Sugarcane aphid in Oklahoma: Responding to a new pest

Authors: ZARRABI, A - Oklahoma State University; GILES, KRISTOPHER - Oklahoma State University; SEUHS, K - Oklahoma State University; Elliott, Norman - Norm; ROYER, TOM - Oklahoma State University

Submitted to: Meeting Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/15/2015
Publication Date: 12/1/2015
Citation: Zarrabi, A., Giles, K.L., Seuhs, K., Elliott, N.C., Royer, T.A. 2015. Sugarcane aphid in Oklahoma: Responding to a new pest [abstract]. In: Burow, G.B., Jugulam, M., Valentin, K.E. Proceedings of the 2015 SICNA Meeting, September 1-3, 2015, Manhattan, Kansas. p. 36-37. Available: www.sicna.net.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The sugarcane aphid (SCA) was first found in Oklahoma in 2013, and quickly became a major threat to grain sorghum production. Scientists at Oklahoma State University and the USDA's Wheat, Peanut and Other Field Crops Research Lab in Stillwater, working with cooperators in other sorghum producing states, have developed a multi-pronged research/extension approach to assist producers in managing this pest. OSU researchers, with support from the Sorghum Checkoff program, are evaluating season-long systems for management of SCA in grain sorghum, field screening and quantifying SCA resistant sorghum hybrids, comparing damage and calculating plant-stage specific economic thresholds in a SCA resistant and susceptible hybrid at two growth stages. OSU researchers are also conducting standardized insecticide efficacy trials with and without spray adjuvants. USDA scientists are screening for SCA resistance in hybrids and germplasm, developing sampling protocols, studying sugarcane aphid biology and studying the dynamics of natural enemy interactions with the aphid. This presentation will provide a brief summary of completed work as well as future goals. Much of the work is financially supported by the Sorghum Checkoff program and the National Institute for Food and Agriculture.