University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources

March 10, 2006

Seed treatments and alternatives for insect control in sorghum

(Also see seed treatments (general) and for corn and soybean.)

Early season soil insect injury in sorghum is less common than in corn, but damage may occur from wireworms, seed corn beetles and cutworms. Planting time insecticide treatments are advisable in fields with a history of injury.

Seed treatments also are an option for sorghum producers. Gaucho (imidacloprid) and Cruiser (thiamethoxam) insecticides are labeled for use on sorghum. These products provide early season protection from soil insect pests and because of their systemic activity also provide protection against above ground pests.

Previous UNL research and company literature suggest that imidacloprid and thiamethoxam provide control of above ground insects for 30-40 days after planting. In Nebraska, we typically do not see early season infestations of greenbugs, so these treatments are not recommended for greenbug control. In parts of southeastern Nebraska where chinch bugs have been a problem, these seed treatments can help protect seedling sorghum. However, high populations of chinch bugs migrating from nearby wheat fields can overwhelm the protection of seed treatments, so rescue treatments may be needed even in fields using a seed treatment.

Other planting time options in sorghum include planter box seed treatments containing lindane, Furadan 4F applied in-furrow, or Counter 15G. Counter 15G should only be applied as a 7-inch band placed directly behind the planter shoe in front of the press wheel, and lightly incorporated with drag chains or tines. In-furrow applications are not labeled because of phytotoxicity concerns.

Keith Jarvi
IPM Extension Assistant
Tom Hunt
Extension Entomologist
Both at the Northeast REC
Bob Wright
Extension Entomologist
UNL-Lincoln

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Copyright 2006 by the University of Nebraska
Published by University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension in the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources Cooperating with the counties and the U.S. Department of Agriculture
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