Trichogramma Mix- T. brassicae, T. minutum, and T. platneri

Broad-Spectrum Egg Parasitoids for Preventative Moth Control

The Trichogramma Mix (3 spp.) Card combines Trichogramma brassicae, Trichogramma minutum, and Trichogramma platneri on a single release card to provide wide environmental coverage across crops, canopy heights, and regions. This mixed-species approach increases the likelihood that at least one Trichogramma species is perfectly matched to your crop, pest pressure, and growing conditions.

Trichogramma are microscopic parasitic wasps that eliminate moth pests at the egg stage—before caterpillars can hatch and damage plants—making them one of the most effective preventative biological controls available.

Why a 3-Species Blend?

Different Trichogramma species perform best in different environments. By combining three complementary species on one card, this product provides broader and more resilient control across diverse settings:

• Trichogramma minutum – Native to eastern regions; excels in orchards, trees, grapes, ornamentals, interiorscapes, and environments with canopy heights over 5 feet

• Trichogramma brassicae – Highly effective in vegetables, gardens, orchards, and field crops

• Trichogramma platneri – Ideal for western trees, avocados, grapes, ornamentals, and apple, pear, and walnut orchards

The result is a versatile release that adapts naturally to mixed plantings, transitional seasons, and varied pest pressure.

Target Pests

Trichogramma attack the eggs of over 200 species of moths and butterflies, including many of the most destructive caterpillar pests:

• Corn earworm

• European corn borer

• Imported cabbage worm

• Diamondback moth

• Cabbage looper

• Cutworms and armyworms

• Tomato and tobacco hornworms

• Pecan nut casebearer

• Leafrollers, fruitworms, and borers

Because Trichogramma kill pests before larvae emerge, crops are protected before feeding damage occurs.

How Trichogramma Work

Adult Trichogramma are extremely small—about 1/50 of an inch long, with a wingspan near 1/50 inch—yet they are highly efficient egg hunters. Females locate freshly laid moth eggs (up to four days old) and drill through the eggshell to deposit one or more of their own eggs inside.

The Trichogramma larvae develop entirely within the host egg, consuming it from the inside. The parasitized egg turns dark brown or black, and adult wasps emerge 7–10 days later by chewing a small exit hole in the eggshell. In warm conditions, many generations can be produced rapidly, allowing populations to expand quickly and stay ahead of pest outbreaks.

Trichogramma do not feed on plants and do not harm vegetation in any way.

Identification

• Adults are pale yellow to yellow-and-black

• Bright red eyes, short antennae, compact bodies

• Often mistaken for tiny gnats

• Parasitized host eggs turn black

• Emergence holes may be visible in host eggs after adults exit

Product Format

Trichogramma Mixed Species Cards contain parasitized moth eggs attached to perforated cardboard.

• Approximately 100,000 Trichogramma per card

• Each card separates into 30 individual squares

• About 3,300+ Trichogramma per square

• Allows even distribution across crops, trees, and greenhouses

Wasps typically emerge 2–5 days after delivery, depending on temperature.

Storage & Handling

• Ideal emergence temperature: 80–90°F

• Emergence can be slowed by holding cards at cooler temperatures (not below 40°F)

• Keep cards shaded and out of direct sun

• Release promptly once adults begin emerging (often seen in the morning)

Delaying release after emergence reduces effective pest control time.

When to Release

Trichogramma should be released when moths are flying and laying eggs. This timing is critical, as Trichogramma target freshly laid eggs.

Begin releases early in the season, once crops provide some shade (for example, when tomatoes reach 12–28 inches tall). Early releases allow populations to grow geometrically every 7–10 days, giving biological control a strong advantage over pest populations.

Minor early pest presence should be tolerated to allow beneficial populations to establish and provide long-term suppression.

Suggested Release Rates

Release rates vary with crop type, pest pressure, and environment. General guidelines include:

• Corn & field crops: 1–10 cards per acre

• Avocados, trees, grapes, ornamentals, apples, pears, walnuts, pecans:
  ~1 card per acre (30 squares per acre)

• Orchards, vegetables, greenhouses, interiorscapes:
  ½–1 card per acre (30 squares per acre)

For best results, releases may be repeated weekly during active moth egg-laying periods.

Ideal Uses

• Orchards & tree crops

• Vegetables & field crops

• Greenhouses & interiorscapes

• Ornamentals & landscapes

• Mixed plantings and variable canopy heights

• Organic, regenerative, and IPM programs