Laboratory and field studies supporting augmentation biological control of oriental fruit moth, Grapholita molesta (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), using Trichogramma dendrolimi (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae).

We calculated that, for each generation of G. molesta, 900 000 wasps per hectare, in three releases 3 days apart, each distributed among release points 10 m apart, would reduce fruit damage by half in an orchard where 50% of fruit would otherwise be damaged. Although augmentation of Trichogramma dendrolimi is a viable tactic for reducing G. molesta populations and fruit damage, it will require integration with other compatible control tactics in order to provide commercially acceptable levels of control in orchards experiencing significant pest pressure. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.