Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University
127 Noble Research Center, Stillwater, OK74078
405.744.5527
Vol. 13, No. 26
http://entoplp.okstate.edu/Pddl/
Aug 12, 2014
Watch for Sorghum Midge in Late-blooming Sorghum
Tom A. Royer, Extension Entomologist
I noted high populations of sorghum midge adults actively swarming on some late blooming heads in my sorghum plots at the Cimarron Research and Extension Center in Perkins. Favorable climate and abundant Johnson grass may allow them to become a problem in late-planted sorghum this year.
Sorghum midge is a tiny fly, measuring less than 1/32 inches long. It has a reddish abdomen with one pair of grayish transparent wings. The female fly lays eggs in open florets and the maggots feed inside the developing seed. The contents of the seed are usually completely consumed. The lifecycle from egg to adult is completed in 14-16 days. Heads that have sorghum midge injury are referred as “blasted”. The adults live for one day, but one female can lay 30-100 eggs.
Insecticide control: Scouting is essential to achieve effective control with an insecticide. Use a 10X magnifying hand lens to aid in in identification. There are two ways to scout. One is to
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Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University
127 Noble Research Center, Stillwater, OK74078
405.744.5527
Vol. 13, No. 26
http://entoplp.okstate.edu/Pddl/
Aug 12, 2014
Watch for Sorghum Midge in Late-blooming Sorghum
Tom A. Royer, Extension Entomologist
I noted high populations of sorghum midge adults actively swarming on some late blooming heads in my sorghum plots at the Cimarron Research and Extension Center in Perkins. Favorable climate and abundant Johnson grass may allow them to become a problem in late-planted sorghum this year.
Sorghum midge is a tiny fly, measuring less than 1/32 inches long. It has a reddish abdomen with one pair of grayish transparent wings. The female fly lays eggs in open florets and the maggots feed inside the developing seed. The contents of the seed are usually completely consumed. The lifecycle from egg to adult is completed in 14-16 days. Heads that have sorghum midge injury are referred as “blasted”. The adults live for one day, but one female can lay 30-100 eggs.
Insecticide control: Scouting is essential to achieve effective control with an insecticide. Use a 10X magnifying hand lens to aid in in identification. There are two ways to scout. One is to
