Credits: Biovision-Infonet
(c) Russ Ottens, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org
A number of bugs feed on the milkripe sorghum grains: shield bugs including stink bugs (Nezara viridula, Acrosternum spp), Mirperus jaculus, Riptortus dentipes, Lygus bugs, blue bug (Calidea degrii) among others. The bugs puncture the seeds and suck the contents. Feeding punctures remain as dark spots on the testa.
The seed weight is reduced; the rate of germination may be depressed. Sorghum is most susceptible to bug damage during the milk and soft dough stage. Injury normally is not damaging from hard dough to maturity.
The damage is only of economic importance when bugs are present in large numbers.
What to do:
- Use neem-based pesticides. Reportedly they reduce feeding by green shield bugs.
- Check for bugs by beating or shaking panicles over a sweep net or bucket.