Orgilus lepidus
Parasitoid of
Potato Tuber Moth larvae
Orgilus lepidusParasitoid of
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Target Pests |
Potato tuber moth - Phthorimaea operculella |
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Crops suitable |
Potatoes |
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General description |
Orgilus wasps are about 9 mm long. The wasp is a good flyer and can work through a paddock searching for PTM larvae. The female lays its egg into small PTM larvae so that a wasp develops rather that a moth. Each wasp can parasitise over 150 larvae. Its takes about 3 weeks for more wasps to emerge from parasitised larvae. Orgilus have a significant impact by reducing subsequent generations of moths within the crop. In potatoes, it is the third generation that causes problems in tubers. The first and second generations cause foliage damage only that is not of economic importance. In some growing areas, locally occuring Orgilus typically move into crops if insecticide use is minimal. They can reach useful levels in this way. Mass releases make this more reliable and will compliment this natural population. |
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How to use |
Orgilus are supplied in containers of 100 or 200 pupae. The wasps will emerge in the following few days. Open flaps on the container then place it in the field with protection from direct sun using a piece of cardboard or other means. Place on the side of the paddock from where moths are likely to migrate. |
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Release rates and prices |
Orgilus are sold in programs only. Call to discuss a suitable program. For example: In potatoes, 600 wasps per week for 6 weeks is enough to cover a paddock of 10 hectares under moderate moth pressure. Releases should start soon after the first shoots emerge from the ground. |
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Suppliers |
Not currently being mass reared in Australia - But are commonly found in crops and will reach high levels if "hazardous" insecticides are avoided. |
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Other biocontrol agents used with Orgilus |
Trichogramma pretiosum targeting heliothis and loopers. |
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The Good Bug Book - Second Edition Available from suppliers |
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