Vulcan County is experiencing a rapidly developing outbreak of Bertha armyworm, with hotspots currently being identified in the mid-section of the County.

Local agronomists and provincial insect specialists have been working to scout affected areas, gather information, and alert producers to the developing situation.

According to Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation:
“Localized areas of Alberta are experiencing Bertha armyworm outbreaks. The extent of the outbreak(s) is still being determined. Daily scouting in high-risk fields is important. Bertha armyworm larvae will move between fields, so density can change day to day. Under high densities, economic levels of damage occur rapidly. Over 15,000 acres of canola and peas have been sprayed for bertha armyworm in Vulcan County. Densities of larvae above 50 per square metre were observed in some fields.”

Crops and Areas to Monitor
Bertha armyworm is primarily a pest of canola but can also cause economic damage in other crops. Producers are encouraged to closely monitor:

• Canola
• Mustard
• Flax
• Quinoa
• Hemp
• Peas
• Alfalfa
• Potatoes

Fields with dense patches of kochia or lamb’s quarters may also be at higher risk and should be monitored closely.

Local Hotspots Identified
Local crop scouting by Susan Heather of Heather Crop Care & Agronomy has identified Bertha armyworm outbreaks in the following areas:

• Between the Corner Store area and Arrowwood
• Townships 18-24, 18-23 and 18-22
• Southeast of the Town of Vulcan

Heather would like to remind producers, “The Bertha Armyworms are targeting both peas and canola primarily, but alfalfa and mustard are also at risk. Crops near maturity are also still at risk. Crops should be inspected daily and fields above threshold should consider spraying ASAP to mitigate damage.”

Scout Before Making Treatment Decisions
Amanda Jorgensen, Insect Management Specialist with Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation, notes that Bertha armyworm densities can vary significantly even within Vulcan County. Some fields may have low densities and may not require treatment.

Producers are encouraged to scout their own fields daily and assess pest densities before making management decisions. The presence of a hotspot nearby does not necessarily mean every field in the area is affected.

Producers should stay vigilant, scout daily, and work with their local agronomists and agricultural professionals as the situation develops.

For more information on Bertha Armyworm, click here.

To report a Bertha Armyworm outbreak in Vulcan County, please contact the Agricultural Fieldman at (403)423-0261.