Some localized higher populations of armyworms and grasshoppers are present. So scouting is encouraged, although in many cases populations are noticeable but not economical.

 

 

Armyworms: Armyworms are present in noticeable levels in many areas of Central Manitoba. Larvae can be scouted for by counting the number of larvae per square foot on average. The majority of larvae will be on the ground during the day and often hidden under debris on the soil, under clumps of soil or in crack in soil, so scout the ground thoroughly. Many will curl up when disturbed. The colour of the larvae can sometimes vary considerably between individuals.

 

Cereal crops can tolerate considerable defoliation from armyworm, and the threshold suggested in cereal crops is 4 or more armyworms per square foot on average. Populations can be very patchy in a field. 

Figure 1. Armyworms. Photo by Tao Wang - Cargill AgHorizons

 

 A MAFRD factsheet on armyworms, explaining thresholds and scouting, has been recently revised and is available at:   http://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/crops/insects/true-armyworm.html

 

Armyworms are often heavily parasitized. Figure 1 below is an armyworm from a field south of Carman with multiple larvae of a parasitic wasp emerging from it. Figure 2 is of an armyworm with the egg of a parasitic fly behind the head.

 
Fig. 2. Larvae of parasitic wasp emerging from armyworm.    Fig. 3. Egg of parasitic fly on armyworm 

Wheat Midge: A reminder that wheat is only susceptible to wheat midge from the time the heads emerge until flowering starts (when anthers are produced). The wheat kernels change once the wheat flowers, and the wheat kernels are no longer an acceptable food for the larvae of wheat midge. A lot of the wheat is Manitoba has anthers now, so does not need to be assessed for levels of adult wheat midge. It will just be the very late seeded fields that may still be at potentially susceptible stages. Emergence of wheat midge is likely still in the early stages in most areas, so most of the wheat would have escaped potential feeding from wheat midge by progressing past susceptible stages before wheat midge populations peak. No high levels of wheat midge have been reported so far.

 

 

 

Bertha Armyworm: Pheromone-baited traps are used to monitor adult moths of bertha armyworm, and forecast areas that potentially could have higher levels of larvae later in the summer. Traps were set up in early-June, and currently only levels suggesting low risk of damage form the larvae have been detected. Anything under a cumulative count of 300 moths in the trapping period is considered lower risk. Once counts get over 300 risk moves into an unpredictable risk zone, and much higher counts are needed to be in moderate and high risk categories. The highest count currently in Manitoba is 173 moths. Cumulative counts will increase over the next couple of weeks, so it remains to be seen whether any counts move above the low risk category.

 

Table 1. Highest Cumulative Counts of Adult Moths of Bertha Armyworm in Manitoba as of July 7, 2015

Location	Region	Trap Count
Alexander	Southwest	173
Douglas	Southwest	136
Darlingford	Pembina	94
Roseland	Southwest	67
Glenboro	Pembina	49
Carberry	Central Plains	46
Benito	Valleys North	37

 

 

 

Compiled by: 
 
John Gavloski, Entomologist
Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Development
Phone: (204) 745-5668      Fax: (204) 745-5690.
 
To report observations on insects or plant pathogens that may be of interest or importance to farmers and agronomists in Manitoba, please send messages to the above contact address.
 
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