Sugarcane Aphid Update!

The sugarcane aphid, Melanaphis sacchari, is slowly starting to show up in parts of Texas. Make sure you are prepared this growing season! Familiarize yourself with the sugarcane aphid, SCA, so you know what you are dealing with (see below). If you are planting grain sorghum, get it in early to avoid plant damage in those early, vulnerable growth stages. Also, we recommend using a neonicotinoid seed treatment, which provides approximately 45 days of protection for $2/acre.

IPM Agents and Extension Entomologists are currently monitoring overwintering traps for this year, but so far we know that the SCA is moving north through Texas much faster than it has previously. Xandra Morris, IPM Agent – Hill county, reported finding the sugarcane aphid (SCA) south of Itasca on newly emerged Johnsongrass on February 18. This is five weeks earlier than the SCA was found last year.  

Most recently, students at Roscoe Collegiate High School in Roscoe found that SCA have successfully overwintered in Nolan County (many thanks to students Crystal Alvarez, Kelsi Vrubel, Katelyn Collins, and Matthew Buckley for conducting the overwinter study and to Roxanna Reyna-Islas, Extension Program Specialist 4-H, who helped the students!). They reported their findings to Extension Entomologist Dr. Pat Porter who confirmed the identity of the SCA. This is the farthest north that SCA have been confirmed to overwinter. You can read about their findings on the Texas Sugarcane Aphid News website which is full of useful information, current updates, and resources.