Parasitoid wasps of genus Trichogramma (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) includes several species that are frequently used as biological control agents worldwide. Trichogramma spp. are egg parasitoids which lay their eggs inside the eggs of insect pests. Host of this parasitoid are the eggs of Sugarcane borers, Cut worms (Agrotis spp.), Cotton bollworms and Maize stem borer(Chilo pertellus).

1. PRESENTATION
ON
MULTIPLICATION OF BIOAGENT
TRICHOGRAMMA
SubmittedBy:-
Hemlata
M.Sc. Previous Year
Deptt.of Entomology

2. TRICHOGRAMMA
 Parasitoid wasps of genus Trichogramma
(Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae)
includes several species that are
frequently used as biological control
agents worldwide.
 Trichogramma spp. are egg parasitoids
which lay their eggs inside the eggs of
insect pests.
 Host of this parasitoid are the eggs of
Sugarcane borers, Cut worms (Agrotis
spp.), Cotton bollworms and Maize stem
borer(Chilo pertellus).

3. Rearing Of Trichogramma spp.
Several steps used for rearing :
1. Collection of Trichogramma from field as founder
population, propagation and conservation
2. Selection of host eggs and their storage
3. Exposure of Trichogramma to host eggs on large quantity
4. Mass production for Augmentation releases

4. Steps in Rice moth production:
1. Sorghum/pearl millet/maize grain, free
from insecticides, are coarsely milled and
broken into 4-5 pieces in a milling
machine.
2. The broken grains are heat sterilized at
100 C for 1 hour to eliminate the residual
population of stored product insect.
3. 2 kg of broken grain are then transferred
to plastic Corcyra cages along with 5gm
yeast(regulate larval growth).
4. After mixing the ingredients, Corcyra eggs
are sprinkled on top of the mixture.

5. Rearing of Trichogramma
1.In the plastic boxes population of female
Corcyra moths become high, egg cards
are places in rearing boxes.
2. The cards of 15 X 7.5 cm size are used.
3.Name of the laboratory, releasing
instructions, date of preparation of
card and expected date of parasitoid
emergence are printed on the backside
of the cards.
4. Dilute Acacia gum is used for pasting
the eggs.
5. Females lay eggs on these cards
6.These cards are then transfer to the
Trichogramma chambers,where mated
females of Trichogramma are present.

6.  STERILIZATION OF HOST EGGS BY THE USE OF
ULTRA VIOLET STERILIZER.

7. Rearing
1. The egg pasted on the cards are sterilized
by exposing the cards under 30 Watt UV
tube at a distance of 35 cm from
the source for 10 minutes.
2. The eggs on cards are exposed to adult
Trichogramma for
24 hours at 28+20C in transparent plastic
container.
3. Parasitized eggs start turning black on the
3rd day after
parasitization.
4. Life cycle of Trichogramma is completed
in 7-8 days.
5. The eggs when turned black can be stored
in the refrigerator or can be transported
for field releases.
6. The emergence of adults generally takes
places after 3-6
days after blacking of the eggs

8. Precautions For Releasing Trichogramma
1.Emergence date should be specified on the
cards to guide the user.
2. The cards should be stapled on the inner
side of the leaves to avoid direct sunlight.
3. The cards should be stapled in morning
hours and just before emergence to avoid
predation.
4. Avoid application of insecticides in the
field where
Trichogramma are released.
5. If need arises uses selective/safer
insecticides.
6. Ensure that insecticides are used 15 days
after or before Trichogramma release.

9. STORAGE
 Parasitized egg cards showing blackening of eggs can be
stored in a refrigerator at 12-15 C for 10-15 days
 UV sterilized Corcyra eggs can be stored in the lower
chamber of the refrigerator up to 5 days can be used for
parasitization.
 The best stage for storage is pupal stage.
 During the storage the quality of emerging adults is
affected.
 Prolonged storage beyond 15 day would impair emergence
as well as longevity and fecundity of the resulting progeny

10. Reference :
 Prasad T. V. (2013) Hand Book of
Entomology. Kalayani publication New
Delhi.
 http://agritech.tnau.ac.in

11. THANK YOU