Trichogramma platneri is a tiny egg parasitoid wasp that provides natural, chemical-free protection against caterpillars and borers. Native to the western United States, it is especially effective in orchards, vineyards, and ornamentals, where moth larvae can cause significant crop losses. When released at the right time, this beneficial insect parasitizes moth eggs before they hatch, breaking the pest cycle and reducing the need for chemical sprays.
How It Works
Female Trichogramma platneri locate moth eggs and lay their own eggs inside. The developing larvae feed within the host egg, preventing caterpillars from emerging.
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Pest eggs darken (brown or black) as larvae pupate inside.
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Development time: ~10 days within host egg.
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Adult lifespan: 7–14 days, depending on conditions.
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Each female can parasitize up to 300 eggs.
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Eggs on cards typically hatch in 2–5 days.
Targets These Species
Controls over 200 Lepidoptera pests, including:
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Codling Moth
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Cutworm
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Armyworm
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Corn Borer
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Tomato Hornworm
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Cabbage Looper
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Leafroller
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Fruitworm
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Fall Webworm
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Oriental Fruit Moth
Note: Not recommended for beet armyworm.
Ideal Conditions
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Release timing: At first moth flight or when eggs are visible.
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Temperature: 80–90°F for best emergence.
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Sunlight: Avoid direct exposure.
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Best time to release: Early morning or evening.
Application Instructions
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Use pheromone traps or plant inspection to determine the correct release window.
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Avoid releasing too early (no eggs) or too late (caterpillars already hatched).
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Hang cards or place eggs below plant canopy, out of direct sun.
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Do not touch eggs.
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Release immediately upon receipt.
Release Rates
Where to Use
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Orchards (apples, peaches, pears, vineyards)
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Nurseries
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Greenhouses
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Grow rooms
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Hydroponic & aquaponic systems
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Container plants
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Field crops and environmental plantings
Shipping & Storage
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Shipping:
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Cards ship Mon–Thurs via free 2nd Day (overnight upgrade available).
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Bulk eggs ship Tuesdays only; order by Wednesday for following week.
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Processing time: 24–48 hours.
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Cannot ship to HI, PR, VI, GU, AS, PW.
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Storage:
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Package Contents:
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1 card = ~100,000 eggs (30 perforated tabs per card; ~3,300 eggs per tab).
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Bulk eggs shipped loose in cups without medium.
Quick Tips
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Monitor moth flights with pheromone traps.
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Hang cards in shaded canopy or on stakes.
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Weekly or bi-weekly shipments available for ongoing protection.
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Do not refrigerate or expose to sun.
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Most effective when used preventatively before infestations build.
