The Bugwood Network

Summary of Losses from Insect Damage and Costs of Control in Georgia - 1997

IX. Grain Sorghum Insects

R. D. Hudson and J. N. All

In 1997 grain sorghum was harvested from 40,000 acres, this was the same as in 1996. Yields averaged 40 bushels per acre. The average price for grain sorghum was $2.65 per bushel, down from $2.85 in 1996.

Chinch bug continues to be the number one insect pest of grain sorghum in Georgia. Sorghum midge, foliage head feeding caterpillars, soil insects, and stink bugs continue to cause sporadic but significant injury in some locations across Georgia.

Estimates of Losses and Control Costs

Rank

Insect

Cost of Control

Damage

Total

1

Chinch bug

$35,000

$79,000

$114,000

2

Sorghum midge

31,000

42,000

73,000

3

Stink bugs

8,000

34,000

42,000

4

Corn earworm

13,000

7,000

20,000

5

Soil insects

5,000

9,000

14,000

6

Fall armyworm

3,000

7,000

10,000

Total

$95,000

$178,000

$273,000


Information Pertaining to Control of Major Grain Sorghum Insect Pests in Georgia in 1997

Insect

No. Units Needing Control

No. Units Treated

No. of Unit Applic.

Avg. Cost Per Units Treated1

Yield Loss on Units Treated2

Yield Loss on Units Untreated2

Chinch bug

10,000

10,000

1.0

$8.00

3,000

25,000

Sorghum midge

8,000

4,000

1.0

7.00

3,000

13,000

Stink bugs

3,000

1,000

1.0

7.00

1,000

5,000

Corn earworm

2,000

2,000

1.0

8.00

1,000

2,000

Soil insects

2,000

1,000

1.0

8.00

0

3,000

Fall armyworm

2,000

2,000

 .3

8.00

1,000

2,000

  1. Excluding application costs.
  2. Yield units expressed in bushels; only sorghum losses for grain were calculated.
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Last updated on Tuesday, March 18, 2003 at 02:55 PM
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