Farms.com Home   News

Headworm Control In Sorghum

By Scott Stewart, IPM Extension Specialist 
 
Headworms are a common problem, especially on later milo. This includes corn earworm, fall armyworm, and sorghum webworms. Typically corn earworm is the most common species present. The treatment threshold for corn earworm or fall armyworm in one or more larva per head. Count sorghum webworms as equivalent to 1/3 of a corn earworm … they are smaller and do less feeding. 
 
 
Corn Earworm
 
Corn Earworm
 
Considering the threat of sugarcane aphids, the fact that pyrethroid insecticides will flare this pest, and the sometimes mediocre performance of pyrethroids in controlling headworms, my suggested treatment options are pretty limited. Prevathon (14 oz/acre) or BlackHawk (1.75-2 oz/acre) are the only two insecticides I am recommending on a wide basis. Because it has activity on sorghum midge, BlackHawk is my preferred choice if midge are present, but do not expect the residual control observed with Prevathon. Belt is another option.  It is not as consistent as Prevathon at controlling corn earworm in sorghum but is generally pretty good when timed correctly. Besiege is also an option if dealing with midge and headworms. It contains a pyrethroid insecticide so user beware of flaring infestations of sugarcane aphids. I’m not recommending it. Several folks have asked about reducing the Prevathon rate to 8-10 oz/acre. This is below the lowest labeled rate for headworm control. We’ve just rated plots treated with Prevathon at 6, 10 and 14 oz/acre. 
Click here to see more...

Trending Video

Nebraska Rural Poll

Video: Nebraska Rural Poll

The Nebraska Rural Poll holds the title as the longest-running survey of rural life in the United States. It's an annual snapshot of rural perspectives, conducted by Nebraska Extension and its Community Development Division, Rural Prosperity Nebraska. By acting as a collective voice for rural residents, the poll aims to bridge the gap and make sure those voices are heard in policy discussions.