Weekly Update (May 25, 2017; Wk 04) - Predicted Bertha Armyworm Development

Bertha armyworm (Lepidoptera: Mamestra configurata) - This week, predicted pupal development is well underway. Average development is 36% (27% last week); average development is 37% (Fig. 1). 

Figure 1. Predicted stage of pupal development of overwintered Bertha armyworm set to emerge in 2017.

Reminder - These maps will be updated weekly to aid those who deploy and monitor this moth using pheromone traps.  The video below posted by Alberta Agriculture and Forestry's Scott Meers describes how pheromone traps are used to monitor this important pest of canola.

Biological and monitoring information related to bertha armyworm in field crops is posted by the provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and the Prairie Pest Monitoring Network.  Also refer to the bertha armyworm pages within the new "Field Crop and Forage Pests and their Natural Enemies in Western Canada: Identification and management field guide" - both English-enhanced or French-enhanced versions are available.