Predicted bertha armyworm development (Jun 28, 2018; Wk 08)

Bertha armyworm (Lepidoptera: Mamestra configurata) - As of June 24, 2018, BAW development continues to be 7-10 days ahead of normal development (Figs. 3 A and B). Pupal development is complete across the prairies (Fig. 1).

Near Saskatoon SK, BAW egg hatch is nearly complete and larvae are present (Fig. 2). Based on Long Term Climate Normal (LTCN) data, larvae generally begin to occur the last few days of June (Fig. 3).

Figure 2. Predicted BAW phenology at Saskatoon SK.
Values are based on model simulations for April 1 – June 24, 2018 and B) Long term climate normals.

Figure 3.  Predicted BAW phenology at Saskatoon SK.
Values are based on model simulations for Long Term Climate Normals (LTCN).

Many thanks to those who are checking a bertha armyworm pheromone trap on a weekly basis.  Please use the reference photo below kindly shared by Saskatchewan Agriculture to aid your identification and reporting of trap interceptions.  Note the kidney-bean white-patterned shape on each forewing but also know other cutworm species can resemble bertha armyworm moths.  Check carefully and thanks for your help!

Monitoring:
- Larval sampling should commence once the adult moths are noted. 
- Sample at least three locations, a minimum of 50 m apart. 
- At each location, mark an area of 1 m2 and beat the plants growing within that area to dislodge the larvae. 
- Count them and compare the average against the values in the economic threshold table below:  

Scouting tips:
● Some bertha armyworm larvae remain green or pale brown throughout their larval life. 
● Large larvae may drop off the plants and curl up when disturbed, a defensive behavior typical of cutworms and armyworms. 
● Young larvae chew irregular holes in leaves, but normally cause little damage. The fifth and sixth instar stages cause the most damage by defoliation and seed pod consumption. Crop losses due to pod feeding will be most severe if there are few leaves. 
● Larvae eat the outer green layer of the stems and pods exposing the white tissue. 

● At maturity, in late summer or early fall, larvae burrow into the ground and form pupae.

Keep track of the Provincial Entomologist Updates for the latest in-season pheromone trap monitoring results for 2018.  

Albertans can access the online reporting map (screenshot retrieved 28Jun2018 provided below for reference:

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.