Weeds

Part 2, Section 3: Sorghum Pest Management

Sorghum Pest Management

A well-planned pest management program for sorghum involves using multiple strategies. These should include preventive techniques such as monitoring, cultural controls, mechanical or physical controls, biological controls, and chemical control tactics. Preventive techniques may start with planting weed-free crop seed or choosing an alternative field or planting date. Regularly monitoring for pests is an important predictive tool. Rotating crops to disrupt pest life cycles and planting adapted varieties are good examples of cultural controls. Mechanical or physical controls may include tillage and mowing to disrupt certain pests. Biological controls may include using insect or disease organisms or even grazing animals in pasture production systems. Finally, chemical controls are an important component of many IPM systems, but their use should be based on sound management decisions. See Part 2, Section 1 of this guide for more information about designing an integrated pest management program.

This guide provides chemical control suggestions based on university research and manufacturer recommendations. Management information for common sorghum pest problems is outlined in the following pages under “Weeds” and “Insects and Diseases.” For more information on sorghum management and variety selection, see Part 1, Section 5. This publication strives for accuracy; however, omissions, inaccuracies, or dated information can occur because of the dynamics of pests and pest management. Seek out additional information from the manufacturer or other reliable sources when making important management decisions. Remember, this guide is not a substitute for the manufacturer's product label.

WEEDS

Weed management in sorghum requires the same considerations as corn. See Part 2, Section 2 (Corn) for management suggestions. Suggested herbicides are listed in Table 2.3-1.