–by Dr. Jeff Whitworth and Dr. Holly Davis
Chinch bugs continue to develop and increase in numbers throughout north central Kansas. However, recent rains have significantly improved growing conditions. Thus, sorghum seems to be tolerating these chinch bug populations well. However, some fields and field borders have been treated for chinch bugs.
Fall armyworm larvae have been feeding in sorghum whorls and this leaf feeding is starting to unfurl from the whorl and thus become highly visible. That is where the name “ragworms” comes from as they do cause ragged looking leaves, although this foliar feeding does not impact yield.
For more information, please see the 2018 Sorghum Insect Management Guide: https://www.bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/mf742.pdf