SORGHUM HEADWORMS

–by Dr. Jeff Whitworth

Sorghum headworm populations have not been as substantial, yet this year, compared to the last few years throughout southcentral and northcentral Kansas. There are still a few larvae (fig. 3), and many fields have not yet developed past the susceptible stage, however, and thus there could still be problems with “headworms”. Please remember the “susceptible” timeframe or stage of sorghum is flowering to soft dough. Headworms can cause 5% loss/worm/head.

Figure 3 Sorghum headworm larvae (Picture by Amy Meysenberg