Biological control of leek moth through the release of trichogramma wasps in organic leek production in Québec

Annabelle Firlej

Description

An initial laboratory phase was aimed at comparing the efficacy of two parasites T. brassicae and T. ostriniae on leek moth. The purpose of a second, two-year phase, conducted at the Organic Agriculture Innovation Platform in Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, is to test the ability of both parasites to reduce leek moth damage in the field compared to a control. A technical and economic analysis will look at the costs and benefits of trichogramma releases.

Objective(s)

Determine in the lab and the field the capacity of two species of trichogramma wasps raised commercially in Québec (T. brassicae and T. ostriniae) to parasitize leek moth eggs and reduce larval populations and the damage they cause on organic leeks
Develop a cost-effective, ecofriendly control strategy that protects natural enemies

From 2015 to 2019

Project duration

Market gardening

Activity areas

Ecosystem protection, Pest, weed, and disease control, Organic farming

Services

This project will pave the way for a strategy for controlling leek moth that harms neither the environment nor beneficial wildlife.

Partners

Publications

Summary sheet • Luc Belzile, Daniel Cormier

Lafrenaye, A., J. Boisclair, D. Cormier, L. Belzile, D. Godonou, E. Lucas. 2019. Lutte biologique contre la teigne du poireau à l'aide de lâchers de trichogrammes dans la culture biologique du poireau au Québec (2/2) . IRDA. 2 p. Download

Summary sheet • Daniel Cormier

Lafrenaye, A., J. Boisclair, D. Cormier, E. Lucas. 2019. Lutte biologique contre la teigne du poireau à l'aide de lâchers de trichogrammes dans la culture biologique du poireau au Québec (1/2). IRDA well represented at the 2017 annual meeting of Québec’s entomology association. 2 p. Download

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