Help! I’m at Threshold For Lygus Bugs AND Bertha Armyworm’s… What Do I Do?

Lygus bugs and bertha armyworm larvae pose great risk to the yield potential of canola crops in their own right, especially at threshold. Agronomists have been finding higher numbers of lygus bugs and bertha armyworms across the northeast, which has been raising concerns about what to do when threshold of both insects are found in the field. 

Challenges of Differing Insecticides

There are insecticide products available to control these pests on their own. Typically, contact products like Matador and Decis control lygus bugs, while residual products like Coragen are best for controlling berthas. Matador and Decis will control berthas, but growers must hit the larvae with the spray in order to kill them. This poses challenges for many reasons, one being reduced control and efficacy due to it being a contact product. 

What is the Solution?

There is a Syngenta product called Voliam Xpress which combines Matador and Coragen into one jug for the complete package! This product will give growers the chance to control lygus on contact without giving up the residual component for the berthas. It is best to spray Voliam Xpress in the morning or evening while it’s cooler for best efficacy! 

---

Ag Grow Consulting provides independent agronomy services across Saskatchewan. Our agronomists work directly with growers through every stage of the season.