchi. "By the time the host egg would have hatched into a destructive moth, a new Trichogramma wasp emerges instead, ready to repeat the cycle."
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Precision targeting of economic pests
Trichogramma wasps primarily parasitize the eggs of moths (Lepidoptera), which include notorious agricultural pests such as the cabbage looper, codling moth, diamondback moth, and cabbage white butterfly. "They've been used successfully since the 1970s in both agronomic and fruit crops. They also attack the eggs of some beetles and flies. This makes them invaluable in integrated pest management programs."
Anatis Bioprotection recommends three key species for use in North America: Trichogramma brassicae, T. ostriniae, and T. minutum. "Each species has its preferred host and crop environment. Choosing the right one is key to success," says Dr. Joharchi. Additionally, Anatis offers a three-species mix, which is effective for controlling a wide range of pests.
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Fast lifecycle, fast results
One of the Trichogramma wasp's biggest strengths is its rapid lifecycle. "From egg to adult, they can develop in as little as 7 to 14 days, depending on temperature," says Dr. Joharchi. "This means they can outpace the reproduction rate of many pest species, quickly tipping the scales in the grower's favor."
A single female can lay up to 300 eggs in her lifetime, providing a biological cascade that can overwhelm pest populations. "Because they are arrhenotokous, unfertilized eggs become males and fertilized ones become females. Females even prefer younger host eggs, which often results in more female offspring—meaning more parasitoids for the next generation," he explains.
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Guided by chemistry
What makes Trichogramma even more impressive is their ability to locate host eggs using kairomones—chemical cues released by their targets. "These chemical signals guide the wasps to suitable host eggs, and they assess the quality based on shape, size, color, and even surface texture. This is sophisticated behavior from such tiny organisms."
Field application
To harness the power of Trichogramma, Anatis Bioprotection recommends starting releases at the very first sign of moth activity. "We typically advise introducing 20–25 Trichogramma per square meter, or one card containing 2,000 individuals per 100 square meters," Dr. Joharchi notes. "Even distribution is key, and releases should be repeated weekly for at least four weeks or until pest suppression is achieved.
"We're moving from a chemical-based approach to one that works with nature, not against it," he says.
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