Aphids and sugarcane: Understanding infestation trends and species composition in Florida

Aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae) pose a potential threat to Florida’s sugarcane by reducing plant vigor and yield through direct feeding. Also, they can serve as potential vectors of viruses such as Sugarcane yellow leaf virus (ScYLV) which is the causal agent of sugarcane yellow leaf disease that leads to varietal degeneration, sucrose reduction, and productivity decline. Although beneficial fauna often regulates aphid populations effectively, their adaptability and reproduction rate under certain conditions can lead to outbreaks, making their management challenging. At least three species have been identified in the sugarcane agroecosystem but the information it’s still limited regarding their population dynamics. However, to suppress populations and prevent losses, growers use broad-spectrum insecticides when necessary. While this provides a temporary solution, their impact on the agroecosystem raises concerns about long-term sustainability. To address these limitations, a study has been initiated in the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) to better understand aphid population dynamics and species composition. Since March, an ongoing study has been surveying 15 fields and will be continued through 2027. Three varieties, CPCL05-1201, CP96-1252, and CP08-1553, are being surveyed for aphids via visual direct count on standardized subplot sampling. Collected aphid specimens are being identified through morphological and molecular techniques. Preliminary results indicate rising infestations in April, with Melanaphis sacchari as the dominating species and primarily affecting the variety CP96-1252. Findings from this study will provide valuable insights into aphid population trends, including dynamics and species composition, placing groundwork for future research on virus transmission and enhancing predictive interventions strategies.