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Sugarcane aphid excrement could clog harvest equipment

Sugarcane aphids have been found in sorghum fields as far north as Boone County in the last week, according to Extension agronomy specialist Pat Miller, Vernon County, Missouri.

They’re low in number in central Missouri and not expected to cause economic damage, but large numbers of the aphids are in southwest Missouri.  They’re hard to see, but the bugs damage sorghum and other grasses by feeding on plant juices.  The stuff they excrete, a sugary, sticky liquid called honeydew is enough to gum up harvest equipment.

Infestation can kill young plants.  Later infestations can prevent grain from forming.

Sugarcane aphids multiply quickly without treatment. Under the right conditions, their numbers double every five to seven days.

They’re difficult to control and pyrethroid insecticides are not effective.