History of Sugarcane Aphid in the United States
• The sugarcane aphid (SCA) is globally distributed (over 30 countries)
• In Florida since 1979 on sugarcane• In Louisiana since 1999 on sugarcane• Since 2013 shifted hosts from sugarcane
to sorghum
Proper Pest ID: Which one is SCA?
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Rhopalosiphum maidis (Fitch) Sipha flava (Forbes)Schizaphis graminum (Rondani)
Melanaphis sacchari (Zehntner)
Pictures Courtesy of S. Armstrong, USDA
A B C D
Proper Pest ID: Which one is SCA?
Copyright © 2015 Sorghum Partners – All Rights ReservedPictures Courtesy of S. Armstrong, USDA
A B C D
Sugarcane Aphid Greenbug Aphid Corn Leaf Aphid Yellow Sugarcane Aphid
A. Does not produce toxins but can transmit viruses
B. Produces toxins
C. Does not produce toxins and rarely is a problem in sorghum
D. Produces toxins and transmits a virus
IPM for SCA
Copyright © 2015 Sorghum Partners – All Rights Reserved
• Plant tolerant hybrids with insecticide on seed– Tolerant hybrids may not have to be
sprayed as frequently or as soon as a susceptible hybrid
• Scout fields frequently• Make plans to spray as soon as
aphids appear• Spray when aphid thresholds reach
recommended levels based on plant growth stage (next slide)
Sorghum Partners SCA Tolerant Hybrids
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Hybrid Maturity Tolerance level
SP7715 Med-full Highly
SP 74M21 Med-full Highly
SP 74C40 Med-full Highly
SP 73B12 Med-full Highly
SP 72M42 Med-full Highly
SP 68M57 Medium Moderately
SP 43M80 Med-Early Highly
The mechanisms of host plant resistance
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Antixenosis (Non preference) Antibiosis Tolerance
Insect does not desire to be on the plant
There is an inherent factor (chemical or morphological) in the plant that reduces reproduction and number of insects on that plant
The plant will grow and reproduce even when insect is on it. When threshold is reached may require spraying
Copyright © 2015 Sorghum Partners – All Rights Reserved
B11055 B11053
Dr. Bill Rooney, Texas AgriLife, Weslaco, TX Fall 2013
IPM for SCA
Copyright © 2015 Sorghum Partners – All Rights Reserved
• Plant tolerant hybrids with insecticide on seed– Tolerant hybrids may not have to be
sprayed as frequently or as soon as a susceptible hybrid
• Scout fields frequently• Make plans to spray as soon as
aphids appear• Spray when aphid thresholds reach
recommended levels based on plant growth stage (next slide)