Monsanto reports that its Dekalb sorghum is tolerant against sugarcane aphids — once thought to only feed on sugarcane. These aphids have now made their way into all of the main sorghum growing regions in the United States and have been a concern for sorghum growers.
“We are very glad to see that these results confirm what we were hearing from our customers last year, and having this tolerance available in the seed should offer a distinct advantage for our growers,” says Joe Whitworth, Monsanto specialty crops product manager.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture in Stillwater, Oklahoma, conducted a third-party evaluation that confirmed Dekalb’s DKS37-07 variety and PULSAR brand demonstrate a high level of genetic tolerance to the sugarcane aphid.
In the screening evaluation, Monsanto reports that both products showed extremely low levels of chlorotic damage from the sugarcane aphid compared to the known tolerant check line TX2783. In addition, DKS37-07 showed very positive plant height and early health ratings when exposed to the pest.
According to Monsanto, these products combined with continued scouting and an effective spray program, will give growers the best opportunity to limit damage from sugarcane aphids.
