The effect of the number and interval between releases of Trichogramma pretiosum Riley on parasitism and on the control of Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) was studied in corn. Results indicated an increase of up to 5 times in parasitism of H. zea eggs when 3 releases of 100,000 T. pretiosum adults per ha were made. H. zea damage in corn ears in T. pretiosum release areas was reduced 26%, demonstrating the potential of this parasitoid for the control of this pest.
Trichogramma pretiosum; Helicoverpa zea; biological control; corn pests