–by Dr. Jeff Whitworth and Dr. Holly Davis
Chinch bug adults continue to mate and deposit eggs, especially around the base of young sorghum plants. As these eggs hatch, nymphs are increasing in both numbers and size and thus are removing more and more of the moisture from the plant.
This trend will probably continue from now until September and thus cause serious stress to plants, especially if environmental moisture is limited. If treatment is warranted, it is important to use directed sprays and adequate carrier to reach the base of plants where chinch bugs are actively feeding. This will also avoid non-target organisms as much as possible. For more information on chinch bugs, management decisions, and/or insecticide recommendations, please see:
Chinch Bugs MF3107: https://www.bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/mf3107.pdf
2018 Sorghum Insect Management Guide: https://www.bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/mf742.pdf