Bertha Armyworm. Biology and Integrated Pest Management in Wheat

Abstract

The bertha armyworm, Mamestra confi gurata Walker, belongs to the order Lepidoptera and family Noctuidae. It often is referred to as the “Miller Moth” or “climbing cutworm.” Its geographical range extends as far south as Mexico City, Mexico, and as far north as Keg River, Alberta, Canada. It is native to North America and is an important insect pest of canola in the northern Great Plains. In North Dakota, bertha armyworm occurs primarily throughout the northern canola-producing counties. Severe infestations of bertha armyworm can be sporadic or widespread and usually occur every fi ve to seven years. However, in years when outbreaks have occurred, larval feeding has caused economic crop losses and increased production costs from spraying insecticides