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Early planted crops which are flowering at the moment may be carrying high numbers of heliothis grubs.
Early inspections indicate grub numbers of only 1-2 grubs per head, however, emergence of moths from chickpea crops and early planted maize are expected in the next few weeks.
Checking should begin early as the first few heads start to emerge, often these early heads attract high pressure from midge and heliothis. Early spraying is recommended.
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From left to right are the stages of sorghum, from when pests are laying eggs on the left, to the start of flowering, mid flowering, end of flowering and the beginning of grain fill.
Crop checking should occur at the start of flowering for midge which, whilstgrub checking should begin around 50% yellow (mid flowering), grubs at this stage will be very small (2.5mm) to small (5mm).
Sorghum heads that have 100% average flower will have small (5mm) to small medium grubs (13mm).
Virus sprays are only effective on grubs less than 13mm long, so crops that have already flowered and have begun grain fill may have large grubs that need a different chemical for effective control.
For more information see your local consultant agronomist.
