Use of Parasitic Wasp (Trichogramma ostriniae) for Bio-Control of European Corn Borer (Ostrinia nubilalis) in Sweet Corn

Project Overview

FNE02-407
Project Type: Farmer
Funds awarded in 2002: $2,705.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/2002
Region: Northeast
State: Pennsylvania
Project Leader:
Jame Crawford
Email

Commodities

  • Vegetables: sweet corn

Practices

  • Pest Management: biological control, field monitoring/scouting

    Proposal summary:

    European Corn Borer is a major pest of sweet corn, and organic growers have limited tools for control. The farmer will conduct controlled releases of Trichogramma ostriniae, a wasp that parasitizes the eggs of the corn borer, and he will monitor the presence of the corn borer against their presence in a control plot. The results will be made available through a fresh produce cooperative, extension, and through the Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture.

    Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or SARE.