Ratoon Cropping of Sorghum for Grain in the Southeastern United States PDF Download

Author: University of Georgia. College of Agriculture. Experiment Stations
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Double cropping
Languages : en
Pages : 56

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Book Description
Insects pests may limit the production of sorghum grain in ratoon cropping systems in the southeastern United States. Early planting dates required in ratoon cropping systems help avoid high and potentially damaging populations of most key pests before the first grain harvest. However, greenbugs (Schizaphis graminum (Rondani) and other aphids could cause economic damage to the first crop. Greater insect pest problems are likely to occur on the second (ratoon) crop than the first crop. Key pests which may reach damaging levels on the ratoon crop include the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith), corn earworm (Heliothis zea (Boddie)), sorghum webworm (Celama sorghiella (Riley)), and sorghum midge (Contarinia sorghicola (Coquilett)). Use of resitant hybrids, cultural practices, and natural suppressive agents is encouraged to help control populations of key pests whenever possible. Selective insecticide use should be based on careful evaluation of numbers of pest and beneficial insects, plant development, weather, and economic factors.