Sugarcane aphids are being found through most of the Arkansas Delta and 22 counties statewide.
The insects, which infest sorghum and can sometimes be found in Johnsongrass, were confirmed in the three southeasternmost counties in late June.
“Aphids are now confirmed in 22 counties,” said Nick Seiter, extension entomologist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.
The aphids have been reported as far north as Crittenden and White counties and as far west as Logan County in the Arkansas River Valley.
The list includes Arkansas, Ashley, Chicot, Crittenden, Desha, Drew, Lee, Lincoln, Logan, Lonoke, Phillips, St. Francis, White, Craighead, Cross, Jackson, Jefferson, Mississippi, Monroe, Poinsett, Pulaski and Woodruff counties.
Aphids exude honeydew that can grow black mold that inhibits photosynthesis on the leaves, and the stickiness of the honeydew can gum up harvesting equipment.
Details: www.uaex.eduor, arkansascrops.com or a county extension office.