Friday 19 May 2017

Weekly Update (May 18, 2017; Wk 03) - Predicted Bertha Armyworm Development

Bertha armyworm (Lepidoptera: Mamestra configurataThe first map (Fig. 1) shows that predicted pupal development is well underway (average 27%)
Figure 1. Predicted stage of pupal development of overwintered Bertha armyworm set to emerge in 2017.

The second map (Fig. 2) indicates that predicted development this year is ahead of long term averages in Manitoba and Saskatchewan
Figure 2. Pupal development of overwintered Bertha armyworm in 2017 compared to long-term averages observed across the Canadian prairies.

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 ManitobaSaskatchewanAlberta 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.