Kansas State University

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Extension Entomology

Sorghum

–by Dr. Jeff Whitworth

 

Most sorghum throughout south and north central Kansas has developed past the stage that might be susceptible to infestations by sorghum headworms (susceptible stage is generally considered to be between flowering and soft dough). However, some late-planted fields may still be vulnerable to headworm infestations (see Fig 1) but fortunately, infestations remain very low.

 

Figure 1 Headworm (found 8 Oct 2020) (Cayden Wyckoff)

Sugarcane aphids are still migrating into the state, and probably will until we get much cooler temperatures and fewer south winds. Fortunately, beneficials (see fig 2 of pink spotted lady beetle) are still plentiful in most sorghum fields. All sugarcane aphids detected in the last 10 days on later planted sorghum had only small, scattered colonies of sugarcane aphids (see fig 3).

Figure 2 Pink spotted lady beetle (Cayden Wyckoff)

Figure 3 Sugarcane aphid colonies (Cayden Wyckoff)

 

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