Efficacy of Different Release Techniques of Trichogramma chilonis Ishii, Parasitoid on Sugarcane Internode Borer

Different release techniques of Trichogramma chilonis Ishii (Trichogrammatidae: Hymenoptera), an egg parasitoid on sugarcane internode borer Chilo sacchariphagus indicus (Kapur) were assessed in field trials during the two seasons of 1994–95 and 1995–96 at Sugarcane Research Station, Cuddalore, India. Among the techniques tested, release of the parasitoid through closed cup mechanism and loose egg exposure recorded higher per cent emergence as against the conventional release technique of open card release tied to a sugarcane plant. The higher emergence of parasitoids in different techniques over the conventional method might be attributed to the safety afforded against sunlight, moisture and predators.