1. Secondary pests associated with Melanaphis sacchari in Kansas sorghum
J.P. Michaud
Kansas State University
Sorghum – Sugarcane Aphid
Research Exchange Meeting
Dallas, TX
January 3 – 4, 2017

2. Introduction A number of hemipteran pests can damage
ripening grain sorghum in Kansas
Chinch bug, Blissus leucopterus
2 generations per year (3?)
False chinch bug, Nysius rafanus
Tarnished plant bug, Lygus lineolaris
3-4 generations (5?)
Mainly late-instars and adults feeding on milk-stage grain
Until 2015, these pests normally caused
only isolated problems

3. Dusky sap beetles were also present in 2016
(feeding behind panicle sheaths on emerging heads)
Short wing covers
Clubbed
antennae
4 – 5 mm
These insects are known to damage a range of ripening fruit
and vegetables, including corn and sorghum in soft stages

4. Chinch Bugs Formerly, a problem restricted to eastern Kansas
Most concern was for
sorghum planted next
to wheat - at risk for
1st generation nymphs

5. 2nd generation chinch bugs can lay eggs in panicle sheaths
Female fecundity is known to vary greatly as a function of host plant quality...

6. Greenbugs and corn leaf aphids are escaping control
Corn leaf aphids colonizing flag
leaves and entering panicles
Flower sterility