Mini-Presentation: Natural Enemies of SCA

Michael Brewer and David Buntin, Texas A&M AgriLife Research and

University of GeorgiaSorghum – Sugarcane Aphid Research Exchange Meeting

New Orleans, LAJanuary 7 – 8, 2016

Mummies

Lady Beetle Larvae and Adults

MoldSyrphid Larvae

Measurements: weekly Aphid density (aphid/leaf) 20 leaves per plot, 10 top-half, 10 bottom-half used quick aphid checker (5-10 min per plot)

Yield

A. Reyes, C. Stanton, AgriLife Research

At Selected Locations (eye to future):% plants with aphids% plants with > 10 aphidsPresence of honeydew and sooty mold (0—10) Presence/counts: Mummies Lady beetle larvae/ adults Syrphid larvae Lacewing larvae

50/100 (S)Few aphids 7-14 DAT, no injury, no yield loss, natural enemies reduced

LGC/UGC: 1 sprayNLA: 2 spraysGA/AR: 3 sprays

250 (S) Few aphids 7-14 DAT, sooty mold detected, no yield loss, abundant natural enemies

LGC/UGC: 0 or 1 sprayNLA: 1 sprayGA/AR: 1 or 2 sprays

UTC & 500 (S)High aphids 7-14 DAT, damage visible, yield loss, natural enemy zoo

LGC/UGC: 0 sprayNLA: 0 sprayGA/AR: 0 or 1 spray

2014, 2015 Results in Pictures, Susceptible (TX430, DKS 53-67)

The Environment: 2015 Help from mother nature Overwintering, Wind-aided movement: when aphids arriveRainfall early partially washes aphids from leavesNatural enemies

Discussion