The SCA has been confirmed in at least 10 counties in Kansas and the latest ones are Barton and Ellis Counties. To assist farmers in learning more about this new pest to grain sorghum in Kansas, Extension agents in Barton, Ellis, Midway and Walnut Creek Extension Districts are hosting a field day on Monday, Aug. 22nd.
If you would like to see the sugarcane aphid (SCA) in a field of grain sorghum and learn how to scout for it, how to estimate the percentage of infested plants to determine if a foliar insecticide needs to be applied then plan to join us on Monday, Aug. 22, at 9 a.m. at David Strecker’s land located 1/4 mile to the East of Galatia on NW 190 Rd off of Hwy 281 in Barton County.
J.P. Michaud, K-State Research & Extension entomologists will be on-hand at this field day to show and discuss the SCA, which is a new pest to grain sorghum in the Great Plains that can cause significant yield loss when it reaches economic threshold levels.
There is no RSVP necessary and the field day should conclude by 10:30 a.m.
To receive pest alerts and to see the most recent SCA map and information you can create an account at https://www.myfields.info/user/register and include your state and county information to receive notifications specific to your area.
If you have any questions or need further information, contact Barton County Extension at 620-793-1910, Ellis County Extension 785-628-9430, Midway Extension District 785-483-3157, and Walnut Creek Extension District 785-798-3921.
Alicia Boor is the Agriculture and Natural Resources agent for Barton County K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910