Chinch bugs
Sorghum continues to get the attention of many pests and beneficials. Chinch bug populations are not diminishing even though they are not as noticeable because most are feeding around the base of the plants and behind leaf sheaths on the stalks. Much late-planted or slower-developing sorghum is still vulnerable to these chinch bugs. Bugs may also move up to the heads as they emerge from the whorl to feed on the forming kernels that provide a succulent source of nutrients.
‘Headworms’
‘Sorghum headworms’, mostly corn earworms but also a few fall armyworms, are infesting all sorghum fields (not yet in the soft dough stage) that we monitored throughout north central Kansas. Most fields have close to, or are exceeding, 100% infestation levels (1 or more larvae/head). These larvae are present in all different sizes, or developmental stages, from 1st to 4th instars (Figure 1). Thus, they will be feeding on these kernels for at least another 7 – 10 days.
Figure 1. 'Sorghum headworms' at different developmental stages (1st-3rd instars).
Remember, between flowering and soft dough, these larvae will cause 5% yield loss/ worm/ head. Very few beneficials are available to help control headworm populations. However, there are huge populations of beneficials currently present to help control any aphid pests that are, or might be present in the near future.
Corn leaf aphids
Corn leaf aphid populations were common on early-planted sorghum, and still are on late-planted sorghum that is just reaching the whorl stage. These corn leaf aphids have really helped fuel the beneficial populations. Fields that have headed out are swarming with lady beetle adults and larvae, syrphid or hover flies, green lacewings, and parasitic wasps (Figure 2).
Figure 2. Selection of beneficials present in sorghum fields.
Sugarcane aphids
Sugarcane aphid (SCA) populations are becoming scattered around north central Kansas, slowly so far, and are really attracting the attention of all these beneficials, which will hopefully help control colony growth.
Figure 3. Current SCA infestation map for the United States. Map provided by EDDMapS.
For management considerations and recommendations for these, and other sorghum pests, please refer to the 2018 Sorghum Insect Management Guide: https://www.bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/mf742.pdf
Volunteer wheat reminder
Please remember every moisture event prompts the growth of volunteer wheat (Figure 4). This volunteer wheat needs to be controlled at least 2 weeks prior to planting to help mitigate all wheat pests, including pathogens, mites, and insects.
Figure 4. A field with volunteer wheat.
Jeff Whitworth, Extension Entomologist
jwhitwor@ksu.edu
Holly Davis, Extension Entomology Research Associate
holly3@ksu.edu