Our solution
Nature’s effective solution
The ichneumon wasp Trichogramma brassicae is a natural and efficient enemy of the European corn borer . As a so-called egg parasitoid, it lays its eggs directly into the eggs of the European corn borer. The emerging ichneumon wasp develops inside the host egg and kills the European corn borer larvae before it hatches. A new ichneumon wasp now hatches instead of the European corn borer.
The use of Trichogramma is recommended from a corn borer infestation of 20-30%. Timely application will parasitise a very high proportion of the corn borer eggs and effectively contain the infestation. The aim of using TRICHOSAFE® is to reduce the corn borer infestation to below the economic damage threshold. All other beneficial insects, such as lacewing and ladybird larvae, are protected in the process. Efficient, gentle on beneficial insects and without the risk of resistance developing.
Application and mode of action
Trichogramma are applied in several stages of development. The ichneumon wasps hatch in six hatching waves, resulting in an effective period of up to three weeks.
We offer two tried and tested product variants: Cards and balls. Both variants made of cellulose are biodegradable under field conditions. Thus, the Trichogramma is protected from egg predators and weather conditions.
Trichogramma principle of action (click on graphic to enlarge)
Hatching diagram Trichogramma (click graphic to enlarge)
TRICHOSAFE® cards
Depending on the dosage, you will receive e.g. two bundles of 25 TRICHOSAFE® cards.
If the maize plant is at such an early stage of development that it is not yet possible to attach the TRICHOSAFE® cards to the plant, we will be happy to supply you with suitable wooden sticks to which the cards can be attached.
Your advantages
The great advantage of TRICHOSAFE® balls is that they can be applied mechanically using ball throwers or drones. Manual application is also used by many users. Depending on the area of application, they are applied once, twice or in combination with TRICHOSAFE® cards. The official tests show that both packaging variants have the same efficacy.
Your advantages
TRICHOSAFE® balls: Application by drone
The drone application of Trichogramma offers a fast, precise and comprehensive method of biological pest control in maize cultivation. Using state-of-the-art drone technology, the Trichogramma balls are distributed over the maize fields in a targeted manner – even in areas that are difficult to access.
The drones automatically fly planned routes and place the balls with pinpoint accuracy to ensure even distribution. This not only saves time but also ensures optimum control of the European corn borer – efficiently and without soil compaction.
- Even distribution on the field
- Gentle on soil and crops
- Documentation of application
- Daily capacity of 80-120 ha / day / per drone
Drone application is organised by your distributor. For Germany, we’ve established a TrichoCloud. Are you a drone pilot looking for jobs? Are you a distributor looking for drone pilots? Distributors can post their jobs on TrichoCloud and drone pilots can apply for them.
TRICHOSAFE® balls: Application by ball thrower
Some distributors or contractors offer application with a ball thrower. The ball thrower is applied to high-wheel tractor sprayers. Spreading with a ball thrower is particularly suitable in areas with large surfaces.
- Weather-independent application
- Even distribution on the field
- Powerful application 200-300 ha / day
European corn borer monitoring: Determining the time of application
Why the right time is so important:
- This is the only way to parasitise as many corn borer eggs as possible
- As an egg parasite, Trichogramma cannot act against hatched larvae
- The first larvae cause the most damage, as they have the longest time to develop in the corn plants
Elements of corn borer monitoring
1. Stubble cage
- Infested stubble from the previous year are stored in a closed wire mesh cage
- Pupation and first hatching can be observed
2. Temperature sum model
- Prognostic method to predict the development cycle
- Daily average temperatures above 10°C are totalled and given as a so-called “temperature sum”
- Model works, but the actual flight varies greatly. Therefore, mainly an indication is given of when the traps need to be set up
- Setting up the traps from approx. 250°C
- Start of the flight from approx. 300°C
3. Light and pheromone traps
Light traps – for more precise data:
- Attract males and females.
- Location: Between maize field and marginal vegetation (at least 50 m from the field).
- Active from 20:00 to 24:00.
- Advantage: Indicates exactly when females are flying and ready to lay eggs.
- Disadvantage: There is also by-catch, so the live trap has to be emptied regularly.
- In most federal states, authorisation from the nature conservation authority is required.
Pheromone traps – the early warning system:
- Attract only males.
- Simple & inexpensive, but location-dependent.
- Location: Near previous year’s maize fields with neighbouring vegetation.
- Change dispenser every 2 weeks (handle with gloves).
- Disadvantage: No direct indication on egg laying.
4. Egg-laying cage
The official extension services use the oviposition cage to observe oviposition in maize. The moths are lured into the egg-laying cage, which is approx. 9-12 m² in size and consists of a fine mesh fabric, using a light trap. Here, the time of oviposition and the development of the corn borer eggs can be specifically observed.