Primary field release of Trichogramma cacoeciae Marchal (Trichogrammatidae, Hymenoptera) as a part of biological control of codling moth, Cydia pomonella L. (Tortricidae, Lepidoptera) at As-Sweida, Southern Syria

A trial to control codling moth, Cydia pomonella L., by releasing the egg parasitoid Trichogramma cacoeciae Marchal, was conducted for the first time at Syria in Al-Sweida Mountains, ٢٠٠١. This experiment was carried out in a young commercial apple orchard in Jabal Urman, Sweida. T. cacoeciae (Sy٢ strain) was released two times at a rate of ١٥٠ parasitoids/ tree/ release. Efficacy in reduction of fruit damage was ٣٤,٣٧٪ comparing with untreated one. Results showed that ٢ applications of this rate at the second generation were not efficient to prevent damage above the economic threshold but it could be used as a part of an integrated pest management program of this pest. Several factors that affect Trichogramma efficacy in the field are discussed.