Lonoke County
 Agriculture
Podcast
March 3, 2008
Aphids in Wheat (1:08 minutes)
Audio/Video Script:
Susan Scott
County Extension Agent - Agriculture
Wheat production typically does not require insecticide applications. But
there are a few pests to be on the lookout for. This is Susan Scott, County
Extension Agent with the University of Arkansas, Division of Agriculture.
The greenbug is one of the few insect pests we need to scout for in a wheat
crop. As the greenbug feeds on the wheat it injects a toxin into the plant
causing yellowed leaves and chlorotic hot spots in wheat fields. These spots are
typically not uniform and may be confused with areas suffering from poor
fertility or poor drainage. Closer examination of the area, paying careful
attention to the undersides of the leaves, may reveal pale green aphids that
will develop a dark brown line down the middle of the back when it is about half
mature. Treat in mid-March when 200 greenbugs per linear foot are present and
wheat is 6-10 inches tall. The treatment population increases to 300 per linear
foot in mid-April and 800 per linear foot in mid-May.
Other aphids like the bird oat-cherry aphid and the corn leaf aphid can be
present in wheat in large numbers but seldom requires treatment. Contact the
Lonoke County Extension Service for more information.
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