When released into fields of sweet corn, the tiny wasp Trichogramma ostriniae is very effective at suppressing infestations of the European corn borer, a serious pest of the crop. A single inoculative release made early in the season is generally all that is needed to reduce damage by 50% or more, and multiple releases have proven even more effective. This often results in a reduction in the need for insecticide treatments, thus minimizing risks to health and the environment. The technique is effective in sweet corn and also peppers, potatoes, and in grapes against a different pest. The inoculative release technique that we have developed has gained considerable interest, is cost-effective and now marketed by a New York biological control company.

The European corn borer is a major pest of sweet corn, peppers and other crops in New York and across much of the US. The current strategy used to control this pest is generally with multiple applications of insecticide and this is expensive and poses environmental and health risks. To address these risks we have developed a biological control technique that poses few, if any, health and environmental risks. Farmers are interested in this biological control tactic because they are seeking more effective, more profitable, and less environmentally risky ways to manage pests.

We have optimized a tactic for release of Trichogramma ostriniae, a tiny wasp that attacks the egg stage of the European corn borer. Releases are relative inexpensive and typically reduce damage by 50%. The technique has been demonstrated on many farms in New York, several other states and Canada. We continue to conduct demonstrations to promote this new pest management option. The wasp also looks promising in peppers and potatoes. Thus its potential extends over thousands of acres of cropland in New York and other states. Recent studies focused on not only the biological impact of T. ostriniae, but the economic impacts of using the wasp alone or in combination with insecticide sprays.

Because this is a new pest management tactic, the adoption rate among sweet corn growers is still low. However interest is increasing in the Northeast, not only among fresh market growers, but among processors as well. Furthermore, based on years of promising results, a private firm has begun to rear and market the parasitoid. Growers who do not have spray equipment or use organic production methods are more likely to be interested and use this biological control tool. Growers using the wasp have seen a significant reduction in damage and for those marketing direct, the improved quality has impressed customers. Further studies establish that the wasp is effective in suppressing European corn borer levels in sweet corn and reducing the amount of ear damage as well. Economic analyses indicate that when corn borer levels are sufficiently high, the wasp is economically justifiable for farmers who elect not to spray. For those who do spray insecticides, integrating the wasp was economically justifiable and affordable beyond the current cost of the release. Demonstrating strong economic benefits is likely to persuade more growers to use this technique.