Sugarcane aphid has been reported from all four corners of the state, and has exceeded the action threshold for treatment in most counties. Farmers should continue to check their grain, forage, and sweet sorghum for this aphid and apply an insecticide when the sugarcane aphid population density exceeds the action threshold.
Forage producers may find that harvesting the forage is a better alternative then applying an insecticide. Keep scouting sorghum fields twice a week once sugarcane aphid has been found since populations can increase rapidly. If another insecticide is required, choose one with a different mode of action than the previous application. Pay close attention to preharvest intervals (which range form 14-60 days) and any limits on the total amount or number of times an insecticide can be applied. More information on sugarcane aphid in Alabama can be found in this publication: IPM Strategies for Managing Sugarcane Aphid in Alabama Sorghum.
