Joanne Whalen, Extension IPM Specialist; jwhalen@udel.edu
We still have not detected sugar cane aphid or received any reports of this aphid being found in sorghum fields in Delaware ; however, we do not have a statewide survey program for sorghum. This very destructive aphid has been moving north this summer. It has been found in Virginia and last week was reported in Sufolk, VA. It can be a significant problem at harvest so be on the lookout for this aphid which is easy to identify and should not be confused with corn leaf aphid. Sugarcane aphids are yellow and can be distinguished from other aphids in sorghum by the presence of black tailpipes on the tail (cornicles) and black feet below their yellow legs. For information on this insect, please check the following link:
http://blogs.ext.vt.edu/ag-pest-advisory/sugarcane-aphid-update/
NOTE – not all materials labeled in states to our south and/or emergency use labels can be used in Delaware so be sure to check for both federal and state labels before using any insecticide.