Update & Correction Concerning Collection Of Sugarcane Aphid In Kentucky Grain Sorghum

Aug 26, 2015

By Doug Johnson, Extension Entomologist, University of Kentucky.

This note is provided for clarification of where in Kentucky Sugarcane aphid has been collected and identified. The first two collections were reported as Fulton and Graves counties. This was incorrect it should have read Fulton and Calloway Counties, KY. The Calloway Co. infestation was reported by the Graves Co. Extension agent and I confused the location.

Since that report two further infestations in KY counties were confirmed. They are Lyon and Caldwell counties. To the best of my knowledge none of these infestations were at the economic threshold for control.

Though we are approaching maturity for most of our grain sorghum fields, it might be worthwhile in planning for next year to know how far north and east this insect has penetrated. If you have opportunity to check any sorghum fields (grain, sweet or forage) and find aphids, please feel free to send me a sample.

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Video: Why Invest in Canada’s Seed Future? | On The Brink: Episode 3

Darcy Unger just invested millions to build a brand-new seed plant on his farm in Stonewall, Manitoba so when it’s time for his sons to take over, they have the tools they need to succeed.

Right now, 95% of the genetics they’ll be growing come from Canadian plant breeders.

That number matters.

When fusarium hit Western Canada in the late 90s, it was Canadian breeders who responded, because they understood Canadian conditions. That ability to react quickly to what’s happening on Canadian farms is exactly what’s at risk when breeding programs lose funding.

For farmers like Darcy, who have made generational investments based on the assumption that better genetics will keep coming, the stakes are direct and personal.

We’re on the brink of decisions that will shape our agricultural future for not only our generation, but also the ones to come.

What direction will we choose?

On The Brink is a year-long video series traveling across Canada to meet the researchers, breeders, farmers, seed companies, and policymakers shaping the future of Canadian plant breeding. Each week, a new story. Each story, a piece of the bigger picture.

Episode 3 is above. Follow Seed World Canada to catch every episode, and tell us: Do you think the next generation will have the tools they need to success when they takeover? How is the future going to look?