Clavigralla tomentosicollis Stål. (Hemiptera: Coreidae), major cowpea pod-sucking bug, causes significant economic losses. A promising alternative to chemical control of this pest is the use of the egg parasitoid G. fulviventre. Given that no release strategy for G. fulviventre has yet been tested, it would seem wise, before considering large-scale use of this parasitoid, to determine an optimum release frequency. The aim of this study is to find an optimal frequency of parasitoid release. Artificial infestations were carried out in a semicontrolled environment at the Center for environmental, Agricultural Research and Training of Kamboinsé (Burkina Faso). A single release of the pest was carried out with five release frequencies of the parasitoid. The results showed that the rate of parasitism was higher (64.57 ±4.76%) in successive releases of the parasitoid spaced one week apart and lower (42.72 ±4.99 %) in the single release. Pods were almost completely damaged without parasitoid release (91.83±1.74 %) and less damaged with successive releases (24.58 ± 1.59%). Parasitism rates did not differ significantly between two, three or four successive releases. This study is a first on the release of G. fulviventre in Burkina Faso and the results are of great importance for the implementation of an integrated management strategy of C. tomentosicollis.

Egg Parasitoids Insect Pest Artificial Infestation Parasitism Rate Frequency