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ARS Home » Plains Area » El Reno, Oklahoma » Oklahoma and Central Plains Agricultural Research Center » Peanut and Small Grains Research Unit » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #402192
Research Project: Management Strategies for Invasive Aphid Pests of Cereals

Location: Peanut and Small Grains Research Unit

Title: Effects of weather on sugarcane aphid infestation and movement in Oklahoma

Author
item LEE, SEOKIL - Oklahoma State University
item VITALE, JEFFERY - Oklahoma State University
item LAMBERT, DAYTON - Oklahoma State University
item VITALE, PILJA - Oklahoma State University
item Elliott, Norman - Norm
item GILES, KRISTOPHER - Oklahoma State University

Submitted to: Agriculture
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/1/2023
Publication Date: 3/3/2023
Citation: Lee, S., Vitale, J., Lambert, D., Vitale, P., Elliott, N.C., Giles, K. 2023. Effects of weather on sugarcane aphid infestation and movement in Oklahoma. Agriculture. 13(3). Article 613. https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13030613.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13030613

Interpretive Summary: Sugarcane aphids cause economic damage to sorghum production in Oklahoma. Although insecticides when applied in a timely manner provide efficient control, it is hard to protect against unexpected heavy infestations. This article evaluates the effect of weather on sugarcane infestation. Models identified a north-westerly wind direction to cause persistent aphid movements. The increase in spring wind speed also had a positive effect on the average distance that sugarcane aphids could travel. Results serve as a base for sugarcane aphid infestation predictions and to assist production planning for Oklahoma sorghum producers. “USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer”.

Technical Abstract: Sugarcane aphids have caused economic damage on sorghum and other grain production in Oklahoma. When applied in a timely manner, insecticides provide efficient control; however, it is difficult to protect against the unexpected heavy infestations that have appeared frequently since 2016. This article evaluates the effect of spatial and temporal patterns of weather variables on sugarcane infestation airborne movements. Econometric methods identified persistent northwesterly wind patterns that explain aphid movements. Results serve as a base for sugarcane aphid infestation predictions and to assist stakeholders in developing an early warning system for sorghum producers. “USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer”.