sugarcane aphid (sca) - sorghum partners

Sugarcane Aphid (SCA)

Copyright © 2015 Sorghum Partners – All Rights Reserved

History of Sugarcane Aphid in the United States

• The sugarcane aphid (SCA) is globally distributed (over 30 countries)

• In Florida since 1979 on sugarcane• In Louisiana since 1999 on sugarcane• Since 2013 shifted hosts from sugarcane

to sorghum

Distribution of SCA in the U.S. in 2015


Proper Pest ID: Which one is SCA?


Rhopalosiphum maidis (Fitch) Sipha flava (Forbes)Schizaphis graminum (Rondani)

Melanaphis sacchari (Zehntner)

Pictures Courtesy of S. Armstrong, USDA

A B C D

Proper Pest ID: Which one is SCA?

Copyright © 2015 Sorghum Partners – All Rights ReservedPictures Courtesy of S. Armstrong, USDA

A B C D

Sugarcane Aphid Greenbug Aphid Corn Leaf Aphid Yellow Sugarcane Aphid

A. Does not produce toxins but can transmit viruses

B. Produces toxins

C. Does not produce toxins and rarely is a problem in sorghum

D. Produces toxins and transmits a virus

IPM for SCA


• Plant tolerant hybrids with insecticide on seed– Tolerant hybrids may not have to be

sprayed as frequently or as soon as a susceptible hybrid

• Scout fields frequently• Make plans to spray as soon as

aphids appear• Spray when aphid thresholds reach

recommended levels based on plant growth stage (next slide)

Sorghum Partners SCA Tolerant Hybrids


Hybrid Maturity Tolerance level

SP7715 Med-full Highly

SP 74M21 Med-full Highly

SP 74C40 Med-full Highly

SP 73B12 Med-full Highly

SP 72M42 Med-full Highly

SP 68M57 Medium Moderately

SP 43M80 Med-Early Highly

The mechanisms of host plant resistance


Antixenosis (Non preference) Antibiosis Tolerance

Insect does not desire to be on the plant

There is an inherent factor (chemical or morphological) in the plant that reduces reproduction and number of insects on that plant

The plant will grow and reproduce even when insect is on it. When threshold is reached may require spraying


B11055 B11053

Dr. Bill Rooney, Texas AgriLife, Weslaco, TX Fall 2013

IPM for SCA


• Plant tolerant hybrids with insecticide on seed– Tolerant hybrids may not have to be

sprayed as frequently or as soon as a susceptible hybrid

• Scout fields frequently• Make plans to spray as soon as

aphids appear• Spray when aphid thresholds reach

recommended levels based on plant growth stage (next slide)

sugarcane aphid (sca) - sorghum partners

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