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Effective Control of Tortricid Moths

TrichoMax, registered for use on False Codling Moth in Citrus Orchards, is a biological control product containing Trichogrammatoidea cryptophlebiae, a highly effective egg parasitoid of tortricid moths. These tiny, beneficial wasps help reduce moth populations in orchards by parasitising their eggs before larvae can emerge and cause damage.

As part of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programme, TrichoMax offers growers a sustainable, environmentally responsible solution for suppressing pest infestations. Its use reduces reliance on synthetic chemicals, helping growers minimise crop loss, optimise production, and improve profitability.

Target: False Codling Moth Eggs
Registered Crop: Citrus

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Benefits

Insecticide Resistance Management (IRM)

TrichoMax poses no risk of resistance development and can be effectively used in areas where resistance to conventional control measures is expected or has already been confirmed.

MRL Management

With no chemical residues, TrichoMax has no withholding period and can be applied safely up to harvest.

Environmentally Friendly

Trichogramma are naturally occurring beneficial insects that pose no harm to the environment or non-target species.

IPM Friendly

TrichoMax is compatible with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programmes, as it does not negatively affect other beneficial organisms such as parasitic or predatory insects and mites, including ladybirds, lacewings, and predatory mites.

How does it work?

  1. Adult Trichogramma wasps emerge from parasitised or sterile FCM eggs and begin seeking out new tortricid moth eggs within the orchard.
  2. Each wasp lays its eggs inside a host egg.
  3. Trichogramma larvae feed internally on the egg contents.
  4. As development progresses, parasitised eggs darken, turning black once the Trichogramma reaches the pupal stage.
  5. Finally, an adult wasp emerges, ready to continue the parasitism cycle.

Efficacy & Trial Data:

TrichoMax increased the parasitism incidence of targeted moth species by 34-56% relative to natural parasitism levels. This led to an overall parasitism rate of

80-100%

when applied at a minimum rate of 25,000 wasps/ha once every 4 weeks for 4-6 months.

These results demonstrate that TrichoMax is a highly effective egg parasitoid of tortricid moths. It is therefore recommended as part of an area-wide integrated pest management strategy, to be used in conjunction with other control measures for effective suppression of moth populations in orchards.

Trial results demonstrate that TrichoMax is a highly effective egg parasitoid of tortricid moths. TrichoMax is recommended as part of an area-wide integrated pest management strategy, to be used in conjunction with other control measures for effective suppression of moth populations in orchards.