Aphid in Sorghum

The sugarcane aphid is yellow to buff.

Numbers increase rapidly during dry spells or at the end of the rainy season. The female of the wingless form deposits 60-100 nymphs within its reproductive period of 13-20 days. The life cycle is completed in 5.5-7.0 days during the dry season.

 

Crop damage

In contrast to many other aphid species, these aphids prefers to feed on older leaves. But it also infests younger leaves and ear-heads at the flowering stage.

Both adults and nymphs suck sap and can cause stunted plant growth. The damage is more severe when the crop is under moisture stress, resulting in the drying of leaves and plant death.

Management

A large number of predators feed on this insect and chemical control is usually not required. However, Metasystox or Malathion is recommended, if infestation is very severe.